Podcast
Questions and Answers
Tell me about yourself?
Tell me about yourself?
My name is Brittany and I grew up in Spartanburg, SC, then moved to Virginia Beach, VA. I attended ODU for my BS, worked as a pharmacy tech, and enrolled in the 2-year medical master's program at EVMS. I'm currently shadowing Dr. Mazzurco at a retirement home.
Why are you interested in medicine?
Why are you interested in medicine?
I am inspired by community health, particularly the prevention of chronic diseases through understanding common medications and focusing on primary care.
What experiences do you have in a medical or clinical setting?
What experiences do you have in a medical or clinical setting?
I have shadowed 3 MD physicians, volunteered as a child life specialist, and coordinated volunteer events for my class.
What aspects of your life make you a good candidate for medical school?
What aspects of your life make you a good candidate for medical school?
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What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you in medical school?
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you in medical school?
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What hesitations do you have about joining the medical profession?
What hesitations do you have about joining the medical profession?
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Tell me about an experience you've had working on a team?
Tell me about an experience you've had working on a team?
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What do you think is the most pressing issue in healthcare today?
What do you think is the most pressing issue in healthcare today?
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What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
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How do you spend your free time?
How do you spend your free time?
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Why should we select you for our class?
Why should we select you for our class?
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Study Notes
Personal Background
- Brittany is from Spartanburg, SC, and moved to Virginia Beach, VA, due to her father's Navy enlistment.
- Earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Old Dominion University (ODU) while working as a pharmacy technician.
Medical Aspirations
- Inspired to pursue medicine due to a passion for community health and experiences with maintenance medications.
- Enrolled in a Medical Master’s program at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) to enhance medical knowledge and competitive application standing.
- Identifies a desire to focus on primary care and public health, aiming to prevent chronic diseases.
Clinical Experience
- Shadowed multiple physicians: Dr. Moss (allergist), Dr. Spiegel (psychiatrist), and Dr. Mazzurco (geriatrician).
- Volunteered as a child life specialist at CHKD, helping children adjust to hospital settings.
- Coordinated volunteer events, including cooking at Ronald McDonald House and participating in a fundraising gala for educational programs.
Personal Qualities
- Grew up in a low-income family, instilling humility and appreciation for community support systems.
- Believes in giving back through mentorship and community service, aligning with the values of VCOM.
Challenges and Growth
- Experienced initial difficulty forming effective study habits in medical courses but adapted by focusing on high-yield concepts.
- Emphasizes learning from mistakes and taking responsibility, sharing an experience with a prescription error and corrective actions taken.
Stress Management
- Deals with stress by identifying triggers, exercising to release endorphins, and seeking support from friends and family.
- Practices positive thinking to combat negative thoughts.
Key Medical Concepts
- Lean time bias: Situations where early identification of a disease without symptoms appears to increase survival rates.
- Length time bias: The phenomenon where less aggressive diseases are overrepresented in screened populations.
Healthcare Issues
- High costs associated with medical screening can deter patients from seeking care.
- Identifies pricing as a pressing issue in healthcare today.
Future Plans
- Plans to retake the MCAT to strengthen medical school application if not accepted initially.
- Committed to focusing on public health education, regardless of changes in healthcare systems like universal coverage.
Medicare vs. Medicaid
- Medicare: Federal program for individuals 65+ or with severe disabilities, regardless of income.
- Medicaid: Joint state and federal program for low-income individuals, including younger people with disabilities.
Teamwork and Leadership
- In a pharmacy technician role, served as a team coordinator to enhance communication and ensure equitable workload distribution among team members.
Reflections on Mentors
- Dr. Moss emphasized the importance of avoiding unnecessary testing to prevent emotional and financial burdens on patients.
- Dr. Spiegel provided insights into the complexities of mental health, reinforcing the desire to focus on preventive care.
- Dr. Mazzurco highlighted the value of patient and family communication, inspiring a commitment to public health education.
Volunteer Work at ODU
- Participated in vector ecology lab, assisting with research and public education on tick-borne diseases as part of ODU’s Tick Surveillance Project.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Prepare for your VCOM interviews with this set of flashcards focusing on common questions and answers. Each card is designed to help you articulate your background and experience effectively, ensuring you stand out in your interview. Get ready to showcase your journey and aspirations in the field of medicine.
