Premed/Pre-Health July Newsletter

Published on July 29, 2024

July 2024

Mid-Summer Updates!

Welcome to the July Premed/Pre-health Newsletter! This “monthly” summary email includes upcoming events tailored to premed/pre-health students. These events may be hosted by MCS, or outside events open to all. In addition, we will make advising announcements via the newsletter, such as upcoming items like course registration advising hours, drop-ins, advising policies, and reminders to engage with application advising resources when the time is right. Please note that this newsletter is a complementary email to the MCS weekly digest you receive based on your subscription preference.

Premed & Pre-Health Announcements

Summer Advising Reminder

  • July: Current applicants who need advice in July should first turn to your House/Dudley Community premedical tutors, who remain available during the summer to answer questions related to secondary applications, school list, and other questions about the overall application and plans. Also see the Applying to Medical School page on the MCS website, including our “FAQs for Applicants” (under the AMCAS tab). If you have an urgent question about your application that your Premed Tutors or the AMCAS/other primary application support staff cannot answer, please email premed@fas.harvard.edu and one of us will get back to you within one business day when possible. Regular premed/pre-health advising appointments resume in August.
    • We will continue to send important updates about the medical school application process via the MCS Applicant listserv throughout the summer. As a quick reminder, if you are applying to medical school in 2024 for matriculation in 2025, make sure you are signed up for our applicant listserv and have reviewed our 2025 application cycle advising onboarding materials. If you need this information, please let us know at premed@fas.harvard.edu. 

MCAT Book Drive!

In collaboration with HUPS Community Care Collaborative, MCS hosts a library of donated MCAT books for student use. Loans will be provided for Fall, Spring, or summer study periods and be distributed at the beginning of each study block. Donate now to help make healthcare education more accessible! Just fill out this 30 second form and reach out to premed@fas.harvard.edu to donate your books/study materials to your peers.

For those looking to borrow books from the lending library, please complete the linked form and anticipate a follow-up message from MCS.

Gap Year Opportunities

  • AmeriCorps Roles (two positions) with the MGH Asylum Clinic and the MGH Center for Immigrant Health
    • The MGH Center for Immigrant Health and MGH Asylum Clinic are recruiting two (2) AmeriCorps Members as part of the MIRA Coalition’s New American Integration Program (NAIP) for the 2024-2025 service year. AmeriCorps members who provide a year of service receive a weekly stipend, an education award, health insurance, substantial opportunities for training and professional development, and other benefits. Work schedules are full-time and include a hybrid option.
    • LinkedIn Job post
  • Computation and Neuroscience Research Support Opportunity at Yale University
    • There is a computation and neuroscience research support position available in my laboratory for minimum 1-2 years, appropriate for a recent bachelors, masters or doctoral graduate in Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields who has a background in neuroscience and an interest in working in a dynamic technology-rich research environment.

My research is on normal brain mechanisms of consciousness and loss of consciousness during epileptic seizures (see also https://medicine.yale.edu/lab/blumenfeld/ ). Ongoing projects include human fMRI, EEG, intracranial EEG, behavioral testing, pupillometry and machine learning. In addition, we perform in vivo electrophysiology and fMRI recordings from animal models of epilepsy to investigate cortical and subcortical network interactions. This position involves participating in a multi-disciplinary team, working on improving computational and other device-related technology for localizing brain activity and treating epileptic seizures.

Research or work experience in computer programming, computer systems, other devices and mathematics is essential; experience in neuroscience or equivalent advanced coursework in these fields is also highly desirable. Main responsibilities will include working with the research team to optimize computation, device and data stream functionality in neuroscience research. Training and participation in the neuroscience investigations will also be provided. Position title will depend on level of prior background and experience.

Interested applicants should send a brief cover letter and CV or resume via email to: hal.blumenfeld@yale.edu, and should also request three letters of reference to be sent directly to the same email.

Note: due to high demand please do not send inquiries without attaching a CV/resume

Additional Opportunities

Clinical

  • MCS keeps a running list of clinical volunteering sites in the Cambridge/Boston area. On our Getting Experience page, you can find this information under the “Clinical Volunteering” tab.
  • Volunteer with patients on the BMC Pediatric Epilepsy Healthcare Transition Resource Navigator Team!
    • Navigators will work in Boston Medical Center’s Pediatric Neurology clinic rooms and meet one-on-one with epilepsy patients aged 12-26 to connect them with personalized resources. We have shifts available from 9am to 1pm, and 1pm to 5pm, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and we ask that students commit to at least one 4-hour session every week throughout a semester. Navigators will also be required to work at least 1-2 hours per week remotely. Detailed information about the opportunity can be found here (detailed description) and here (flier). The plan is for training and volunteering to occur over the summer, with continuation into the fall – we are looking for folks with summer 2024 and fall 2024 availability. Students do not have to commit to the same shift in both the summer and fall. 

We have internal leadership positions, unique opportunities to build relationships with providers, and shadowing. Interested individuals can send their resume and cover letter to Meenal Khandaker at meenal.khandaker@bmc.org.

Research 

Community Engagement

  • Volunteer Opportunities with the Center for Food as Medicine (Remote)
    • At the Center for Food as Medicine, we’re dedicated to revolutionizing healthcare by leveraging the therapeutic potential of food. Our mission extends beyond research and writing; we are actively involved in community projects promoting health equity and nutritious food access. Our website, foodmedcenter.org, and our newsletter, which reaches over 150,000 subscribers, are key platforms for disseminating our research and engaging with the community.
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Social Media Volunteer Opportunities

Professional Development

  • Engaging the public on LGBTQ health: A conversation with journalist Erin Reed
  • In this dynamic Q&A, journalist and activist Erin Reed will join Ivan Hsiao, founder of Trans Health HQ. They will explore ways to translate and disseminate research about LGBTQ health for policy and public discourse, combat misinformation and disinformation, and support progress toward a more equitable future for the LGBTQ community. 
  • Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 1pm ET | The Studio, 10th Floor, Kresge Building

Presented jointly with the LGBTQ Health Center of Excellence 

Register to reserve your seat and submit your questions.

Lunch vouchers for Sebastian’s Cafe will be provided.

  • Unpaid internship opportunity in global health and photojournalism 

Swathi Srinivasan (Rhodes Scholar, Harvard College Class of 2021) is looking for 2-3 interns to support a global health x photojournalism project documenting community response to the global overdose crisis. Interns will aim to contribute 5-7hrs per week and will work remotely from any time zone. Responsibilities will depend upon the intern’s interests and may range from writing one-page summaries on city/state/national drug policy, editing and condensing interview transcripts, co-authoring op-eds, and/or podcast writing/editing, as well as possibly conducting fieldwork and interviews if the intern is interested. Swathi is happy to mentor pre-health students, social science students, and folks interested in applying to fellowships such as the Rhodes. No prior experience needed in any of these fields – just a passion for health equity! If you’re interested, please email Swathi (swathi99@gmail.com) with a short paragraph detailing your interest (no more than 300 words) and a CV. 

  • Money as Medicine Paid Site Coordinator Role
    • Money as Medicine is a partnership between local community health centers and local nonprofits to offer free tax preparation services to low-income patients and families. This past year, our program led to ~$40,000 in tax returns for our clients. 

We are looking for a site coordinator to help lead our work at Brookside Health Center, where we offer tax prep sessions in clinic.

Roles & Responsibilities:

      ⁃     Tax Training (total of 4 days on weekends in Dec & Jan)

      ⁃     Tabling in Clinic to Raise Awareness and Enroll Patients (weekly, one half-day)

      ⁃     Tax prep sessions (weekly in February and March, Tuesdays 4-7pm)

      ⁃     Being available for questions about taxes and the program when not there in-person 

Fluency in Spanish is required. 

Time commitment: December 15 – April 15, 5-10 hours per week (excluding training days, 10 hour/week in Feb/March, 5 hour/week outside of Feb/March)

Site coordinator will be paid a stipend in the range of $1-2K to support their time. More details are available pending administrative approval.

Reach out to sgondi@bwh.harvard.edu with questions and if you are interested!

  • Boston Children’s Hospital: Stories of Research and Researchers & Career Panel

A summer seminar series for young scientists where professors share stories about both their research journeys and their research findings

Tuesdays 6/25-8/6, 10-11 AM

Center for Life Science, Boston

12th Floor Conference Room

3 Blackfan St, Boston [Take the M2 Shuttle!]

Refreshments provided

Schedule:

  • July 23: Dr. Elizabeth Engle, Professor, HMS, Neuroscientist and Opthamologist
  • July 30: Dr. Sangita Choudhury, Assistant Professor, HMS, Heart Biologist and Geneticist
  • August 6: Dr. Alan Beggs, Professor, HMS, Muscle Biologist

Questions? Contact Ben Finander at Benjamin.Finander@childrens.harvard.edu

  • Georgetown University School of Medicine Summer Speaker Series (two dates remaining!)
    • The Georgetown University School of Medicine is excited to invite you to its 2024 Aspiring HOYA Med Summer Speaker Series. This five-week interactive program is designed to provide aspiring medical students with essential knowledge, guidance, and resources to navigate the journey to medical school. 

Why You Should Attend:

 Inspiring Speakers: Get ready to be inspired by medical professionals, current Georgetown medical students, and admissions committee members who will share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes in the field of medicine.

 Comprehensive Topics: Whether you’re figuring out if a career in medicine is right for you or looking for insights from those who have walked the path, the Aspiring HOYA Med series will walk you through all the major stepping stones to medical school. Each session is packed with valuable information to help you make informed decisions.

 Interactive Discussions: Engage in thought-provoking discussions, ask burning questions, and get answers directly from our expert panelists. This is your chance to dive deep into what it means to be a competitive medical school applicant!

Event Details:
Dates: Every Monday evening in July
Time: 6-7 PM ET
Location: Zoom

RSVP Now:

Aspiring HOYA Med is a completely free and virtual event. All aspiring medical students are invited to attend. To confirm your attendance, please RSVP using the following link:  https://forms.gle/mUsp72HTWg6gsQjC6 . Once we receive your RSVP, we will provide instructions on how to join the speaker series. 

For any questions or additional information, feel free to reach out to us at somdiversityandinclusion@georgetown.edu. We look forward to seeing you at the Aspiring HOYA Med Series and supporting you on your path to a fulfilling career in medicine.

  • 4th Annual Pre-Health Dreamers‘ Conference
    • The 4th Annual Pre-Health Dreamers’ Conference is here! PHD created this conference with the community in mind. Speakers were chosen based on the most pressing questions we have received from students and educators in the last year!
      • 2-day online conference, 10 informational sessions available to attendees + Welcome sessions.
      • Date 7/25 & 7/26, 9 am – 3 pm pst
      • Students $25


Learn more and RSVP

This is a fundraising event to help support PHD’s 2024/2025 programming year! We appreciate your support and attendance.

  • Pre-Health Conference 2024 at UC Davis
    • You’re invited to the 22nd annual Pre-Health Conference

November 2nd, 2024

8 am – 4:20 pm at UC Davis

Every year, we host up to 3,000 college students and alumni attendees from across California and the nation. Students from Community Colleges, Four-Year Universities, Post-Bac Programs, and alumni are invited along with Counselors and Advisors.

Attendees will be able to explore various health fields throughout the day, including the pre-health fair and afternoon workshop sessions. During the Fair, learn how to become a competitive applicant from admissions staff and deans of admissions. During the Workshops, learn directly from practicing professionals and other experts. For more information about our programs and workshops, check out the Pre-Health Conference website pages workshops, and the Pre–Health Fair. 

What is Conference like?

Why should you register?

Registered attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore 20+ health professions, including medicine, physicians assistant, nursing, and more all day.
  • Network with deans of admission from health professional programs and organizations during the Pre-Health Fair.
  • Learn from current professionals, professional students, and admissions staff during the workshop sessions.

Register today: 

Attendee Registration (non-UC Davis student fee is $35)

Group Registration

Resources & Readings

General Resources

Financial Aid & Fee Assistance Programs

  • AAMC: Fee Assistance Program
    • Not just for current applicants – apply for FAP prior to taking the MCAT to use any benefits for which you may qualify!
    • In preparation for the application opening, the Fee Assistance Program team held an informational webinar to share updates about the 2024 AAMC Fee Assistance Program. This webinar covered the 2024 Fee Assistance Program benefits, eligibility requirements, the application process, etc. Register today and you will be able to view the recording.
  • AAMC FIRST
    • Did you know the AAMC has a free, searchable database of state and federal loan forgiveness programs?
    • These tips are brought to you by FIRST (Financial Information, Resources, Services, and Tools) – an AAMC service that provides free resources to help you make wise financial decisions.
  • ADEA: Fee Assistance Program
  • VMCAS: Fee Assistance Program

Entrance Exams & Situational Judgment Tests

  • Learn more about the MCAT (MD/DO)
    • Registration for August-September 2024 MCAT test dates are now open.
    • AAMC MCAT Preparation Webinar Recording (June 2024)
      • Presenters provided an overview of the AAMC MCAT Official Prep resources and tips on how to use them to create an effective study plan. You can access it through the webinars section of the Premed Resources collection. 
    •  
  • Learn more about the DAT (Dental)
  • Learn more about Situational Judgment Tests (MD/DO programs)

Connect with Professional Organizations

For a full list of MCS programs and employer events, check out the MCS Calendars. 

By Rob Harrington
Rob Harrington Assistant Director of Premedical and Health Careers Advising
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