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Navigating the process of applying to medical or dental school can often be a daunting task, but Lafayette students have the support of the Health Professions program to help them apply successfully.
Biology majors Elizabeth Helwig ’07 (Basking Ridge, N.J.) and Jeffrey Vogel ’07 (Lutherville, Md.) and biochemistry major Bradley Wertheim ’07 (Martinsville, N.J.) will discuss the application process from a student’s perspective noon Thursday, March 29 in Oechsle Hall, room 224.
Students interested in attending the discussion must RSVP by Wednesday, March 28 to June Thompson, coordinator of Scholars and Health Professions programs, at x5521 or email. Lunch will be provided.
“It is our responsibility to direct and to expose our health professions students through the multiple facets of the process necessary in the pursuit of their career goals,” says Thompson. “What a joy, honor, and privilege it is to celebrate their success.”
Helwig, Vogel, and Wertheim will provide insight into the application process, HPAC interview, health professions school interviews, and what goes into a successful application.
“The Health Professions program was a crucial jump start to the whole dental school application process,” says Helwig, who will attend University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. “The Health Professions committee requires applicants to compile a personalized essay demonstrating their goals, strengths, weaknesses, and what separates them from other candidates. The committee provided feedback regarding the content of the essay, which was extremely beneficial because parts of the essay became my personal statement which is the only part of the dental school application that allowed me to express myself.”
Helwig always knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, but was unsure of which direction to take. Her study abroad experience in London sold her on dentistry.
“Lafayette offers a summer program in London that enables students to study the U.K. and U.S. health care systems while also being immersed in an internship,” she explains. “It was my internship at a dental office where I knew I was on the right career path. During my time in London, I interned four days a week at a dental surgery [practice] with two women dentists, one from Australia and one from Scotland. I was able to not only be involved with the practice but also understand the opportunities dentistry has for women.”
Helwig also participated in the Gateway to Dentistry program at University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey’s Dental School in Newark. She also completed the Introduction to Dentistry program at University of Pennsylvania. Captain of the varsity swim team, Helwig holds four school records and was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2004 and 2005. She also is a two-time member of the All Patriot League first team. Helwig is a member of Delta Gamma sorority.
Like Helwig, Vogel found the Health Professions program helpful through every step of his application process. He especially appreciated the guidance of Charles Holliday, professor of biology and Health Professions program adviser.
“The faculty and staff involved with the program were excellent resources throughout the entire process of applying to medical schools,” he says. “I frequented Dr. Holliday’s office to ask his opinion on various aspects of my application and on the health professions in general.”
Vogel, who will attend Emory University School of Medicine, has wanted to pursue a career in medicine since he was a child. His father is a surgeon.
“This initial interest turned into a true love for the profession when in high school, I began teaching physically and developmentally challenged children how to swim,” he explains. “Since my experience in high school, I have always loved helping others and have been fascinated with the human body. I have a passion for science and research. Medicine is truly the only profession in which I can see myself happy as well as be able to give back to those around me in a significant way.”
Vogel served an internship at a high security intensive care psychiatric hospital while studying abroad in London in 2005. He also conducted independent study research with John Drummond, visiting professor of biology, on how to breed stronger monarch butterflies. He presented that work at last year’s National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Over his summer and winter breaks, he has worked at the Center for Vaccine Development in Baltimore, helping in the development of a system for use in anthrax vaccine delivery. He is the founder and director of the Swim to Succeed program for physically and mentally challenged children at the Family YMCA of Easton, Phillipsburg & Vicinity. Vogel is a member of Student Movement Against Cancer, Lafayette Wellness Committee, and Kappa Delta Rho fraternity.
Wertheim has not decided yet which medical school he will attend. He has been accepted to Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, and New Jersey Medical School.
“To be a competitive applicant, you need to start preparing the first day you set foot on campus,” says the Trustee Scholar. “I went to Health Professions events as a freshman and sophomore to learn about the expectations of medical schools and how I needed to address those expectations.”
Wertheim’s work as a volunteer emergency medical technician for the Martinsville Rescue Squad showed him the various aspects of the medical field in addition to the scientific pursuit of a solution to a problem.
“I am drawn to medicine because it blends humanity with science,” he explains. “I want to become a physician because medicine is the essential expression of humanity and science. I can integrate my lifelong interests in science and ‘fixing’ to preserve lives and families. And when science fails to cure the body, compassion, understanding, and respect can heal the spirit. I cannot imagine a better profession.”
Wertheim has conducted EXCEL Scholars research with Laurie Caslake, associate professor and acting head of biology; Mary J.S. Roth ’83, Simon Professor and head of civil and environmental engineering; and civil engineering graduate Blair Banagan ’05 on a biological method to reduce earthquake damage. He is a member of research honor society Sigma Xi, chemistry honor society Phi Lambda Upsilon, Outdoor Club, and Chi Phi fraternity. He also is a Student Government associate representative and student representative to the Trustee Committee on Athletics and Student Affairs.
Lafayette’s Health Professions program assists students in structuring their undergraduate studies so that they are attractive applicants for health-related graduate programs, which seek candidates with broad academic, social, and extracurricular backgrounds. Periodic group meetings are held for students interested in health professions. Topics of interest to the particular class are discussed and questions answered in what are essentially group advising sessions. At the spring meeting for juniors, application materials are distributed and detailed instructions are given on completion of the application and the necessary supporting documents, including a Health Professions Committee interview and preparation of a composite recommendation letter.