Premedical Programs

JayhawkMD Insights: Navigating the Path to Medical School

A monthly webinar series for applicants and premedical advisors presented by the University of Kansas School of Medicine Office of Admissions.

2025-2026 Sessions

Meets via Zoom on the second Wednesday of every month from noon – 12:45 p.m. CT

Note for attendees

These webinars have been designed to provide broad insights into the medical school application process. Attendance to one or all sessions has no impact on an offer of an interview or an admission decision, and we make no guarantees of an offer to interview or an acceptance from any other medical program. Prospective applicants should review the information offered critically and determine how it may apply to their specific situation. Applicants should also note that every medical school has their own requirements, preferences, and timelines, and should carefully note those guidelines during the application process.

May 2025

"AMCAS Application Cycle Kickoff" - May 14^th, 2025

Comprehensive overview of the AMCAS application for the current cycle.
Discussion of any changes or new elements for applicants to consider.
In-depth exploration of the application process for both premedical advisors and prospective applicants.
Examination of AAMC Core Competencies and their significance in the admissions process.

June 2025

"Coursework Considerations" - June 11^th, 2025

Overview of strategic milestones and checkpoints for premedical coursework.
MCAT content knowledge preparation
Identifying content knowledge areas of struggle
Tips on working with a premedical advisor to meet your school and premedical requirements.

July 2025

"Optimizing Shadowing and Service Experiences” - July 16^th, 2025

Presentation by an Admissions Committee member on maximizing the value of shadowing experiences.
Emphasis on cultivating a service-oriented mindset and how it relates towards a medical career.
Insights into the importance of shadowing in developing a holistic understanding of medical practice.

August 2025

"Strategic Interviewing: Preparation and Key Focus Areas" - August 13^th, 2025

Thorough guidance on preparing for medical school interviews.
Detailed insights into the crucial elements to focus on during the interview.
Strategies for showcasing professionalism, communication skills, and suitability for medical studies.

September 2025

"Spotlight on Research in KC and Wichita" - September 10, 2025

Learn about the multiple research paths on all KU Med campuses.
Hear from faculty research coordinators on incorporating research into your medical education.
Hear form current students on their research endeavors.

October 2025

"Financing Your Medical Education: Insights from Experts" - October 8^th, 2025

Expert session with Scott Sponholtz, Director of Financial Aid, and Valerie Poulson, Scholarship Coordinator, on funding your medical education.
Comprehensive discussion on financial planning, scholarships, and loan options.
Addressing the financial considerations and challenges associated with medical school.

November 2025

"Pathway Programs" - November 12^th, 2025

Discussion of various pathway programs to medical school including post-baccalaureate programs.
Practical advice on meaningful activities while embarking on a pathway program.
Advice from faculty and students who have taken a pathway program and their reflections.

December 2025

"Exploring the Wichita Campus" - December 10^th, 2025

Learn about the opportunities for medical students on the Wichita campus.
Speak with faculty and current students regarding the curriculum and atmosphere.
Discover how the Wichita campus can help you grow into a skilled physician to serve your community.

January 2026

"Exploring the Salina Campus" - January 14^th, 2026

Learn about the opportunities for medical students on the Salina campus.
Speak with faculty and current students regarding the curriculum and atmosphere.
Discover how the Salina campus can help you grow into a skilled physician to serve your community.

February 2026

"MCAT Preparation Insights” - February 11^th, 2026

Understanding the MCAT exam and content knowledge needed for a successful outcome.
Developing study strategies tailored to your learning style.
Navigating available resources to maximize success.

March 2026

"Spotlight on Current Medical Students" - March 11^th, 2026

Highlight on members of the Medical Student Association (MSA) and their support for those underrepresented in medicine and first-generation students.
A broad range of Medical Student Ambassadors offer an in-depth exploration of the student perspective on medical school experiences and resources.

April 2026

"Scholars in Health Application Cycle Kickoff" - April 8^th, 2026

Comprehensive overview of the Scholars in Health program and application that opens April 10^th.
Exploration on the elements that give a competitive application.
Discussion of how to effectively communicate during a potential interview.

Past JawhawkMD Webinars

2024-2025 Sessions

May 14, 2024

AMCAS Application Cycle Kickoff

Comprehensive overview of the AMCAS application for the current cycle
Discussion of any changes or new elements for applicants to consider
In-depth exploration of the application process for both premedical advisors and prospective applicants
Examination of AAMC Core Competencies and their significance in the admissions process

June 12, 2024

Coursework Considerations

Overview of strategic milestones and checkpoints for premedical coursework
MCAT content knowledge preparation
Identifying content knowledge areas of struggle
Tips on working with a premedical advisor to meet your school and premedical requirements

July 10, 2024

Optimizing Shadowing and Service Experiences

Presentation by David Becker, M.D., on maximizing the value of shadowing experiences
Emphasis on cultivating a service-oriented mindset and how it relates towards a medical career
Insights into the importance of shadowing in developing a holistic understanding of medical practice

August 14, 2024

Strategic Interviewing: Preparation and Key Focus Areas

Thorough guidance on preparing for medical school interviews
Detailed insights into the crucial elements to focus on during the interview
Strategies for showcasing professionalism, communication skills, and suitability for medical studies

September 11, 2024

Spotlight on Current Medical Students

A broad range of Medical Student Association representatives and Student Ambassadors to offer an in-depth exploration of the student perspective on medical school experiences and resources on all three campuses.

October 9, 2024

Financing Your Medical Education: Insights from Experts

Expert session with Scott Sponholtz, director of financial aid, and Valerie Poulson, scholarship coordinator, on funding your medical education
Comprehensive discussion on financial planning, scholarships and loan options
Addressing the financial considerations and challenges associated with medical school

November 13, 2024

Pathway Programs

Discussion of various pathway programs to medical school, including post-baccalaureate programs
Practical advice on meaningful activities while embarking on a pathway program
Advice from faculty and students who have taken a pathway program and their reflections

December 11, 2024

Community College to Medical School Pathways

Conversation regarding navigating from community college to medical school
Overview of academic concerns such as course mapping and content knowledge
A discussion on transfer shock and how it may impact your journey

February 12, 2025

MCAT Preparation Insights

Understanding the MCAT exam and content knowledge needed for a successful outcome
Developing study strategies tailored to your learning style
Navigating available resources to maximize success

March 12, 2025

Exploring the Wichita Campus

Learn about the opportunities for medical students on the Wichita campus
Speak with faculty and current students regarding the curriculum and atmosphere
Discover how the Wichita campus can help you grow into a skilled physician to serve your community