Medical School

Student Academic Support Services

Academic Support Services: Counseling is provided to at-risk students, providing intervention, learning style assessments, additional small-group tutoring, studying and testing resources, ongoing assistance, and referrals as necessary. Students are supported in identifying and resolving academic issues, concerns, and problems that may be affecting academic performance. The Learning, Studying & Testing Workshop Series, offered by Student Academic Support Services, provides M1 and M2 students with information to develop strategies for improved academic performance. These small-group workshops are offered in the fall.

Tutorial Program: Student Academic Support Services provides an outstanding tutoring program in the M1 and M2 years. Tutors are medical students in the M2, M3 and M4 years and are hired staff members. Tutors work closely with Course Directors and faculty members to provide students with accurate and relevant information. Large and small group tutoring sessions are available on a weekly basis throughout the school year. The tutor community, including current calendars, tutor notes, and relevant updates will be found on Angel – “SA 001 Tutors”.

AAMC Careers in Medicine® is a career planning program designed to help students choose a medical specialty and select and apply to residency programs. Developed and sponsored by the AAMC, the program consists of an extensive website, printed student manuals, workshops and presentations. This four-phase process guides students through the elements of career planning, including self-understanding, exploring a variety of medical careers, and choosing a specialty to meet career objectives.

Career Day: The AMA-MSS offers Career Day to our first and second year students in the spring semester. Faculty and staff from MCW’s residency programs are invited to share information and insight on specific specialties, such as work environment, clinical responsibilities, lifestyle, training, and applying to residency programs.

USMLE Board Preparation: To help our students prepare for Step 1 of the USMLE, there are three programs in place. The Step 1 Board Prep Program invites M2s to form small groups with a third year student serving as their mentor. Students in these groups complete readings, answer board review questions, and share knowledge under the guidance of an M3 mentor. The Step 1 Prep Series is offered, in which our OSR Representatives present Step 1 information to the M2 class including: personal experiences with the exam, ways to prepare and study, and class survey results from years past. Additionally, Student Academic Support Services offers a spring-time series of in-depth, small-group sessions called USMLE Step 1 Workshop Series that involves: implementing and tailoring individual study plans, study strategies, long & short-term planning, test day overview, library and commercial materials, resources and technology, and board prep schedule construction.

Residency Day: Sponsored by AMA-MSS and occurring in the spring semester, this event is a more in-depth view of the residency application process. Faculty and staff from MCW programs are present and share information and insight regarding the application process as well as specialty-specific information.

Clinical Advisor Program Coordinator: Guides and supports students with the selection of a well-rounded fourth-year Clinical Advisor. Advisors assist with curriculum, specialty choice exploration, review of CVs and personal statements, assistance in networking, and writing letters of recommendation. Students are encouraged to connect with many faculty to seek advice and guidance, but each student is required to have an ‘official’ clinical advisor via the Oasis system.

Residency Fair: This AMA-MSS sponsored event is offered in the fall, and is an opportunity for M3s to meet representatives from approximately 25-30 residency programs throughout the Midwest.