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Academic Advising/Career Planning

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Medical Student Advisory Center

The Medical Student Advisory Center (MSAC) provides advice regarding every aspect of the medical curriculum as well as academic and career decision-making. We are committed to creating a supportive environment where you can feel comfortable and confident in seeking assistance. Any student in the College of Medicine may access our services at no charge, and referrals are not needed.

We encourage you to explore the following resources:

Academic Counseling: Whether you’re just entering medical school or planning to graduate, there are always the challenges of adjusting to or keeping up with a rigorous curriculum. The MSAC provides individual counseling to prevent, identify, and resolve whatever academic issues you may be experiencing.
Study Strategies: Knowing how to study is a key component of your success as a medical student. And the more you become aware of your own learning style, the better you will learn. Referrals are also made for the testing of learning disabilities.
USMLE Preparation: Starting with your first year, resource materials, didactic sessions for whole classes, practice tests, and facilitated small groups are offered to ensure your successful completion of Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE). Step 1 and 2 exams are generally completed at the end of Med 2 and the beginning of Med 4, respectively.
Student-Driven Groups: Students have the opportunity to set up their own small groups (of approximately six members) not only to enhance their understanding of the curriculum itself, but also to prepare for Step 1 of the USMLE. Each group determines its meeting dates, agendas, and goals. While focused within the Med 2 year, this activity is open to students across all four years.
Career Counseling: You’ve made the decision to become a doctor, but what would you like to specialize in? Although you won’t be certain until your fourth year, the MSAC can help you start mapping your future now. Personal assessments, such as the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator, identify your interests, skills and abilities, personality, and values. We are also the College’s liaison to Careers in Medicine, a national program administered by the AAMC to help you choose the residency that best fits your needs. When it comes time to participate in the National Resident Matching Program and Electronic Residency Application Service, you’ll find the MSAC to be the source for answers to all your questions.
HIPAA Certification: All medical students who have access to patient records must maintain current certification for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations. This is a federal requirement that requires recertification every two calendar years, usually before your first and third years. Each hospital is required to maintain its own HIPAA training requirement. Although you have completed our HIPAA training, you may be required to complete another version if, for example, your clerkships are outside the OSU Medical Center.
Supplemental Support Services: The MSAC is your resource for obtaining a faculty advisor in your area of interest, activating building access cards, and even verifying your immunization records. We also can help you decide the best times to schedule your clerkships to take advantage of your vacation schedule, USMLE preparation, or fourth-year interviews.

For additional information, contact:

Linda Stone, M.D.
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
155 Meiling Hall
(614)292-5126
linda.stone@osumc.edu

Jane Trask
Student Affairs Coordinator
061 Meiling Hall
Office Hours: 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. or by appointment
(614)292-4814
jane.trask.@osumc.edu

Related Links

United States Medical Licensing Examination
http://www.usmle.org/

Association of American Medical Colleges
www.aamc.org/students/cim/start.htm

CareerMD (commercial)
http://www.careermd.com/