The Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) statistics show that roughly 70% of medical school applicants choose to study science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) majors in college. Though STEM majors represent the vast majority of majors chosen by pre-medical students, it is by no means a requirement that premeds study your typical premed majors to gain admission into medical school. In fact, for many medical school-bound undergraduates, a non-STEM major is likely the better option for you to ensure that you maximize your time and educational resources in college.  WHY CONSIDER A Non-traditional premed MAJOR? Benefits of a non-tradition premed…

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Navigating life as a pre-medical student can be tough. There are so many options for doing premed life the “right way” that it can be hard to find what’s right for you. As my time in medical school winds down, I’ve spent some time reflecting on the journey that has gotten me to this point, just a couple of months away from starting psychiatry residency. In this series, I will provide premed advice related to some of the aspects of the premed journey that I think I offer unique insights on. There are SO MANY premed blogs out there that…

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On Monday, March 11th, I found out that I matched into a psychiatry residency program!!!! I don’t know yet where I will train as a resident psychiatrist, but I sure am happy to know that I matched! To me, Monday was the most relieving part of the residency interview process. Months of waiting and uncertainty came to a close when I learned that I matched! Over the past few months, I interviewed all over the country, met with dozens of faculty and residents, and stressed over making my rank list. For those who don’t know, the rank list is where residency…

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Dear MD Class of 2019, Match Day 2019 is now just a few days away. For some of us, this week will be full of intense excitement. For others, feelings of anxiety and worry will predominate. Before Match Day comes on Friday, March 15th, there’s one more hurdle for us to get over – we find out on Monday, March 11th whether or not we’ve matched into a residency program. If you’ve matched, you’ll probably let out a huge sigh of relief. If you are unmatched, worry, stress, anxiety, and panic may ensue as you process the results and meet…

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The stigma against mental illness is slowly decreasing in the US. More and more, patients seek care for mental illnesses, increasing the need for mental health providers. This leaves curious high school and pre-medical students wondering what it takes to become a care provider for patients with mental illness. Therapy, psychology, social work, nursing, physician assisting, and psychiatry are just a few examples of career options available to those who want to work in behavioral and/or mental health settings. This post outlines the educational steps needed to become a psychiatrist. Let’s start by defining what a psychiatrist does A psychiatrist…

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