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.
Together, Christian and Darcy tackle four pivotal topics:
The myth of the “checklist mentality” in building a med school application
The true value of meaningful experiences over raw numbers of hours
How non-medical activities (yes, even managing a car wash or fencing club) can enhance your candidacy
The bridge (not “gap!”) year—how to reframe and maximize intentional time between undergrad and med school
Dr. Holtgrave also introduces her approach of guiding students through values-based decision-making, urging pre-meds to align applications with personal purpose and authenticity—not just external comparison.
Whether you're overwhelmed by advice on Reddit, uncertain about your path, or just seeking reassurance on your journey, this episode is packed with honest guidance, practical strategies, and empathy for every stage of the pre-med process. Don’t miss this wide-ranging, energizing, and deeply human conversation!
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Send me your recommendations for future medical schools that you'd like to hear featured! Send it to: allaccess@case.edu
Visit our website for more information on this episode and others. https://linktr.ee/allaccessmedschool
This podcast is hosted, edited, and produced by: Christian Essman
RESOURCES:
Characteristics of 2nd year students: Gregg-Jolly et al, Sterling
Intrinsic motivation, flow: Pink, Csikszentmihalyi
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Hayes
And values decks!
The Values Deck Shalom H. Schwartz
Living Into Our Values Brené Brown, Dare to Lead
Personal Values Card Sort Miller et. al. Motivational Interviewing
Core Values List James Clear, Atomic Habits
The Live Your Values Deck Lisa Congdon & Andrea Niculescu