Internships, Fellowships, and Research Experiences build your resume and make your applications to professional and graduate programs more competitive.  When applying to medical schools, health professions, and graduate programs, think about your competition.  Last year, Howard University’s Medical School received over 9,000 applications.  How can you rise to the top in an applicant pool that large?  High grade point averages in STEM courses; Better than average admission test scores (DAT, GRE, MCAT, PCAT, etc.), participation and leadership roles in student and professional organizations, and Research Experiences.  Now is the time to apply for Summer 2017 internship and research opportunities.  Here are excellent programs that provide great exposure and experience: 

Athletes have developed personal characteristics that contribute to success in their sport, but these same characteristics dictate success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering ,Math).  Athletes  work in teams, devote time to study strategies and plays, have discipline, determination, confidence and intelligence.  Student athletes today use time management skills to comply with the numerous NCAA policies and procedures that govern competition in sports.  To be successful in biomedical science also requires teamwork, study teams and group projects.  Early and often teamwork experiences translate into easier transitions into work and professional environments where teams are the norm.  Even in the face of defeat, athletes don't give up.  This type of discipline and determination is also important in science.  Pharmaceutical scientists conduct experiments over and over until they find the right formula for a drug to treat a particular disease.  Biomedical engineers are determined to design and develop devices that surgeons use in orthoscopic procedures and knee replacements.  Athletes apply physics and theory when they perform their sports using physical activity, offensive and defensive strategies.  Athletes win medals and trophies; so do scientists.  Have you heard of the Nobel Prize?  Did you know that Nobel prizes are awarded in biomedical sciences (physics, chemistry, physiology, & medicine); and that the recipients receive a gold medal, diploma, and money (US $1.2 million)?  There are numerous prizes in science but frankly only scientists know about them.  

I've decided to write about the Myths and Perceptions that students, faculty, and professionals cling to that prevent their advancement. After 20 years in higher education, my colleagues and former students who listened, are doing well. This blog is for the individuals who keep repeating the same actions and get the same results. How many infomercials on wonder drugs and other quick fixes for losing weight do we have to see before we understand that there is no short cut to achieving success? And it is not just Millennials, who feel that if they think it, it’s possible (without the planning, preparation, and work). Let’s debunk the myths and start planning for the future you really want.