Archive for July, 2011

How To Prepare For The GAMSAT

July 30th, 2011

The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test or GAMSAT, is an annual entrance test for students who wish to apply to medical, dental, veterinary and pharmacy colleges in Australian, British and Irish institutes. This is held for post graduate admissions or Graduate Entry Programs, and is conduced by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in alliance with Consortium of Graduate Medical Schools.

To apply for GAMSAT, you should have a bachelor’s degree or be in the final year of such program in any discipline. No preference if given to science graduates whatsoever. Only high scores and performance is the criteria.

The most feasible way is to apply online. You will receive the Admission Ticket around two weeks before the test is due. It takes place only once a year typically in the month of March.

Test centers are located in each capital city of Australia, and one in Townsville. Outside Australia, there are centers in Wellington, New Zealand, London, Singapore and Washington DC.

GAMSAT is not a knowledge based test, but a reasoning test to examine candidates’ analyze and interpret written material and graphical presentations. It is a way of measuring your logical and judgmental skills acquired over a period of time and learning. How you solve problems related to a wide range of subjects, is the most important scoring criteria.

The total duration of the examination is five and a half hours on a single day.

Sections of the paper are as follows -

Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences Segment, contains 75 questions and you are given 100 minutes for it. This is a four alternatives – multiple choice questions format. It may have passages in personal, imaginative, and argumentative writing. The segment tests you on conceptual and critical thinking skills, logical reasoning, objective and subjective thinking, understanding abilities.

Written Communication Section, with 2 questions to be done in 60 minutes. How you think and your writing abilities are put to test here. You will have to write on general themes that will be provided, one being a socio-cultural issue and other a personal issue.

Reasoning in the Biological and Physical Sciences, consists of 110 questions, and allotted time is 170 minutes. Your understanding and recall of basic scientific concepts and facts is examined. You will be marked on your ability to analyze, interpret data, discover scientific relationships, formulate and make deductions, compare, categorize information, problem solving, etc. Questions will comprise in Chemistry (40%), Biology (40%), and Physics (20%).

The reading time given to the first and third sections is 10 minutes, while five minutes is given for the second section. You will get a one hour lunch break between Section 2 and 3

Authentic test preparation material is provided by the official website of GAMSAT. You should look up previous years papers to know the format and gauge your abilities. Prepare keeping in mind all the sections as all are important. Mugging up will be of minimal help as it is a test of basics, your knowledge base and logical reasoning abilities.

GAMSAT score is available as a percentile and not total marks. It is calculated on the basis of performance in the three sections, with double weight-age in scoring to the third segment. results are issued as a percentile ranks, rather than a marks out of a total mark. And this score is valid for a period of two years, which means you can apply to medical colleges till two years since you have given the test. Your scores are then to be sent to the desired institutes which then consider it for the Interview Round.

Selection into most institutions depends on three factors – your GAMSAT score, Bachelor’s degree, and performance in the Interview. However, the amount of importance given to each factor is the will of the the respective institutes. If you fulfill all the requirements, then you will win a seat in the institute of your choice.

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Medical Education in Russia

July 29th, 2011

Medical education in Russia usually lasts 6 years for an undergraduate MD or MBBS. The curriculum for the first two years is the same at all Faculties. It includes preclinical and fundamental medical sciences that are the essential basis for any medical specialty. Medical specialization starts at the third year of studies; the curriculum includes propedeutics, biochemistry and pathology (pathological anatomy and pathological physiology) clinical and special subjects, depending on the orientation.

The principal feature of medical education in Russia for both the Faculties of curative medicine and pediatrics is the introduction of a new approach to the training of internists and pediatricians that implies a two-year continuing primary specialization, one year while at the institution and the other year after graduation. The nature of medical education in russia and its curriculum at these Faculties is designed to cover all the general medical education within five years.

During the third, fourth, and fifth years, students perform clinical work as nurses, feldshers, and clinical assistants. In the sixth year, medical students take their primary specialization in one of the following clinical subjects: Faculty of Curative Medicine (surgery, obstetrics, and gynecology) of Faculty of Pediatrics (pediatrics, including child infectious diseases, and pediatric surgery, including orthopedics). Sub specialization in clinical areas is not an option during the undergraduate program, as profound knowledge of the main clinical subjects is believed to be fundamental for adequate training of doctors.

After 6 years of medical education in Russia, students pass a state examination according to the curriculum, obtain a Doctor’s Diploma, and complete a one year internship in medical units under the supervision of specialists. Instruction in ophthalmology, otolaryngology, dietology, climatotherapy, endocrinology, clinical biochemistry, physiotherapy, and such aspects of surgery as oncology and neurosurgery is provided by the appropriate departments.

The instructional methodology in Russian medical schools includes lectures by the leading specialists and regular practical classes throughout the course of studies.

Training programs at medical schools in Russia are adjusted to the needs of population in accordance with health priorities. Thus, when in the 1950s the non-communicable diseases became a real health problem; these subjects were strengthened and introduced more widely into curricula. When the role of primary health care became more evident in the 1970s, medical education in Russia became adapted to this target-problem.

In Russian medical schools following the annual examinations at the end of the fourth and fifth years, senior students of all Faculties usually spend the breaks between semesters in professional training. Students are taught to use their knowledge, develop their professional skills, master up-to-date methods of diagnostics and treatment, and become familiar with all other work they will do in the future. It should be emphasized that at least 25 percent of the time within the training program of all specialties is devoted to practice at the primary health care level.

Finally after completion of medical education in Russia, students must pass state examinations in general and special medical subjects (depending on the orientation of a particular Faculty) to receive a diploma as physician of general medicine at the Faculty of Curative Medicine (VRAC), as pediatrician at the Faculty of Pediatrics, as sanitary officer at the Faculty of Hygiene, as stomatologist at the Faculty of Stomatology, or as pharmacist at the pharmaceutical institution or faculty.

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Private Student Loans For Medical School

July 28th, 2011

Taking the time to get a respectable education has become an essential step on the road to success. However, the cost of a secondary education has been steadily rising as more and more people are going to college. Many people start saving for college years in advance, but the fact is that not everyone has the means or capabilities to do so. Getting accepted by a medical school can be fantastic achievement, but the excitement that getting accepted brings is soon replaced by the realization that going to medical school means having to pay for it.

Medical schools are notorious for being among the most costly schools to attend in the country. However, it is important to realize that the overall cost of medical specialty education is a fair representation of what that level of education is worth in the real world. Graduating from medical school will open many doors, which is why most of the students attending them justify borrowing money through student loans to finance their education.

There are loan programs available from private finance companies and lending institutions that have significantly more benefits when compared to borrowing money from the federal government. Private loans can offer students a grace period where payments can be postponed after graduation, so students can work on completing their internships or residency programs.

This is an added benefit that the government will usually not offer. Most government loans require payments to start after graduation. This can be quite the problem for young graduates who still have a year or two to go before they actually start making the money required to start paying back their medical school loan.

It is often the case that people trying to save for college will not have enough to even come close to paying for something as important as medical school. Medical school is so important that taking loans to pay for it is really a solid career and life decision. Yes, people could feel uneasy or intimidated by going into over $100,000 in debt, but the average salary of a graduate is so high that repaying medical school loans might not take as much time as one might think.

Student loans are a practical means to a lucrative end. In addition, student loans right now come with a very low interest rate. Most private lending companies, which are in competition with the federal government for student loans, tend to offer lower interest rates with longer grace periods. So it is important for individuals facing the challenges of paying for higher learning to strongly consider a loan from a private lending institution before signing their life away to the government.

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Some Things You Should Know About Medical Assistant Programs

July 27th, 2011

Not every state requires medical assistants to be certified, but most do, and many of the jobs required of most medical assistants are regulated and require state certification. So, your best bet is to get into a good school. There are currently over 140 medical assistant training programs offered by nationally accredited schools. You wont have any problem finding a program that fits your needs and goals.

Contact your local hospitals about their in house training. Often times you can find a program that actually pays to work you while you are training. Usually, the hospital or clinic will pay your training fees in exchange for an employment contract, the duration of which will depend largely on the amount of training you receive. A two year training could “cost” you a two or three year employment contract. So, they pay your training, employ you while you are training and they pretty much guarantee you a job for the next two or three years. Where else can you find that?

Just about anyone can get into a medical assistant training program, but if you want the choice jobs or the opportunity to get paid while in training, then you should have a better than average grade point average in high school and/or junior college. It also helps to score well on your graduate record exam, medical college admissions exam or have some hours logged in some sort of patient care. These are all things that can seriously improve your chances of getting the best training and consequently, the best opportunities for employment.

You can enroll in anything from basic certification training to an associates degree, masters degree and even a clinical doctorate degree. The better your school, the more that will be required of you. The duration of most physician assistant training is typically 2 or 3 years, and in some cases a residency after graduation.

If you are still in high school, you should talk to your guidance counselor about your career choice. They usually have some good contacts and advice on what you need to do to make the most of your decision to become a medical assistant.

This field is growing and there is a demand for workers, but it is the properly trained and skilled workers who will always get the better jobs, and in the health care field, there is a world of difference between the duties of skilled and unskilled medical assistants.

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Medical Assistant Certification Program – What’s In For You?

July 26th, 2011

The health care industry is booming. However, it is still a fact that most people feel, being a part of this industry can only be possible if you are a licensed physician. This could not be any farther from truth. There are numerous administrative, and technical positional available that are very well respected on a general level.

In fact, it is almost hard to imagine how the medical industry would function without the help of these professionals. Surgeons or doctors cannot perform all required tasks on their own, without any assistance from others.

Who is a Medical Assistant?

A Medical Assistant is a registered health care worker who performs major clinical and administrative tasks that are required to supplement the physician’s work.
The Medical Assistant is the one bringing a smile to the patient’s face while assisting a health care professional.

How to become a Medical Assistant

In order to be successfully employed as a Medical Assistant you must get certified.
In order to be eligible for this, you must graduate from a medical assistant training program accredited to the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

Medical assistant certification can be earned from many organizations. Some of the most renowned organizations are the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the National Health Care Association (NHCA). The certification must be renewed every five years.

Popular training programs

There numerous technical and community colleges that offers accredited medical assistant certification programs.

Here are the names of some of the most popular colleges from each state-

• Alaska- UAF Community and Technical Coll and University of Alaska- Anchorage.
• Alabama- Wallace Community Coll and South University Montgomery.
• Arkansas- Arkansas Tech University.
• Arizona- Central Arizona Coll and Kaplan Coll.
• California- Cabrillo Col and Chabot Col.
• Colorado- Community College of Denver and Everest Coll.
• Connecticut- Capital community Coll and Lincoln Col of New England.
• Delaware- Delaware Technical and Community Coll.
• Florida- Broward Coll and Daytona State Coll.
• Georgia- Columbus Technical Col and Augusta Technical Coll.
• Guam- Guam Community Coll.
• Hawaii- Herald College and Kaplolani Community College.
• Iowa- Kirkwood Community Coll and Southeastern Community Coll.
• Idaho- Brigham Young University and Idaho State University.
• Illinois- Harper Col and Westwood Col.
• Indiana- Brown Mackie Col and Ivy Tech Community Col.
• Kansas- Wichita Area Technical Col and National American University.
• Kentucky- National College and Sullivan University.
• Louisiana- Career Technical Col and Bossier Parish Community Col,
• Massachusetts- American Career Institute and Salter Col.
• Maryland- Cecil Col and Allegany College of Maryland.
• Maine- Beal Col and Southern Maine Community College.
• Michigan- Alpena Community Col and Davenport University.
• Minnesota- Academy Col and Globe University.
• Missouri- Everest Col and National American University.
• Mississippi- Hinds Community Col and Northeast Mississippi Community Col.
• Montana- Flathead Valley Community Col.
• North Carolina- Brookstone Col and Davidson County Community Col.
• Nebraska- Central Community Col and Nebraska Methodist University,
• New Hampshire- Hesser Col and Manchester Community Col.
• New Jersey- Berdan Institute and Warren County Community Col.
• Nevada- Col of Southern Nevada.
• New York- Erie Community Col and Plaa Col.
• Ohio- Zane State Col and The University of Akron.
• Oklahoma- Tulsa Community Col and Moore Norman Technology Centre,
• Oregon- Central Oregon Community Co and Mt. Hood Community Co.
• Pennsylvania- Berks Community Co and Thompson Institute.
• South Carolina- Forest Junior Co and South University.
• South Dakota- Lake Area Technical Institute and Colorado Technical University.
• Tennessee- South Co and National Co.
• Texas- Cisco Co and Col of the Mainland.
• Utah- Davis Applied Technology Co and Broadview University
• Virginia- Bryant and Stratton Co and Tidewater Community College.
• Washington- Clark Co and Olympic Co.
• Wisconsin- Madison Area Technical Co and Rasmussen College.
• West Virginia- Mountain State University and Huntingdon Junior Co.

Christina G. Flannagan is an author and editor for medical career publications.

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Medical School Grants

July 24th, 2011

Grants are funds provided to specific departments of a university. They are generally, offered by the government. Most reputed schools and colleges of medicine have a grants office within their premises. They are responsible for reviewing all the proposals and transfer of materials associated with external funding.

The intention of American Councils Medical Education Grants Program is to support the growth of projects concerning the career development and curriculum reform of a medical student. Information regarding numerous project ideas eligible for funding is available with various grant offices. This office also answers queries on the substance of proposals, correctness of costs, current indirect costs, award submissions and receipts. The Grants Office helps faculty and administrators in preparing grant proposals, clinical trials and material transfer agreements. The staff reviews each proposal carefully to make certain that administrative, federal, and legal policies are met.

Any U.S. medical chapter that is American Medical School Association recognized, and is involved in conducting a mission that involves medical students and medical education is eligible to apply for a grant. Generally two grants of up to $200 each are awarded through the academic year. Applications are available online and also with the local chapter president.

The application should be accompanied by a budget statement. The Grants program accepts requests for food and travel too. It is mandatory for all applications to be signed by the AMSA chapter president.

There are various associations involved with providing grants for medical education scholarships training, and funding opportunities for minority students, such as the American Indian Graduate Center, American Indian Graduate Center and American Psychiatric Association.

Grants are an important part of funds for the various projects proposed by the medical schools and colleges. It is an important source of funding to help new breakthroughs by medical schools involved in research and primary care.

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Caribbean Medical School: Fastest Way to Be a Doctor?

July 24th, 2011

Caribbean medical schools have long been the butt of jokes but their graduates are the ones having the last laugh. There are thousands of licensed physicians from Caribbean schools practicing all across the country. Over 25% of all doctors in the US are from international schools. Do you know where your primary care physician went to medical school? This is the field where Caribbean graduates are expected to dominate with a large percentage of graduates training in Internal and Family Medicine. They are expected to fill a nationwide shortage that is currently occupied by Physicians Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.

Picture this. A 17 year old high school graduate enrolls in a pre-medical program at a Caribbean university. Schools will automatically accept students to their medical programs as long as they maintain a certain GPA in the pre-program. This means there is no need to take the MCAT so you can save yourself the headaches from preparing for that. The program is completed in 2 years and the student enrolls in the first year of the medical degree program at 19 years old.

Numerous Caribbean schools offer an accelerated curriculum that divide the year into trimesters. Students attend school year round and are able to complete their M.D. in less than 36 months. Not to mention you only spend 18 months studying on the island. The clinical years are spent training alongside American medical student at hospitals in the US. St. George’s medical school has hospital affiliations that match any US school. Our fictional student graduates with his Doctorate in Medicine at the ripe age of 22 (going on 23).

Our new graduate is eligible to practice in any state in the country as long as he attended one of the “Big 4″ Caribbean medical schools (St. George’s University, Saba University, Ross University and American University of the Caribbean). Internal Medicine residencies last 3 years so we have a residency trained physician ready for board exams, licenses and employment at a mere 25 years old. Not quite Doogie Howser but it’s impressive to say the least.

This accelerated path also benefits those seeking a new career or chasing their dream of being a doctor. Time is of the essence and wasting summers off in the traditional semester system is not time well spent. Caribbean medical schools are littered with nurses, pharmacists, dentists, chiropractors and many other health care practitioners. Many schools offer several different entrance times during the year giving flexibility for students who want to begin their medical education immediately.

There is risk involved in attending a medical school overseas but there have been thousands who have blazed the trail before you and set the precedent. Caribbean medical schools produce capable physicians and fill an integral need in the health care system of the US.

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How Can Medical Colleges in India Change Your Future?

July 24th, 2011

AIIMS (All India institute of medical sciences) is one of the best medical colleges in India. It was started in 1956. It is a statutory body established by a Parliament Act. It imparts education in both under and post graduate medical programs. This institute has extended facilities for teaching students and performing research. Almost 42 medical disciplines are taught in this college. Its faculty publishes 500 publications each year. It also awards degrees in nursing in its college of nursing. AIIMs is an independent university and it awards degrees on its own. Its degrees are not related to any other university. It also provides nursing training to its students under the BSc. Hons. Stanley medical college is one of the top medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. The admission to this college can be gained through an entrance test which is held at any time during the months of March to May. For candidates residing in other states, admission can be gained through All India Premedical/Predental (AIPMPD) Test organized by CBSE. Almost 15-160 students are taken in by this college every year.

The most elite private medical colleges in India like Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and Amity University (Bachelor and Master of Physiotherapy) have become famous all over the world for their level of services. These colleges are now recognized by the Medical council of India or MCI. This council controls the level of medical programs imparted by these students. The top courses that are awarded by these colleges are MD, BDS (Bachelor of Dental science) and MBBS.

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University provides medical education to its students in the form of courses like BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) and MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). It is one of the top medical colleges in Delhi (NCR). The University has several affiliated colleges under which it provides such medical education. Some of them are Dr. B.R. Sur Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital and Research Centre and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. It also conducts a written exam (common entrance test) to be made eligible for admission to these colleges. The candidates who get high scores in this exam are then called for a counseling session.

Apart from medicine, this university also imparts education in pharmacy and nursing. Educational loans are also available to pursue such medical courses in private universities from leading banks.

The state of Karnataka has a high range of top quality medical colleges. It has a large number of colleges but the percentage of medical colleges is high. The main aim of the top medical colleges in Karnataka is to impart quality education to its students so that the professionals produced are fully qualified to work in the medical industry.

The Bangalore medical science college provides MBBS degrees apart from post graduate courses in surgery. The ability to get admission in this college consists of clearing the common entrance test apart from 50% marks in 10+2 with the candidate having subjects like physics, chemistry and biology. All the top medical colleges in Karnataka are now recognized by the All India Council of Technical Education. So, become a doctor for treating people.

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Some New Additions to Medical School Programs

July 24th, 2011

A list of Medical School Educational Programs is available in the Curriculum Directory of the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) which includes courses, combined degree programs and clerkships. The journals of the AAMC also provide the latest information about the curriculum available and they are available in most school libraries.

The AAMC Curriculum Directory has a list of the medical student education programs at the 126 U.S. and 16 Canadian medical schools with the details of each program. A student can not only search for the required courses but he can also check out the instructional and curricular innovations. The studies include graduation and post graduation studies in medicine.

Intensive reviews of these educational programs and instructional methods are carried out from time to time by medical schools in order to encourage improvement of medical education. As a result, an interdisciplinary approach to the presentation of individual course content has emerged, and the functional applications of structure have gained more emphasis.

Medical school students have more opportunities for independent study and the coursework can be elective. An interesting development in the curriculum has been the individual approach, whereby separate learning tracks of varying durations have been established at various schools. This approach has subsequently been adapted by most of the medical schools and has been integrated in their program.

The main aim of any Medical School Program is to turn out ethical and culturally competent physicians. Excellence in medical education is of prime importance, and that is why the program includes acquisition of clinical skills, professional attitudes and building up a strong knowledge base.

Many programs introduce first year students to clinical experiences to encourage learning and professional growth. Medical School programs which provide graduate medical education train students professionally and clinically. They are taught the humane care of patients and learn to take responsibility as resident physicians as early as possible.

The Academic Programs of Medical Schools provide details about Graduate Medical Education, Graduate Programs, Postdoctoral Programs and ways of continuing medical education. Medical School Programs offer education and training in many subjects of biomedical sciences.

If the university has a research campus, research opportunities are made available to the Medical School students. Some research subjects offered are biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, virology and cellular immunology. Seminars and journal clubs have to be done in addition to course work.

Postdoctoral studies are also included in the medical school programs. Training of postdoctoral appointees has been a part of the program in recent years. A list of seminars is offered for them so that they can hear about the research studies of their peers and also get feedback from experts and professors regarding further studies.

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