In this special episode, host, Christian Essman, sits down with Dr. Darcy Holtgrave, Program Manager of the MEDOP Advising Office at the University of Missouri. Drawing from her unique background as a folklorist and advisor, Dr. Holtgrave shares candid insights into the real questions, anxieties, and misconceptions faced by pre-med students. Together, Christian and Darcy tackle four pivotal topics: The myth of the “checklist mentality” in building a med school application The true value of meani...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 80
Join host Christian Essman , Senior Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, for a quick but information-packed update on the latest in medical school admissions. In this episode, Christian highlights important upcoming info sessions for prospective applicants, including dates and details on how to sign up. He also breaks down key updates for the 2025-2026 application cycle, sharing his expert insight on AMCAS timelines and why you shouldn’t...
May 09, 2025•7 min•Ep. 79
In this episode of "All Access: Med School Admissions," host Christian Essman invites Dr. Ioannis Koutroulis , the Associate Dean of Admissions at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences , to share insights into what makes GW's program unique. Dr. Koutroulis discusses his journey in medical school admissions and the rewarding challenges of selecting future physicians at such a prestigious institution. Dive into the innovative curriculum at GW, including their Clinical...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 78
In this compelling episode of All Access: Med School Admissions , host Christian Essman sits down with medical students, Ricky Ditzel and Brentyn Jones , two remarkable individuals transitioning from the elite world of Special Operations Forces to the demanding field of medicine. Discover how skills from military training, such as resilience, leadership, and confident communication, are invaluable in medical school and careers. Ricky and Brenton share their journeys, emphasizing the importance o...
Feb 18, 2025•59 min•Ep. 77
Are you planning to apply to medical school in the next cycle? This episode is packed with practical advice to help you get ahead in the application process. From studying for the MCAT to drafting a compelling personal statement and identifying strong letter of recommendation writers, we cover the essential steps to set yourself up for success. My guest today is Dr. Kathy Lee , a northeast Ohio native with an impressive background in science, education, and student mentorship. Dr. Lee earned her...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, we’re introducing one of the most innovative new medical schools in the country: The Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Belmont’s College of Medicine is committed to cultivating diverse physician leaders through a whole-person approach to healing, grounded in service-learning. With core values like 'Love Learning,' 'Lead by Serving,' and 'Welcome Difference,' the Frist College of Medicine is shaping the future of healthcare by...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, we take you to Greensboro, Alabama, home of the Horseshoe Farm Community Health Project . Imagine the peaceful charm of rural Alabama as we explore how this incredible initiative, which also serves as a gap year option for premedical students, provides mentorship, healthcare support, and a strong sense of belonging to the underserved. Our guest, Dr. John Dorsey, Founder and Executive Director of Project Horseshoe Farm , shares his inspiring journey and the profound impact this p...
Aug 11, 2024•44 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, we're exploring gap year options with a focus on the Master of Science in Medical Sciences at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University . I chat with Dr. Deborah Gutman, Director of Pre-health Advising at for the program, about the differences between post-bac and masters programs and how they impact GPA calculations for medical school applications along with insight into the offerings of this program. Dr. Guttman brings her extensive experience in medical education a...
Aug 01, 2024•50 min•Ep. 73
It's been awhile! In this episode, Christian Essman brings you the latest updates and some tips for those currently navigating the application process. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool HOST: Chr...
Jul 22, 2024•13 min•Ep. 72
In this enlightening episode, I sit down with the recently appointed, dynamic Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. Deborah Berman. Dr. Berman offers an in-depth look into the significant curricular updates, wellness initiatives, and the evolving admissions landscape at one of the premier medical schools in the United States. Our conversation begins with a deep dive into the curricular updates that are setting new standards for medical education. Beyond ...
Feb 04, 2024•46 min•Ep. 71
Welcome to this special episode where we delve into the treasure trove of resources available for prospective medical school applicants. Today, we're joined by Tami Levin, MA, the Director of Premed and Applicant Resources at the AAMC, and Laura Fletcher, PhD, a senior research analyst in the Admissions & Selection Research and Development team at the AAMC. In our conversation, they will highlight invaluable tools and guides like the Premed Competencies, the Anatomy of An Applicant Guide, th...
Jan 05, 2024•54 min•Ep. 70
Dr. Roopal Kundu, Associate Dean for Admissions, highlights the unique curricular features and educational philosophy at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine , shedding light on their innovative approaches to medical education. From fostering curiosity and inquiry to promoting equity through group and problem-based learning, Dr. Kundu explores how Northwestern's curriculum is shaping the physicians of tomorrow. In addition to the curriculum, Dr. Kundu provides valuable insights in...
Oct 14, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 69
Join us for an exclusive Zoom event featuring Christian Essman , the host of "All Access: Med School Admissions." Are you an aspiring medical student with burning questions about the admissions process? Look no further! This is your chance to spend an engaging evening with Christian Essman and have all your inquiries answered. During this virtual gathering, Christian Essman will share his knowledge and expertise on the intricate world of medical school admissions. As a seasoned professional in t...
Jun 05, 2023•3 min
I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Tracy Kedian , the Associate Dean for Admissions , at the UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA. Dr. Kedian sheds light on the unique aspects of UMass Chan's curriculum, known as VISTA. This innovative curriculum fosters curiosity, inquiry, and equity through group and problem-based learning, along with extensive use of medical simulation. One exciting feature of UMass Chan is its commitment to serving underserved populations. With a focus on health d...
May 31, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 67
Dr. Judianne Kellaway , the Associate Dean for Admissions & Outreach , at the Joe R. & Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine at University of Texas Health San Antonio joins me for a entertaining and wonderfully informative conversation . Dr. Kellaway takes us through the highlights and unique aspects of their CIRCLE curriculum including, professional identity formation, wellness programming, ultrasound curriculum, and more! She also discusses their admissions process in the TMDSAS (Texas...
Mar 16, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 66
The Assistant Dean of Medical Education and Admissions, Dr. Liesel Copeland , joins me to discuss the curricular highlights and admissions process at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . In 2021, the medical school launched the 5 C’s Curriculum: Curiosity, Critical Thinking, Clinical Skills, Competence and Compassion which we talk about during our conversation. We also discuss their admissions process and how and why they use situational judgment tests like CASPer and the AAMC...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 65
I sat down with Dr. Lina Mehta , Associate Dean for Admissions at the CWRU School of Medicine to discuss some admissions-related topics. We reflected on the previous application cycle, current topics is admissions, and looking ahead to the next cycle. We think you'll find this episode to be informative and, hopefully, entertaining! If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical scho...
Feb 28, 2023•48 min•Ep. 64
Join me for an informative conversation with the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Dr. Dustin Fulton, from UTHSC. As one of two public allopathic medical schools in the State of Tennessee, it is a popular destination for many premed students. The College has a strong commitment to training physicians who plan to go into primary care practice. Throughout the 4-year curriculum, students are exposed to primary care options through preceptors and master clinicians in the first two years and during clerk...
Jan 03, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 63
Checking in midway through the 2022-2023 application cycle with updates and tips for current applicants and advice for prospective applicants. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool RESOURCES AMCAS 20...
Nov 07, 2022•24 min•Ep. 62
The podcasting community is a small, supportive community and when I heard of this new podcast from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, I knew I had to share it with you, my premed listeners. It is called, “ The Clinical Excellence Podcast ” and can be helpful and provide insight for our premed listeners to hear how physicians navigate the various challenges of this profession. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps ot...
Oct 03, 2022•24 min•Ep. 61
If you want to know more about Medical Scientist Training Programs (MD/PhD) , then this is the episode for you! You will hear from a leader in the MSTP community, Mr. Brian Sullivan , the Executive Director of the MSTP at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis . As Director of the largest MSTP in the US, Mr. Sullivan brings a wealth of knowledge as he walks us through the intricacies of this unique biomedical research training degree and discusses some of the little known and subt...
Aug 08, 2022•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 60
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has developed a situational judgment test called, PREview Professional Readiness Exam , that is being used by eighteen medical schools for the 2022-2023 application cycle. I am joined in this episode by two representatives from the AAMC who are intimately involved in the development and delivery of this new assessment tool. You will hear details about this exam and preparing for it from Dr. Rebecca Fraser , the Director of Content Development w...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 59
I'm joined by Agasia Lanier , an Admissions Counselor, at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine. Hear about one of the newest medical schools in the US and how they are training change agents and future physician leaders. We discuss curricular highlights and how their admissions and interviewing process works. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical school...
Jun 03, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 58
The AMCAS Application for the 2022-2023 cycle opened on May 3rd. Christian Essman, the host and Senior Director of Admissions & Financial at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, provides tips and advice for fine tuning your application. Learn how you can potentially differentiate yourself from other applicants in the pool. Also, listeners of his podcast show are invited to a special information session about the If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, ...
May 06, 2022•43 min•Ep. 57
Special Episode: Your host, Christian Essman, provides some interesting updates about this application cycle compared to last year. More importantly, he recommends that future applicants begin early application preparation over winter break! If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu Visit our website for m...
Dec 20, 2021•25 min•Ep. 55
Hear from three prominent members of the Admissions and Student Affairs team at the largest medical school in Texas - The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School . Listen in as Director Schouten-Kresser and Drs. Mihalic and Rubin go in depth about their admissions process and highlights of their "newer" curriculum. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that ...
Dec 20, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 56
Off to picturesque New England to hear all about the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth from the Associate Dean for Admissions, Dr. Roshini Pinto-Powell . My conversation with her was incredibly enjoyable and you are sure to learn much about their curriculum and admissions process. If you find this podcast to be a helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it t...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 54
We're taking you back to Boston to hear from the Associate Dean for Admissions, Dr. Kristen Goodell , for the Boston University School of Medicine . BUSM is known for a lot of "firsts" in medicine and as a social justice medical school. If you find this podcast to be helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu Visit https://case.edu/medicin...
Sep 07, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 53
*SPECIAL EPISODE* 'Tis the Interview Season and we're bringing you lessons learned from our first interview season that was conducted completely online. Hear reflections and advice from Dr. Lina Mehta, Associate Dean for Admissions, and Mr. Christian Essman followed by a compliation of Pro Tips from current first-year CWRU medical students who were just in your "Zoom shoes" a year ago! If you find this podcast to be helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it!...
Aug 27, 2021•39 min•Ep. 52
After many listener requests, I am thrilled to bring you the admissions team from Stanford Medicine ! Dr. Iris Gibbs , the Associate Dean for MD Admissions , and Sri Vemparala , the Executive Director , discuss everything from their curricular innovations, research, leadership programs, & tips for their admissions process. If you find this podcast to be helpful resource, RATE, REVIEW, & SUBSCRIBE please! It helps others find it! Send me your recommendations for future medical schools tha...
Aug 16, 2021•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 51
