Page 28 - COMP Magazine - Winter 2018
P. 28
The Office of Career and Professional Development
The Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), led by Lisa Warren, DO '01, on the Pomona campus and Elisabeth Guenther, MD, on the Lebanon
campus, provides a longitudinal curriculum and individualized mentorship to more than 1,300 osteopathic medical students in pursuit of their career dreams. With
services ranging from workshops, specialty selection and document reviews to webinars and residency application support, the team has helped the College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific achieve a match placement rate over 99.5 percent across all medical specialties in the country.
The OCPD helps guide students during their medical school career and prepares them for residency and beyond. While the College recognizes the importance of this
department and can measure its success by the numbers, the true test is how much the students value the OCPD. Student voices on the Pomona and Lebanon
campuses demonstrate how much they value this department.
REFLECTIONS
Nicholas Tan, DO ’18
As I reflect on the many challenges I faced during medical school, none were as intimidating as the residency
application process. Although I knew in my heart that my experiences at WesternU had prepared me
extremely well for residency, presenting every aspect of my medical competency, passion for my desired
specialty, and unique personality was an incredibly daunting task. Luckily for me and my fellow classmates,
WesternU is home to the most dedicated, innovative, and inspiring team of mentors one could ask for.
The Office of Career and Professional Development, led by Dr. Lisa Warren, has been an unparalleled
resource during this demanding process. With so many different variables to dissect, whether it be the
personal statement, program selection, or interviewing skills, I have relied on her expert guidance countless
times. Despite our rigorous rotation schedules, Dr. Warren would routinely meet with students over Skype or
after hours to ensure that each and every one of us was receiving personalized advice to best leverage our
unique strengths.
Additionally, efforts to prepare students through innovative measures have been greatly appreciated, with one
of the most valued resources being the monthly webinars developed by Dr. Warren's team. As the application
season progressed, relevant discussions were held with a wider audience, in addition to real-time question-and-
answer sessions. Through these meetings, we were able to benefit from the collective inquisitiveness of our
classmates, in addition to feeling a greater sense of camaraderie during this stressful time.
Despite all of these incredible services, by far the most impressive aspect of all the mentoring I have received
this year is the manner in which it has been given. No matter how stressed or discouraged I would be, Dr.
Warren's uncanny ability to approach every situation with an unwavering air of calm and positivity, all while
maintaining a realistic focus, was incredibly refreshing. To be such a steadfast source of direction and
inspiration during this critical time has truly been invaluable, and is a sentiment that is shared by the entire
student body. My gratitude toward Dr. Warren and her team's success in creating a culture that both empowers
and uplifts us during this application season cannot be overstated, and I am comforted in knowing that
WesternU has provided me with every possible advantage to be as successful as possible on Match Day!
Nicholas Tan, DO, and Lisa Warren, DO
26 The Future of Medicine
The Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD), led by Lisa Warren, DO '01, on the Pomona campus and Elisabeth Guenther, MD, on the Lebanon
campus, provides a longitudinal curriculum and individualized mentorship to more than 1,300 osteopathic medical students in pursuit of their career dreams. With
services ranging from workshops, specialty selection and document reviews to webinars and residency application support, the team has helped the College of
Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific achieve a match placement rate over 99.5 percent across all medical specialties in the country.
The OCPD helps guide students during their medical school career and prepares them for residency and beyond. While the College recognizes the importance of this
department and can measure its success by the numbers, the true test is how much the students value the OCPD. Student voices on the Pomona and Lebanon
campuses demonstrate how much they value this department.
REFLECTIONS
Nicholas Tan, DO ’18
As I reflect on the many challenges I faced during medical school, none were as intimidating as the residency
application process. Although I knew in my heart that my experiences at WesternU had prepared me
extremely well for residency, presenting every aspect of my medical competency, passion for my desired
specialty, and unique personality was an incredibly daunting task. Luckily for me and my fellow classmates,
WesternU is home to the most dedicated, innovative, and inspiring team of mentors one could ask for.
The Office of Career and Professional Development, led by Dr. Lisa Warren, has been an unparalleled
resource during this demanding process. With so many different variables to dissect, whether it be the
personal statement, program selection, or interviewing skills, I have relied on her expert guidance countless
times. Despite our rigorous rotation schedules, Dr. Warren would routinely meet with students over Skype or
after hours to ensure that each and every one of us was receiving personalized advice to best leverage our
unique strengths.
Additionally, efforts to prepare students through innovative measures have been greatly appreciated, with one
of the most valued resources being the monthly webinars developed by Dr. Warren's team. As the application
season progressed, relevant discussions were held with a wider audience, in addition to real-time question-and-
answer sessions. Through these meetings, we were able to benefit from the collective inquisitiveness of our
classmates, in addition to feeling a greater sense of camaraderie during this stressful time.
Despite all of these incredible services, by far the most impressive aspect of all the mentoring I have received
this year is the manner in which it has been given. No matter how stressed or discouraged I would be, Dr.
Warren's uncanny ability to approach every situation with an unwavering air of calm and positivity, all while
maintaining a realistic focus, was incredibly refreshing. To be such a steadfast source of direction and
inspiration during this critical time has truly been invaluable, and is a sentiment that is shared by the entire
student body. My gratitude toward Dr. Warren and her team's success in creating a culture that both empowers
and uplifts us during this application season cannot be overstated, and I am comforted in knowing that
WesternU has provided me with every possible advantage to be as successful as possible on Match Day!
Nicholas Tan, DO, and Lisa Warren, DO
26 The Future of Medicine
