1. WELCOME!

2. Who/What is the Pre-Health Association Member Registration
Preparations for your health professional school application
Course Requirements
Undergraduate Research
Admissions Tests
Upcoming events 2

3. Spring 2013 Officers President: Negin Sazgar
Vice-President: Stephanie Warusevitane
Secretary – Cydnee Charles
Treasurer: Natalie Kemanjian
ICC Representative: Alex Robin
Public Relations Officer: Daniel Ershadi, Youram Farzam
Advisor: Dr. Sandra Hutchinson
Advisor: Dr. M.R. Bautista 3

4. We are a student organization that seeks to further the interests and success of those students who aspire for a career in the allied health fields such as Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, and much more! 4

5. Sign-in and Attendance
Registration
Please sign your name on the list that is going around.
You must be an AS member in order to become an official member.
Sign-in and Attendance
You are required to sign in at every event you attend. After 4 events, you will receive a certificate at the end of the semester, be eligible to run as an officer and may also win the title of “Most Outstanding Member” at our End of The Semester Party! 5

6. “Santa Monica College Pre-Health Association”
IMPORTANT Steps
Always contact us through: OR
Search:
“Santa Monica College Pre-Health Association”
to find us on Facebook! 6

7. Our Website At www.smcpha.com there is
Information about our upcoming events
PowerPoint presentations from our speakers
Contact information
Officer Applications
We also have a Facebook Page:
search for Santa Monica College Pre-Health Association on Facebook. 7

8. What to Expect at our Meetings
Our association invites guest speakers to give all of us valuable and accurate information about all the different aspects of preparing for and applying to health professional schools.
Visit:
to see our previous events from last semester 8

9. Your Health Professional School Application9

10. 2. Extracurricular activities Clinical Experience Research Jobs
1. Course requirements
2. Extracurricular activities
Clinical Experience
Research
Jobs
Community Services
Involvement in student organizations
3. Letters of recommendations
4. Maintaining a good Grade Point Average (GPA)
5. Admission Test (MCAT, DAT, and PCAT)
6. Admission application and essays
7. A bachelors degree
Not a requirement, but most applicant have it.
Doesn’t need to be in science 10

11. Also visit www.assist.org for UC course equivalents and
2 years of Chemistry with labs
General Chemistry (Chem 11, 12)
Organic Chemistry (Chem 21, 22, and 24)
1 year of Biology with labs
(Bio 21 and 22; Bio 23 may or may not be required)
1 year of Physics with labs
Non-calculus based (Physics 6 and 7) OR
Calculus based for science major (Physics 8 and 9) OR
Calculus based for engineering major (Physics 21, 22, and 23)
Note that Biology Majors have to take one of the calculus based physics series
Also visit for UC course equivalents and
major sheets 11

12. A semester of Calculus (Math 7 or Math 8) Additional Courses:
1 year of English
(Eng 1 and 2)
Math
Statistics (Math 54)
A semester of Calculus (Math 7 or Math 8)
Additional Courses:
Dental School:
1 semester of Biochemistry (Chemistry 31)
Pharmacy School:
1 semester of Mammalian Physiology (Physiology 3)
1 semester of Microbiology (Microbiology 1)
1 semester of Anatomy (Anatomy 1) 12

13. More Course Requirements
Pre-Chiropractic
Chemistry 11, 12, 21, 31, English 1 and 2, or English 1 and Communication Studies 35, Physics 6 and 7, Psychology 1,
15 units from transferable Social Sciences and Humanities courses
Two Course Chosen from; Biology 21,22,23; Anatomy 1 or Physiology 3 (strongly recommended)
Respiratory Therapy AA (Pre-Requisites for application to the program.
Anatomy 1, Physiology 3, Chemistry 10, Communications Studies 11, 35 or 37 and Math 18 or 20 13

14. Nursing Requirements Prerequisites applying to the SMC Nursing Program
An overall grade point average of 2.5 for the Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, and Microbiology prerequisite courses with no grade less than "C" for each course, completed in the last five years, and no more than one repetition/withdrawal of any of these courses. You may repeat only one of these courses to be eligible. 
College level, transferable English, minimum of three(3) semester units with a grade no less than 'C.' 
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 for all college coursework taken. 
Good standing student status (academic and in-progress). 
Successfully pass an approved Admission Assessment (taken while on waitlist). 
Meet the minimum physical qualifications & essential functions.* 
Must have a negative criminal background check/drug testing (following conditional admittance). 14

15. Extracurricular Activities (Clinical Experience)
Most health professional schools want applicants who have had clinical experience.
Specifically, medical schools REQUIRE at least one year of clinical experience. Dental schools encourage applicants to get dental experience in clinical settings.
Can be obtained through jobs/volunteer in a doctor’s office, a pharmacy store/counter, in a hospital, etc.
Learn how medical professionals work in the field and gain valuable experience by interacting with patients.
Something good to put on resume and gain knowledge about the field you want to enter.
We will have various events to inform members about clinical opportunities in certain local hospitals. 13

16. Undergraduate Research14

17. Undergraduate Research, Letter of Recommendation and GPA.
Recommendation Letter
GPA
Medical School
Application 15

18. Goals of Undergraduate Research (Usually in Biomedical Sciences)
1. Get excellent letter of recommendation.
2. Learn laboratory and research skills.
3. Learn critical thinking skills.
4. Become more excited about science. 16

19. What you are expected to do as an Undergraduate Researcher
Work under the supervision of a graduate (Ph.D.) student or a post-doctoral scientist or even the professor.
Perform laboratory tasks (e.g. growing bacteria, purifying protein, synthesizing an organic molecule, testing the effect of drugs on mice etc.). Make appropriate observations and report it to your supervisor.
Participate in laboratory meetings and scientific discussion.
Read scientific literature related to your research area.
Positions are usually voluntary, but could be compensated for specific programs. 17

20. Time Commitment Hours/week Research skills learned
Quality of Rec Letter 4
Minimal
Poor 8
Below average
Mediocre 16
Average
Reasonable 32
Good 64
Very strong
Excellent!
Students with excellent letters commit at least 1 year to the research project. It is best to start around your sophomore-junior year. 18

21. Links to undergraduate research sites19

22. Admission Tests For Medicine: For Pharmacy: For Dental:
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Visit:
For Pharmacy:
PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)
Visit: ns/Pages/PCAT.aspx
For Dental:
DAT (Dental Admission Test)
Visit: 1

23. Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Overview:
Required for all* US Medical School Admissions
Current MCAT: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, Biological Sciences, & Trial Section (Writing section has been removed)
MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
-Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
-Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
-Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills .
CBT (Computer Based Test); $270.
Visit to get important MCAT information from the Association of American Medical Colleges official website. 2

24. Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
Not required in California; Approximately two-thirds of the pharmacy schools require students to complete the PCAT.
Important websites
- (American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy) -
PCAT Testing Dates Registration Deadlines
July 17, 18 (2013) May 17, 2013
September 3, 4, 16, 17, 18 (2013) July 5, 2013
October 28, 29, 30, 31 (2013) October 21, 2013
November 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 (2013) October 21, 2013
January 7, 8, November 7, 2013
CBT (Computer Based Test); $199.
Topics including biology, chemistry, quantitative ability, reading comprehension, and verbal (with a written section) 3

25. Dental School Admission Test (DAT)
DAT is required for application to all US dental schools
There are 4 sections of the DAT:
1. Survey of Natural Sciences (Biology, Gen Chem, Organic Chem)
2. Perceptual Ability
3. Reading Comprehension
4. Quantitative Reasoning
60-90 days before your desired test date:
- obtain a DENTPIN from
- be eligible (at least one year of college level biology and chemistry)
- submit your application for the DAT at
Important things to remember:
- You can only take the DAT once every 90 days
- You cannot take it more than 3 times
- It costs $385 per each sitting 4

26. Commercial Test Preparation Services
The Princeton Review – **Our Club Sponsor** -
- telephone: Review
Berkeley Review - -
Kaplan -
- telephone: KAP-TEST
We will be having an event with Princeton Review this semester! Join us on April 16th 5

27. Types of Health Professional Degrees
MD: Doctor of Medicine (allopathic approach)
DO: Doctor of Osteopathy (osteopathic approach)
DDS: Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD: Doctor of Dental Medicine
Pharm.D: Doctor of Pharmacy
PA: Physician’s Assistant (MPAS)
RN: Registered Nurse
PT: Physical Therapist (DPT or MPT)
DVM: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Some schools offer combination degrees. These are a good option if you have specific career interests. Some examples are:
MD/ PhD  research
MD/ MBA  hospital management or healthcare public policy
DDS/MD  oral surgery 25

28. Top Health Professional Schools
Medical schools in California:
#4 #63 Stanford:
#5 #3 UCSF: 
#13 #10 UCLA:
#16 #27 UCSD: 
#34 #86 USC:
#42 #24 UC Davis: 
#44 #86 UC Irvine:  
Loma Linda University:
Western University:
Touro University:
Dental Schools in Calfornia
UCSF:
University of the Pacific:
UCLA:
USC:
Loma Linda University:
Western University: 26

29. Top Health Professional Schools
Pharmacy Schools in California
#1 UCSF:
#10 USC:
#23 UCSD:
#48 University of the Pacific:
#71 Western University of Health Sciences:
#80 Touro University:
California Northstate University College of Pharmacy:
Loma Linda University: 27

30. Medical Schools in Canada
You can attend Canadian medical schools and get residencies back in the USA.
You do NOT have to take the foreign medical exam
Canadian medical schools are MD and are the equivalent of MD within the USA.
Medical Schools in Canada:
University of BC:
University of Alberta:
University of Calgary:
University of Saskatchewan:
McGill University:
Dalhousie University:
University of Toronto: 28

31. Caribbean Medical Schools
Much lower GPA requirements
Much lower MCAT scores can get in
90% are U.S. Citizen or permanent residents 4% are Canadians 6% are International
Must have high scores on Step 1 and Step 2 board exams
Difficult to obtain residencies in the U.S. 29

32. Osteopathic Medical Schools
Doctor of Osteopathy (D. O.) degree
Can place in D.O. residency or M.D. residency programs after graduation
Have same practicing rights as M.D.
GPA requirements a little lower than traditional M.D. programs 30

33. If you don’t get in You can always make yourself more competitive.
Increase your MCAT score
More Research
Obtain higher degree (Masters, PhD)
More volunteering
Good Application Essay
More extracurricular activity
Attend Conferences!!!
Summer enrichment programs:
SMDEP Summer Program: Summer Medical
and Dental Education Program:
UCLA Prep: pre-medical/pre-dental
enrichment program: 31

34. Spring 13 Event and Activity List
Feb 26 (Tue): SMC Pre-Health Association Orientation
Mar 5 (Tue): Catherine Mullinis CSULB Nursing 
Mar 12 (Tue): No School (Flex Day)
Mar 19 (Tue): Dr. Eva Gordon, Director of Clinical Research at the Susan Love Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Mar 26 (Tue): Michael Nedjat-Haiem of Care Extenders
Apr 2 (Tue): Dr. Bruce Sanders from UCLA Dental School
**Officer Application Due
Apr 8 (Tue): No Speaker (SPRING BREAK)
Apr 16 (Tue): Heather Owen from Princeton Review 
Apr 23 (Tue): Katie Brennan, RN at UCLA's Ronald Reagan Medical Center
Apr 30 (Tue): No Speaker (CLUB ROW and Officer Elections) Thurs. May 2nd
May 7 (Tue): Peter Dean of USC's School of Pharmacy
May 14 (Tue): Dr. Dutson, Bariatric Surgeon at UCLA, *specializing in Robotics
May 21 (Tue): END OF THE SEMESTER PARTY!!!! :) 32

35. We want Officers for Fall 2013
Officer positions will be open for next year, Fall Applications will be accepted this semester, on April 2nd for Fall 2013
Eligibility Requirements
What do officers do?
What are the benefits?
How exactly do I become one?

36. You need to have your AS fees paid and have your AS sticker
Prompt and phone responses
Enrolled in a minimum of 6 units
Minimum GPA of 2.0
*available Tues 11:00AM-12:45PM (so there is flex for speakers) & Thurs 11:10-11:40AM
A moderate class schedule
If you are taking too many units, you probably won’t have time to be an officer

37. President: Vice-President: Oversee club as a whole
Step in for other officers
Work on Club Funds with Treasurer
Organize Officer meetings
Vice-President:
Event Organization
event reminders
Work closely with secretary & president
Keep record of all guest speakers

38. Treasurer: Secretary: Write proposals and requisition forms
Get receipts and signatures from officers
Attend AS finance meetings and board meetings
Secretary:
Take minutes and notes of meetings
Maintain list of active members
Take care of new member registration

39. ICC Representative: Public Relations 1:
Attend Inter-Club Council meetings
Advertise events at ICC meetings
Attend finance meetings if necessary
Public Relations 1:
Create and photocopy event flyers
Distribute flyers across campus
Look for new ways to publicize club

40. Public Relations 2: Update PHA Facebook page Update the PHA website
Look for new ways to publicize club

42. Leadership Experience
Recommendation Letter
Create contacts throughout the school and through guest speakers
Valuable experiences to mention in personal statements
Meet other SMC students with similar career goals
Could put in your resume

43. Then we will interview you.
Fill out and submit an officer application from our website:
-Due April 2nd.
Then we will interview you.
Officers will be selected for each position
You will then observe closely the tasks each officer performs to prepare for the Fall

44. Get to know the current officers well
Club Row is a great day to help out the club and show your ability as a future officer
Be an active member throughout the current semester
Actively participate in events
Come to at least 5 events (not a requirement but shows dedication) It is best to come to more meetings than the regular member.

45. We’ll see you next week on Tuesday at
Please remember to:
Sign in your name to become a member.
We’ll see you next week on Tuesday at
11:30-12:15 pm
in SCI 157 43