Service and Primary Care Focused BS/MD Programs

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Good morning parents and future doctors,

Many students and parents come to us with the assumption that all BS/MD programs seek the same qualities in applicants. This misconception can lead to generic applications that fail to resonate with specific programs. In reality, BS/MD programs vary considerably in their focus and values — with one category being those heavily emphasizing service and primary care. In this newsletter, we will delve into how your high schooler can adapt their application to align with these programs and stand out.

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Understand What Service and Primary Care Programs Seek

This category of BS/MD programs prioritize applicants who have demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others in their communities and, for many programs, a demonstrated interest in primary care. BS/MD programs in this category include the likes of UMKC School of Medicine’s BA/MD program and UConn’s Special Program in Medicine (SPIM), where their medical schools seek to produce primary care physicians. They’re less focused on perfect test scores and more interested in consistent, long-term dedication to both clinical and non-clinical volunteering.

Accumulate Extensive Volunteering Hours

You should aim for 200-300+ hours in both healthcare and non-healthcare volunteering. Start early and maintain consistent involvement — about 3-4 hours per week in each category to effectively demonstrate longitudinal commitment and meet the hours for a competitive BS/MD application.

• Healthcare Volunteering: Engage in activities that put your student in direct contact with patients. For healthcare volunteering, some of the most effective pathways include serving in nursing homes, medical assisting, volunteer 911 services (state-specific), hospice, and nursing assistant roles. Keep in mind age limitations in your state for these roles. Focus on roles that ensure personal interaction rather than administrative tasks.
• Non-Healthcare Volunteering: Demonstrate compassion beyond medicine by participating in community service projects, environmental initiatives, or tutoring. Seek opportunities that are long-term, serve the underprivileged, and involve teaching or leadership roles. This may be working with refugees, houseless individuals, or underprivileged students. You should look for leadership and ways to expand your service.

Focus on Underserved Populations

Students should seek volunteering opportunities with underserved or marginalized communities. Many of the BS/MD programs in this category have medical schools that serve significant underserved communities – whether rural patients or underprivileged urban communities with low healthcare access. By serving these populations, candidates can show a commitment to understand and addressing healthcare disparities. Consider:

• Community Clinics: Look to volunteer at free clinics serving low-income or uninsured patients in your local community.
• Health Education: Participate in programs educating communities about health issues, preventive care, and wellness. There are many local and national organizations formed to deliver and improve health education.
• Global Health Initiatives: You can engage in reputable international service trips focused on healthcare in developing countries. However, be cautious to avoid opportunities that do not enable substantive service – some opportunities of this nature can be seen as artificial. Make sure you are directly serving underprivileged communities.

Develop Relevant Skills

By developing competencies like language skills (e.g., Spanish) and health literacy advocacy, you can demonstrate your commitment to service and cultural competence. As one might expect, effective communication with diverse patient populations is crucial and can be developed primarily through practice. Your student can:

• Learn a Language: Take courses in Spanish or other languages prevalent in underserved communities.
• Lead Health Workshops: Organize or participate in workshops teaching community members about nutrition, disease prevention, or managing chronic conditions.
• Join Advocacy Groups: Get involved with organizations focused on patient rights, access to care, or health policy reform.

Leadership Roles in Service Organizations

Beyond volunteer positions, strong BS/MD applicants demonstrate initiative and impact through key leadership positions. Admissions committees value depth of involvement, and this must be reflected by actions and impact – not just holding a position title. You can consider:

• Starting a Club or Initiative: Address a specific need in the community by creating a program. Focus on the tangible impact rather than just holding a title. We call initiatives of this nature Keystone Projects, and they are incredibly valuable in differentiating yourself as an applicant.
• Lead Volunteer Teams: By coordinate efforts within existing organizations to further specific aims, you can demonstrate tangible impact as a leader within an established organization.
• Serve as a Mentor: Look for opportunities to guide younger students or peers, reflecting your ability to teach and inspire others – two critical traits of strong BS/MD applicants.

Align Application Essays

When it comes to applying to Service and Primary Care Heavy BS/MD programs, you want to highlight specific experiences serving the community and reflect on their impact. In your essays and resume/activities, focus on:

• Personal Growth: Describe how volunteering has shaped your perspective on healthcare and service.
• Clear Impact: Provide specific examples of meaningful interactions and tangible outcomes.
• Commitment to Primary Care: For programs that value primary care, express why you’re drawn to longitudinal patient care and your vision for the future in medicine.

Identify the Right BS/MD Programs

You should thoroughly research and apply to programs aligned with a service background. Our team at Outperform BS/MD Coaching is here to cover this process for you by connecting your applicant profile to the BS/MD programs where you have the greatest alignment and likelihood for acceptances.

Some programs to consider include:

• ​University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)​
• ​Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)​
• ​Wayne State University​
• ​Siena College/Albany Medical College (AMC)​
• ​Augusta University​

Always remember to adapt your applications to highlight fit with these programs.

Balance Academics with Service

Be sure to maintain strong academics while engaging in service. This includes:

• Keeping Strong Grades: Especially in science and math courses.
• Participating in Research: Engage in projects, possibly aligned with service interests.
• Shadowing Physicians: Gain exposure by shadowing, focusing on primary care when possible.

Commitment to the Community

As a BS/MD applicant, it is critical to emphasize your intent to serve the community associated with the program.

• Express Long-Term Goals: Mention the desire to practice in the community post-graduation.
• Highlight Personal Connections: If there are ties to the region, make them known.
• Show Understanding of Local Health Issues: Demonstrate awareness of specific challenges faced by the community.

By strategically aligning experiences and applications with the values of service-focused BS/MD programs, your student positions maximizes their chances for BS/MD acceptances. Remember, authenticity and demonstrated commitment are critical to success at this type of BS/MD programs.

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​Read the full blog article here.​

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Yours in Success,

Rishi Ray

Outperform BS/MD Coaching

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Our team at Outperform BS/MD Coaching is dedicated to guiding you through the BS/MD application process. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss strategies adapted to your student’s unique applicant profile.