A former MedSchoolCoach client, Rebekah Sayre, joins us in this episode. Rebekah has recently gained an acceptance to medical school after taking three gap years. She shares her approach to the application process and how MedSchoolCoach guided her along the way.
[2:03] The difference between an EMT and a paramedic.EMTs cover basic life support skills such as splinting. There are limitations on the amount of medication they can give and things they can do under their medical direction, whereas paramedics have an extended scope. For example, they can insert IVs and give more types of medication.
[5:05] Rebekah’s career goals.In her time working in an ambulance, Rebekah didn’t like the limited amount of follow-up care she could provide. She has helped people and never seen them again. Therefore, a goal of hers is to find balance in something that offers acute care as a speciality but also follow-up care. There are a lot of specialties that Rebekah is considering, such as OB GYN, surgery, and pediatrics.
[7:20] Advice for pre-medical students to make the most of their college years.Be intentional with the things you pursue, but also be true and honest to yourself when picking extracurriculars, research, and majors. Rebekah is still not sure what separated her from thousands of other applicants. She reflected on what would make her happy and followed things that sparked her interest. When she spoke about this in interviews, it sounded organic and natural because it was.
[9:11] What made Rebekah consider MedSchoolCoach.MedSchoolCoach removed the mystique of figuring out things like the ideal submission time and what level of personalization to use in her communications with med schools. It helped Rebekah feel like she was doing what she needed to do and was making informed decisions as opposed to being reactionary.
[11:02] Surprises that Rebekah found in the application process.Rebekah truly did not feel blindsided by anything in the process. There were still nervous and exciting parts, but she felt that MedSchoolCoach prepared her thoroughly. In a cool way, Rebekah didn’t expect to have the level of self-awareness that she does.
[14:22] Advice about realizing the application process is not as difficult as it is made out to be.Surround yourself with people who are smarter and more experienced than you that you trust to give good guidance. Figure out what you’re bringing to the table and just focus on that. Rebekah says that she finds the application process to be strangely similar to online dating.
[16:20] The most interesting question that Rebekah was asked in an interview.Rebekah liked when schools took the time to really understand her thoughts on topics like ethics and management. She was once asked about how she would handle starting a new job, and it was so far outside the realm of what she expected to be asked. It was challenging and fun to answer.
See: Podcast Episode 13: Interview Basics
[18:13] What Rebekah did during her gap years.She kept working in an ambulance as she did during university, eventually transitioning into teaching and working as a community paramedic. Doing these activities helped to grow her passion for medicine.
[20:31] Things that Rebekah is looking forward to.She is excited for the depth and breadth of knowledge that she will be exposed to.
[22:19] The biggest challenge that Rebekah has faced.She had terrible imposter syndrome when she was an undergrad. It took her a long time to build the confidence to see herself as a physician.
