ISL - Clinical Experience!

"Changing the World One Adventure at a Time"

Do you want to experience field clinical work firsthand in villages of Costa Rica, Belize, or Tanzania? Interested in medicine, public health, or nursing? Travel to Costa Rica, Belize, or Tanzania for 1-2 weeks over summer break, setting up medical clinics in underprivileged villages with doctors and fellow UVA students!

Email isl.at.uva@gmail.com with questions and to learn more about International Service Learning. 

DAT Info

Pre-Dents!

Please see the following message from the American Dental Association (which hosts the DAT):

"In an effort to improve the services we provide, the Department of Testing Services (DTS) will be moving to a new software system. In December of 2012, communities of interest were informed that testing services would be interrupted during this transition, which was anticipated to take place in early 2013. This service interruption has now been scheduled to take place from March 14 through April 3, 2013. The following services will be unavailable during the transfer:

• Updates/retrievals/requests involving personal information/DENTPIN®
• Application processing
• Score report requests
• Score processing

This service interruption could impact individuals seeking to create a DENTPIN or to retrieve their DENTPIN, delay student receipt of score reports, and delay processing of DAT registrations.  The ADA indicates that this transfer process is anticipated to require up to 3 weeks.  The DAT will continue to be administered at Prometric Testing Centers throughout this time—it is test registration and test score processing that will be delayed.

Please contact the ADA Department of Testing Services (hinshawk@ada.org) if you have questions."

Upcoming Opportunities

Spring Mental Wellness Screening
March 5, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Newcomb 360.
Free pizza, first-come, first-served.
How’s your mood? Problems with anxiety and depression can make it hard to function and enjoy college. A recent survey (Healthy Minds, 2009) reported that 38 percent of U.Va. students thought they needed help for mental health problems in the past year. At U.Va.’s Student Health, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), nearly 2,000 students sought assistance last year.
Mental wellness screening is free, fast and anonymous. You will receive immediate feedback about the results. Feel free to bring a friend along. If you can’t attend on March 5, go online for anonymous online screenings and information about emotional well-being.
If you would like to speak with a mental health professional, call CAPS at 434-243-5150 and request a phone screening appointment. Additionally, if you are dealing with a mental health emergency after 5 p.m. or on weekends, either on your own or with someone you know, a CAPS clinician is available through the Student Health answering service at 434-972-7004.

Pre-Dental Society (PDS): Meeting and Lecture
Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Clark 102.
Dr. Giuseppe “Joe” Rebellato will speak to PDS about his experiences in dentistry. Additionally, Career Peer Educator Molly Cudahy will speak about the Parents Committee Internship Grants and the Simpson Internship Scholarship, and she will answer any general UCS questions you have. She will have materials about procuring summer internships and funding opportunities. We will also sell PDS T-shirts for $14 and give out information on how to get involved with presentations to local children regarding proper dental hygiene. For more information, see the website or email tsp3ag@virginia.edu.

Med School Admissions Article

Med School Without the MCAT
by Zach Budryk
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2013/02/28/mount-sinai-rethinks-medical-school-admissions#.US9UYXGBFOg.email

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine Open House

On behalf of the students, faculty and staff at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, it is a pleasure to extend an invitation for students to join them at their DO Open House on Sunday, April 14th.  Details are as follows:

Sunday, April 14, 2013
Registration: 12:00pm - 1:30pm EST
Program: 1:30pm - 4:00pm EST
Evans Hall
4170 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

Join the PCOM community to learn more about the DO program. You will have the opportunity to:

Receive a campus tour
Observe Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Speak with faculty and students
Speak with Admissions, Financial Aid and Student Affairs representatives 

Registration for the event can be found on line at pcom.edu.

Exploring Health Careers

Interested in a health career, but don't know where to start?

www.explorehealthcareers.org

Find out about degree requirements, industry salaries, and financing your education for careers from dentistry to pharmacy to allied health.

Veterinary Medical Career Fair

The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges proudly presents its 9th Annual Veterinary Medical Career Fair and Information Sessions  on Sunday, March 10, 2013 at the Westin Alexandria in Alexandria, Virginia. This free event is for any high school and undergraduate student with an interest in the veterinary medical profession.

This premier event features sessions on applying to  a variety of topics related to veterinary profession and how to prepare for vet school.  We also feature  an exhibit hall with many of AAVMC’s member institutions on hand to answer your institution specific questions.

Students will not want to miss this once-a-year event!

Registration is now open! (Just click the link to visit our event page.)

This year’s information session topics include:  practicing in an underserved community, careers in public health, applying to vet school, and more!

Veterinary Medical Career Fair

& Information Sessions

Sunday March 10, 2013
2:30 PM—5:00 PMWestin Alexandria
400 Courthouse Square
Alexandria, VA 22314

This event is generously supported by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

For additional questions please send an email to diversitymatters@aavmc.org.

Women's Center Internship

Looking for an internship?  Consider working at the Women's Center!

The U.Va. Women’s Center is accepting applications for the 2012-2013 Internship Program. Interns receive 3 hours of course credit (EDLF 5500) during the first semester while enrolled in the Women's Center class, "Women, Peace and Justice," and are required to engage in 6 hours of internship activity per week in one of the following positions for the entire school year.  An additional 3 hours of independent study credit in the Curry School may be obtained in the second semester if desired.

The application is here and submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis until April 1, 2013. Interviews will follow, and internships will be announced shortly thereafter. Please email your application with a résumé to Jen Merritt, Director of Mentoring and Diversity at jmerritt@virginia.edu.

For more information, please visit:
http://womenscenter.virginia.edu/interns-info-2013-2014.php

Medical Center Hour - February 27, 2013

Wednesday, 27 February 2013

12:30-1:30 pm

Jordan Conference Center Auditorium

University of Virginia School of Medicine

______________

A John F. Anderson Memorial Lecture

The Last Walk:

Our Companion Animals at the End of Their Lives

Jessica Pierce PhD MDiv, Independent Bioethics Scholar and author, The Last Walk: Reflections on Our Pets at the End of Their Lives, Lyons CO

Susan Bauer-Wu PhD RN FAAN, Kluge Professor of Contemplative End-of-Life Care, School of Nursing, UVA

Unfortunately, the love we feel for our animals can inure us to their suffering. We may wait for our animal to “tell us she is ready,” but our love can make it hard to hear her cries. –Jessica Pierce, “Deciding When a Pet Has Suffered Enough,” The New York Times, 22 Sept 2012

As our companion animals grow old and infirm, veterinarians and human caregivers alike face a complex and confusing array of choices and decisions. This Medical Center Hour explores some of the central moral challenges in end-of-life care for animals, from pain management and quality-of-life assessments to palliative treatment, hospice care, and making that final decision to hasten an animal’s death. Considering this “last walk” with our pets, bioethicist Jessica Pierce and compassionate care advocate Susan Bauer-Wu borrow some ethical guideposts from the field of human bioethics (and offer a few in return).

Co-presented with the Institute for Practical Ethics and Public Life, UVA _____________________________________________

This program is free and open to the entire university and the public. Health professionals who attend may apply for continuing education credit. Medical Center Hour counts toward first-year medical students’ SIM requirements.

The Medical Center Hour is produced weekly throughout the academic year by the Center for Biomedical Ethics and Humanities of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Our series includes History of the Health Sciences Lectures, which we produce together with Historical Collections in the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library.

For information, call 434.924.5974 or see

http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/community-service/centers/biomedical-ethics-and-humanities/medical-center-hour

Watch Medical Center Hour on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uvamch. Videos are posted a week after the program.

Summer Optometry Programs!

Illinois College of Optometry, Focus on Your Future

July 15-19, 2013

The Illinois College of Optometry is pleased to announce our annual summer program for underrepresented minority undergraduate students. The program is a weeklong experience that will expose undergraduate students to the profession of optometry in a variety of settings. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and work with current optometry students, ICO Faculty & Staff, as well as practicing optometrists.  Students will be housed at no charge in our Residential Complex. There is no cost to participate in this program. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses and/or transportation cost to and from ICO.

For more information, please visit:  http://www.ico.edu/optometry2011/index.php/events-for-prospective-students/summer-program

Program Contact:  Teisha Johnson, 312.949.7407, tjohnson@ICO.EDU

The Ohio State University, I-DOC 

June 17-19, 2013

The Improving Diversity in Optometric Careers program is an intensive three-day program for people from an underrepresented ethnicity (American Indian or Alaskan Native; Asian or Pacific Islander; African-American, not of Hispanic origin; or Hispanic) interested in finding out more about an optometric career. The program provides information about optometry through hands-on experiences, and it aims to increase the number of underrepresented ethnic minority optometrists.  Thanks to underwriting by the Vision Service Plan (VSP), there is no cost to attend the program and includes all meals and activities. There are also a limited number of scholarships for airfare reimbursement (up to $500) and accommodations for out-of-state college applicants.

For more information about the program and information regarding the application process, please visit the I-DOC webpage:

http://optometry.osu.edu/IDOC

Program Contact: Justin Griest, 614.292.8825, JGriest@optometry.osu.edu

University of California, Berkeley, Opto-Camp

Session I, June 17-19, 2013

Session II, July 15-17, 2013

The goal of Berkeley Optometry's Opto-Camp is to introduce underrepresented pre-health science majors to Optometry as a potential future career track and to prepare them to be successful applicants to optometry school.  The objective of Berkeley Optometry's Opto-Camp is to present a three-day in residence experience that will provide participants with opportunities to learn about the profession of optometry and the process of becoming an optometrist.

Program specifics and the application, available in March, 2013, are linked here:

http://optometry.berkeley.edu/opt_txtpp/admissions/admitoptocamp.html

Cost:  $125 program fee; limited amount of scholarships to waive program fee per session, as demonstrated by financial need.

Program Contact:  Heather Iwata, 510.642.9537, hiwata@berkeley.edu

OSU College of Optometry Virtual Open House!

When: Wednesday, March 13 - 2pm or 6pm EST

Discover the many opportunities a career in optometry has to offer! Join for an online look at the OSU College of Optometry. High school and college students, as well as alumni, practitioners, and academic and career counselors, are welcome. Just pre-register using the online RSVP page!

For more information, contact:

Justin Griest
Manager, Admission & Financial Aid
The Ohio State University College of Optometry
email: griest.6@osu.edu
http://optometry.osu.edu  

Philadelphia Heath Corps

The Philadelphia Health Corps is a 2011-12 Service Impact award-winning AmeriCorps program that promotes the health and wellbeing of those living in Philadelphia’s underserved communities.  As a public health focused program of AmeriCorps, Corps members serve at city health centers, non-profit community organizations, and other sites across the city. Members provide services such as health education, insurance expertise, prescription drug assistance, case management, and fitness information and classes. 

In addition to service, the Philadelphia Health Corps offers training opportunities in the health care field, such as medical interpretation and HIV prevention counseling. Members serving at city health centers, also have an exclusive look at community medicine and access to shadowing experiences under qualified and dedicated physicians. Outside of direct service, members also participate in committees. The committees allow members to work together while planning events such as service projects and professional development opportunities for their fellow Corps members.

The Philadelphia Health Corps seeks individuals who are interested in the healthcare, public health and social work fields, and are willing to dedicate their time and energy for communities in need.  Typical members are post-college graduates looking for experience in the healthcare field. Potential members should demonstrate emotional maturity, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to serve. While experience in health care or social work may be a benefit when applying to the program, dedication and passion are ultimately what makes a successful Corps member.          

Applications to become a Philadelphia Health Corps member for the 2013-2014 program year can be sent through the AmeriCorps website (www.americorps.gov) starting in May 2013. After reviewing applications, interviews are conducted by phone or in person, and placements are made during the summer. In September 2013, 28 members will begin their 11 months of service. Along with this letter, I have included brochures to share with students.  Please feel free to contact the Program Director Sara Grainger at sgrainger@healthfederation.org or 215-567-8001 with any questions. You can also visit the website at www.philadelphiahealthcorps.org to find additional information about Philadelphia Health Corps, links to the blog and community sites, and more.

Brochure: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1bRGKg258NSmail4_g3TyseVZv5b91YNS39nEeP4bLVLwJrLs-FoW_xKZaunT/edit?usp=sharing

Ligon-Lamsam Opportunity Fund 2013

Below please find information regarding the The Ligon-Lamsam Opportunity Fund, which is open to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year UVa students who qualify for full grant support through Student Financial Services.  This fund provides provide additional monies  for academically-related endeavors.  Awards are typically up to $2,500, and students are chosen based on the quality of their proposals.  Read on for more info!

Ligon-Lamsam Opportunity Fund 2013

What:  The purpose of this fund (generously provided by a donor to the Unversity) is to provide additional funds for academically-related endeavors, allowing students the freedom to follow their academic interests without accruing debt. 

Who: The application process is open to first-, second-, or third-year AccessUVa students who qualify for full grant-in-aid support.

For: Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about the type of academic experiences in which they would like to participate.  Students may propose a wide range of activities including:

• Research projects with a faculty advisor
• Fine and performing arts projects with a faculty advisor
• Study-abroad opportunities
• Unpaid internships
• Public service (including the Jefferson Public Citizens Program)
• The opportunity to supplement other awards (such as Harrison Undergraduate Research Grants)

How: In a maximum of 500 words describe the project or opportunity in which you wish to participate.  Send your application as an email attachment to Laurie Casteen, Associate Dean of Students, Laurie@virginia.edu. In your email message please include your name, your current mailing address, and your phone number (which should also be listed on your additional materials as listed below).  A complete application should include the following (as PDF attachments):

• Proposal narrative
• Unofficial (free) transcript printed from SIS self-service
• Letter of recommendation of your project from a faculty advisor (request that the faculty advisor email the letter directly to Dean Casteen) 
• Itemized estimated budget (including all other sources of funding sought and/or received)

When:  The priority deadline for completed proposals is 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2013. Proposals received after February 28^th will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Questions? Contact Laurie Casteen: Laurie@virginia.edu

Scribe Program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia

Virginia Emergency Medical Associates is recruiting applicants to join our highly competitive

scribe program at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. We are seeking motivated

and hardworking individuals who are eager to work as medical scribes. Our scribes gain

significant first-hand exposure to patient care in a fast-paced emergency room setting.

This is a full-time, paid position for individuals seeking admission to medical or PA school

and have already completed their Bachelor’s degree or are graduating in May 2013. If you

are able to commit one year to the program and have taken the MCAT/GRE with no plans

of re-taking the exam, we invite you to apply. Applications for the 2013-2014 cycle are now

available on our website.

The role of the scribe:

-          Recording patient histories in an electronic medical record (EMR)

-          Transcribing details of the physical exam and patient orders in the EMR

-          Documenting procedures performed by the physician

-          Ordering laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other patient evaluation studies and continuously monitoring results/progress

-          Recording physician dictated diagnoses, prescriptions, and instructions

Our scribes accompany ER physicians to the bedside for the evaluation and treatment of

all patients. Scribes observe medical resuscitation for cases of cardiac and respiratory arrest

as well as other emergency procedures including central lines, lumbar punctures, conscious

sedations, and chest tube placements.

Our program offers the advantage of working with a small group of physicians. VEMA

scribes build close relationships with our physicians who offer mentorship, teaching, and

insights into a career in medicine. Our physicians are open to conducting mock interviews

to help scribes prepare for admissions season. As a VEMA scribe, you will be able to

strengthen your application with letters of recommendation from physicians who know you

personally and have worked with you extensively.

Thank you for your interest in our program.

Contact Information

Lead Scribe: Mona Yazdani

Email: scribeprogram@gmail.com

Website/Appliccation: http://erscribe.wordpress.com

Changing the World One Adventure at a Time

 Do you want to experience field clinical work firsthand in villages of Costa Rica, Belize, or Tanzania? Interested in medicine, public health, or nursing? Travel to Costa Rica, Belize, or Tanzania for 1-2 weeks over summer break, setting up medical clinics in underprivileged villages with doctors and fellow UVA students! Email isl.at.uva@gmail.com with questions and to learn more about International Service Learning. 

Apply to be a Peer Health Educator!

Apply to be a Peer Health Educator!

Get the facts about safe sex, a healthy body image, alcohol awareness, and stress management to teach your peers! Learn more about working for Student Health as a Peer Health Educator at one of the many information sessions all in Minor 125:

Wednesday, February 20 6:30-7:30

Thursday, February 21 6:30-7:30

Monday, February 25 5:00-6:00

Free pizza will be provided! You can also find more information about the program and the application at the website: http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/phe.html. Applications are due no later than Friday, March 8th at 5pm in the Office of Health Promotion located within Elson Student Health Center. Email Fallon at frb4yb@virginia.edu with specific questions!

PTCAS Reports

The following report is a great resource to have for future applicants of Physical Therapy School.  You can view information about all applicants that applied to PT School last year!

The 2011-12 PTCAS Applicant Data Report was released in fall 2012. A copy is available on the PTCAS website at http://www.ptcas.org/uploadedFiles/PTCASorg/About_PTCAS/2011_12_PTCASApplicantDataRpt.pdf

The 2012-13 version of the report will be available in fall 2013.