TMDSAS Podcast

Mr. Joel Daboub tells us about The UT Austin Dell Medical School's mission and how it connects to the curriculum by integrating community health components. We discuss what types of applicants the Dell Medical School seeks, and how striking a balance between academic and nonacademic factors can benefit you. If you have any questions or comments about today's podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Anne and Cherry talk about some of the most common questions that have come in to the TMDSAS inbox in the past month. We discuss releasing test scores, and application delays caused by applicants waiting on supporting documents. If you have any questions or concerns about this episode, email us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Dr. Jeffrey Rabek from the UT Medical Branch at Galveston joins us in this episode to discuss Texas' first medical school. Dr. Rabek's work in curriculum development gives us insight into some of the tracks that are offered to expose students to different areas of medicine at UTMB. Dr. Rabek brings his expertise to help nontraditional applicants as he breaks through common myths, application advice, and two clubs no other Texas medical school has (hint: they're aquatic).

Dr. Barbara Miller tells us about how the Texas A&M College of Dentistry offers a robust experience for future dentists in Dallas, TX. We also discuss upcoming changes to the curriculum at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. We learn about how applicants can stand out (both in a good and a bad way), and we tackle two myths: one about "gap years" and one about which major works best for dental students. Dr. Miller refers to the wealth of information you can find at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry website: https://dentistry.tamhsc.edu/admissions/questions.html. If you have any questions or comments about this podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Mr. Paul Hermesmeyer, Director of JAMP, talks about how this program has helped Texas' economically disadvantaged population forge their way into medical school. We talk about the program's admission process, benefits, and goals for students. Starting this year, JAMP has developed an Early Admission Track, which allows applicants the opportunity to apply as first year freshmen, in addition to the regular admission track, which requires that applicants apply by their second year of college. For full program criteria and contact information about JAMP, please visit www.texasjamp.org.

Dr. Felix Morales tells us about his journey from Fort Stockton, Texas to the role of associate dean of admissions at the Texas Tech HSC SOM. He walks us through the school's curriculum and how it's designed to help Texans throughout the panhandle and west Texas. If you have any questions or comments about this episode of the podcast, send us a note at podcast@tmdsas.com.

In this episode, we meet Dr. Schydlower, admissions dean for the Texas Tech HSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso. Dr. Schydlower tells us about how his career in medicine started in the Army, and the role he played in helping establish the school. We tackle common myths about El Paso and the admissions process once your application arrives at a school. Dr. Schydlower walks us through how an admissions committee looks at your application.

Dr. Scott Wright tells us about the Texas Med/Dent Roundup happening this October in San Marcos, TX. The event will have keynote speakers Dr. Jen Arnold, neonatologist featured on TLC's "The Little Couple," and Dr. Patricia Adesanya, a dentist in Dallas working to enhance low income access to dentistry. Dr. Wright also discusses the sessions that are planned for the Med/Dent Roundup. To register for the Med/Dent Roundup, click on the link on the Roundup logo on the TMDSAS (www.tmdsas.com) and Texas JAMP (www.texasjamp.org) website. If you have any questions or comments about today's podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Ms. Betty Monfort from the UTRGV School of Medicine joins us this week to talk about the newest medical school in Texas. We learn about her path to the Valley, and how the curriculum at UTRGV focuses on the local community. Ms. Monfort also dispels common misconceptions about the Valley in her response to the myth buster segment.

Dr. Robert Spears at the UT Health Houston School of Dentistry joins us to discuss dentistry education and how this school's mission aligns with holistic health. He dives into the dental school curriculum and how courses are designed to allow students to integrate classroom exposure to real-world practice. We learn about how the location of the school in the Texas Medical Center allows for more inter-professional education.

Dr. Scott Wright, Executive Director of the Texas Health Education Service, TMDSAS, and JAMP, tells us about his roles as an admissions officer at a medical school, and as an advisor at a university. He shares insightful tips for applicants, discusses the direction for TMDSAS as a whole, and explains how applicants should consider marketing themselves for professional school.

Today's guest, Dr. Mike Kennedy, from the UNTHSC - Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, addresses common applicant questions about osteopathic medicine and how closely it mirrors allopathic medicine. We also learn more about how TCOM students impact not just Fort Worth or the DFW region, but also statewide and globally. Dr. Kennedy's advice to applicants includes UNTHSC-TCOM's shift to using MMIs (Multiple Mini Interviews) starting this application cycle. If you have any questions or comments about today's podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Anne shares the fastest way to start your registration for the TMDSAS application and walks us through all the ways to get a hold of someone when you need help. Cherry shares some advice for re-applicants to help them get registered for this application cycle. If you have any questions or comments about today's podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Mr. Filo Maldonado from the Texas A&M College of Medicine joins us today to talk about his journey toward becoming the associate dean of admissions, and how his experiences have helped him connect with students. We gain wonderful insight into the admission process and what holistic review looks like at the Texas A&M COM. Mr. Maldonado also clears the air on a common admission myth, and offers advise to applicants who are planning out their personal statement/essays. If you have any questions or comments about today's podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.

Anne, Cherry, Alanna, Matthew and Enrique team up to give you "The 10 Things You Need to Start your TMDSAS Application" With the application opening in less than two weeks, students will want to know what they need in order to fill out their application. The 10 things you need to apply are: 1) High School Rank 2) College Transcripts 3) Evaluators' Information 4) List of All Activities 5) Test Scores 6) Photo 7) Essays/Personal Statements or Narrative 8) Permanent Resident Card or Visa Stamp in Passport (If non-US citizen) 9) Application Fee - $150 10) A Careful Eye If you have any questions or comments about today's podcast, you can reach us at podcast@tmdsas.com.