Category: Medical school

Who gets to succeed in medical school: Improving medical student outcomes that matter

As I mentioned in my last article, “Who gets to graduate from medical school,” I find one consistent, uncomfortable truth: Whatever led to the gap in academic performance before medical school is likely to still be present and persistent du…

When should you consider a Caribbean medical school? [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! “If we want to achieve a physician workforce that mirrors our population, medical schools must collectively understand that we have created an admissions system that selects against L…

From Uber driver to Harvard Medical School

“What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explod…

The immediate impact of the transition to a pass/fail Step 1 exam

Historically, students’ three-digit scores on the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) Step 1 were a main factor in determining competitiveness for residency programs. In February 2020, the world of medical education shifted drastically w…

Effective doctors need to be challenged [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! “Empathy, intelligence, and commitment are crucial traits every doctor must have to succeed. However, there is one trait that stands above the rest. One of the most important aspects …

Medical school admissions: wokeism vs. the Bible

According to Psychology Today, wokeism is defined as a system of thought and behavior characterized by intolerance, policing the speech of others and proving one’s own superiority by denouncing others. In a September 2, 2022, article in the New Y…

Who reads personal statements? [PODCAST]

Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Catch up on old episodes! “You received an interview invite based on ERAS filters the program set, so you already have your foot in the door. Don’t have them yawning at a two-page extravaganza of your life sto…

Who gets to graduate from medical school?

Getting into medical school is only the first step of an intense journey. Undergoing the admission process and being accepted into medical school can be an exceptional challenge, especially as a student of color, but it isn’t the only hurdle. In a prev…

Let’s meet in child’s pose and welcome the day

Anyone who has ever practiced yoga knows what that means. Child’s pose. Kneeling with toes untucked. Upper body hinged over the hips with arms outstretched and forehead resting against the mat. Breathing. In and out. In. And. Out. We are told it&…

Making it work when you’re married to a medical student

My husband’s medical school offered a “key supporters” session during his first-year orientation week. Each student’s family or significant other was invited to attend a two-hour session to learn the schedule of a student doctor…