Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Describe your motivation for obtaining a dual degree. (3000 characters)

Cultural humility is defined as a "process of reflection and lifelong inquiry which involves self-awareness of personal and cultural biases, as well as, an awareness and sensitivity to significant cultural issues of others." Please provide an example of a specific time you demonstrated cultural humility with some reflection on the experience. (2000 char)

If not addressed in your application, what are you currently doing now?

The last couple of years have been challenging for us all in various ways (i.e., dealing with the impacts of COVID, social unrest and injustices). Please describe a particular challenge you faced. What are some challenges others may have experienced? What did you learn about yourself and others during this time?

Describe your significant research experience(s) and your role in any publications. (10,000 characters)

Describe scientific topics and/or labs at VCU that appeal to your future research aspirations. (1,000 characters)

You are approached by a neighbor whom you are friendly with and who knows you are headed to medical school. The neighbor wants your opinion on whether she should have her healthy 3-year-old child vaccinated against COVID. The neighbor is well-researched and thoughtful, bringing up data that suggests limited long-term benefits of vaccination, while pointing to concerning, documented side effects. How would you respond to this dilemma? (Comments are limited to 2000 characters. Research on the topic is encouraged)

How do you define “grit”, and how have you demonstrated this in the past?

Clinical exposure can be separated into two distinct components: 1) physician observation; and 2) work/volunteerism in a clinical setting. (250 characters each part) Physician observation typically comes from three different types of experiences: shadowing a physician; scribing for a physician; assisting a physician while they are performing their duties with a patient. Physician observation always involves direct contact with a medical doctor. Work/volunteerism in a clinical setting is all the work performed in a clinical setting that does not involve physician observation. It can include working with and caring for patients, serving as an EMT, acting as an employee or volunteer in a hospital or clinic. Below, please clarify your time spent in these two distinct clinical exposure areas by first providing the total number of hours followed by a brief description of your activities. Physician Observation (hours; description) Work/Volunteerism in a Clinical Setting (hours; description)

Supplemental Essay #1: Using specific examples, discuss how your mission and values align with those of VCU School of Medicine. (2000 characters)

Please briefly explain any lapses in your journey to medicine that are not explained in your application. (2000 characters)

Supplemental Essay#2 Describe a time you did something because it needed to be done even though it wasn't your responsibility. (2000 characters)

Please briefly explain any low GPAs or poor grades. (2000 characters)

What will you be doing for the next twelve months during the application cycle?