Admissions Straight Talk cover art

Admissions Straight Talk

Admissions Straight Talk

By: Linda Abraham
Listen for free

About this listen

Advice on applying to business, grad, law, and medical school.Accepted
Episodes
  • How to Get the Most Out of Premed Shadowing [Episode 620]
    Apr 30 2026

    Send Harold your questions!

    What does it take to maximize your premed shadowing opportunity, and why does this experience matter so much in your application?

    In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber, a board-certified allergist/immunologist and former president of the Greater Washington Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Society. Recognized as a “Top Doctor” by Washingtonian magazine, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington Consumers’ Checkbook, Dr. Schreiber shares practical advice on finding shadowing opportunities, keeping a journal, and asking the right questions.

    Additionally, Dr. Wherley and Dr. Schreiber address the nonnegotiable topic of patient confidentiality. From HIPAA requirements, to what you can safely write about in your application essays, to the risks of discussing patients on social media, the bottom line is this: you must conduct yourself with professionalism from the moment you walk in the clinic, including after you walk out. If you are preparing to apply to medical school, this episode will change how you think about every hour you spend shadowing.

    0:00 Meet Dr. Rachel L. Schreiber

    0:30 Finding and Securing Premed Shadowing Opportunities

    3:14 The Real Purpose of Shadowing Before Med School

    4:23 Why You Should Keep a Shadowing Journal

    7:08 Asking Questions and Choosing Specialties

    13:25 Patient Privacy and HIPAA


    Follow Us
    YouTube
    Facebook
    LinkedIn

    Contact Us
    www.accepted.com
    support@accepted.com
    +1 (310) 815-9553

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • How to Get into Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 619]
    Apr 16 2026

    Send Harold your questions!

    What does it take to stand out and become a competitive applicant to Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUCOM), and what makes this program unique among osteopathic medical schools?

    In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, Accepted consultant and podcast host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Alesia Wagner, associate dean of academic affairs at TUCOM. Together, they explore how the school’s mission shapes its curriculum, how its 100% residency match rate reflects the breadth of specialty opportunities available to students, and how TUCOM’s approach to clinical education prepares future osteopathic physicians for a wide range of medical careers.

    If you are researching osteopathic medical schools or preparing your application, this conversation provides valuable insight into what sets TUCOM apart and what it takes to be a competitive applicant.

    0:00 Meet Dr. Alesia Wagner, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at TUCOM

    0:42 Overview of Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine

    4:56 Residency Match Data: Specialties and Outcomes

    6:50 Clinical Rotation Sites and Student Placement at TUCOM

    9:53 Primary Care vs. Specialty Matches: Breaking the Pigeonhole Myth

    11:13 TUCOM’s Pre-Clinical Electives and the Clinical Distinction Program

    16:34 Culinary Medicine and Nutrition Education Electives

    19:56 Interprofessional Education and the Student-Run Free Clinic

    23:53 What Makes a Competitive Applicant

    29:11 Life on TUCOM’s Campus in Northern California

    Related Resources

    • Bio for Dr. Alesia Wagner
    • Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
    • Touro’s Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Clinic at Middletown
    • TUCOM Academics

    Related Episodes

    • How to Get into MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine [Episode 537]
    • The Bryn Mawr Postbac Premed Program [Episode 614]
    • Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Drafts? Writing a Standout Med School Personal Statement [Episode 612]


    Follow Us
    YouTube
    Facebook
    LinkedIn

    Contact Us
    www.accepted.com
    support@accepted.com
    +1 (310) 815-9553

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Baylor College of Medicine: Admissions, Curriculum, and What Makes a Strong Applicant [Episode 618]
    Apr 2 2026

    Send Harold your questions!

    What does Baylor College of Medicine look for in applicants, and how is its program evolving to meet the needs of today’s medical students?

    In this episode of Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Jesus Vallejo, senior associate dean of admissions at Baylor College of Medicine. Together, they explore Baylor’s dual-campus model, early clinical exposure, innovative curriculum, and extensive mentorship opportunities.

    Dr. Vallejo also shares how Baylor College of Medicine evaluates applicants holistically and what distinguishes those who stand out in a highly competitive pool.

    If you’re applying to medical school or considering Baylor, this episode offers valuable insights to guide your strategy.


    00:00 Baylor College of Medicine Overview
    00:30 Baylor College of Medicine: Houston versus Temple Campus Experience
    02:10 In-State versus Out-of-State Admissions at Baylor College of Medicine
    04:10 Early Patient Exposure at Baylor College of Medicine
    06:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s Modern Curriculum and Learning Style
    10:10 Research Requirements for Baylor College of Medicine Applicants
    14:25 Baylor College of Medicine’s Mentorship and Student Support Programs
    20:10 Baylor College of Medicine’s HEAL Program and Humanities in Medicine
    24:05 What Baylor College of Medicine Looks for in Applicants
    25:50 Final Advice for Medical School Applicants

    Follow Us
    YouTube
    Facebook
    LinkedIn

    Contact Us
    www.accepted.com
    support@accepted.com
    +1 (310) 815-9553

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
No reviews yet