Episode 80: Pre-Med Success: Shadowing, Service, Leadership, & Owning Your Unique Application Journey

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In this special episode, host, Christian Essman, sits down with Dr. Darcy Holtgrave, Program Manager of the MEDOP Advising Office at the University of Missouri. Drawing from her unique background as a folklorist and advisor, Dr. Holtgrave shares candid insights into the real questions, anxieties, and misconceptions faced by pre-med students.</p> <p>Together, Christian and Darcy tackle four pivotal topics:</p> <ul> <li> <p>The myth of the "checklist mentality" in building a med school application</p> </li> <li> <p>The true value of meaningful experiences over raw numbers of hours</p> </li> <li> <p>How non-medical activities (yes, even managing a car wash or fencing club) can enhance your candidacy</p> </li> <li> <p>The bridge (not "gap!") year—how to reframe and maximize intentional time between undergrad and med school</p> </li> </ul> <p>Dr. Holtgrave also introduces her approach of guiding students through values-based decision-making, urging pre-meds to alig...