The entrepreneurial side of Adam saw a need to develop an all-encompassing advising program that helps develop and guide students from early on in their careers. He opened his company with that in mind and became an entrepreneur while still a student himself. Adam is also the author of the popular book “My Premed Advisor Told Me I Couldn’t Do It, So I Did It Anyway.”
Here is what he shared with us.
- What inspired you to go into medicine?
If there is a sports injury you can think of, I’ve probably had it. Growing up I was always in and out of the orthopedist’s office or operating room. This was my first real exposure to the healthcare field as no one in my family is a healthcare professional. Once I started looking further into the profession, the pieces really just started to fit together. To me, the ability to help restore the most important commodity one can have, their health, could not be rivaled by any other profession. The thought that I could go into work every day and make a positive impact on patients, is one that has kept me driven throughout this difficult journey and why I was inspired to go into medicine.
- Do you believe that tests like the MCAT are “hackable” (in terms of study plans)?
While the MCAT Is a massive test, it is one where your score can dramatically improve with the right study plan and approach. For example, while there is a massive amount of content you need to have memorized for the MCAT a lot of students don’t realize how much of a critical thinking test it also is. This is why doing practice questions in the same style that will be on the actual test from very early on, is extremely important. Additionally, there are strategies that can help you break down passages and answer questions in a more systematic manner so that you have an action plan every time you get to a question.
- What are the important qualities for future doctors to have?
From my perspective, one of the most important qualities that is often overlooked is to the ability to connect well with patients. Doctors are humans too and make mistakes. I’ve made my fair share as a 3rd-year medical student. However, I noticed that patients generally feel much better about their care when they feel connected to you and trust you. You do not need to know everything, and to be honest it’s impossible to. However, showing that you are there for your patients, that you are willing to listen to them, and form a partnership when it comes to their care makes for a great doctor.
- What do you hope to do when you graduate medical school?
When I graduate medical school I would like to Start residency in either orthopedics, emergency medicine, or pain management and rehabilitation. I eventually plan to have a practice where I can provide top-quality care to my patients and form long-lasting relationships with them.
- Do you think that you’ll add a consulting program for medical school GPAs or professional certification exams as well as the pre-med advising program?
After seeing how helpful and transformative the program has been for many of my premed students, the goal is to expand into other health graduate degree programs. A lot of this program focuses on helping students become better versions of themselves, whether that’s improving habits such as waking up early to be more productive or learning the most advanced study techniques. These can be extremely helpful for other students as well and that is ultimately my mission to be able to impact as many students as I can.
This post is tagged under: Adam Nessim, The Premed Consultants