A conversation with Imi Ho’ola Alumni Kim Gerard (3rd year JABSOM medical student), Yun Sun Lee (3rd year JABSOM medical student), Erin Kalua (2nd year JABSOM medical student), and Michelle Sablan (2nd year JABSOM medical student) about why they chose to apply and enroll in Imi Ho’ola and what their experiences were like while in the program.

1.  What exactly is a post-baccalaureate program? What kinds of students pursue it?

Michelle Sablan (MS): A post-baccalaureate program consists of courses focused on a particular discipline that are taken after a bachelor’s degree has been earned.  Specific to Imi Ho’ola, no degree is awarded, but a certificate of completion is given along with admission to the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM).  Students who enter Imi are usually from disadvantaged backgrounds that have demonstrated potential as future physicians.  Imi provides an opportunity for students who have had difficulty gaining admission to medical school.

2.  What factors did you take into account when deciding which school to pursue your post-baccalaureate program at?

Kim Gerard (KG): Location, cost, and matriculation were deciding factors.  For example, a post-baccalaureate program in Indiana would cost more because I would have to fly to Indiana and rent an apartment.  For me, location was the greatest factor because my family and support system is in Hawaii.  Matriculation is probably the most important component when deciding where to pursue a post-baccalaureate program.

3.  What was the application process like?  Was it competitive to get into Imi Ho’ola?

YSL: You need to apply to JABSOM and Imi Ho’ola.  You may be interviewing for Imi Ho’ola as you wait for your acceptance/rejection letter from JABSOM.

MS: The application process was challenging in the sense that your essays really have to shine and speak for who you are as an individual and what your strengths are.  It is necessary to convey these things in writing effectively so that after reading your application the admissions committee will want to meet the person behind the words.

KG: The application process was very simple.  The requirements to complete an application were clearly stated.  I actually had the old paper application, but from what I understand, there is a new on-line application that is probably way lot easier than the old application.  Imi Ho’ola is very competitive.  Not only do you have to qualify for their disadvantaged category, but you need a good GPA, good MCAT scores, and good experiences in the medical field.  The application process somewhat parallels JABSOM’s process, meaning that students have to complete their application requirements and then are invited for interviews.

4.  How will applying for Imi Ho’ola impact my application to JABSOM?  Do I have the option to choose either program if I am accepted to both?

KG: Applying to Imi Ho’ola will not impact your application to JABSOM, because they are two separate processes that are run by two separate entities simultaneously.  If you feel that you qualify for Imi Ho’ola, then I highly encourage you to apply for both Imi Ho’ola and JABSOM at the same time.  That way, if you do not get accepted to JABSOM, then you may still have a chance to get accepted from Imi Ho’ola.  Again, I highly recommend Imi Ho’ola and I firmly believe that their techniques will help you gain the skills you need in the future.

MS: I don’t believe that applying to both will hurt you in any way.  If your MCAT and GPA fall shy of JABSOM’s requirements, you still have a shot at Imi since the program rates your potential based on your desire to practice medicine and how well you have demonstrated that desire.  So take the Imi application seriously - it’s a way to get in there and show that you have what it takes to make it.  Generally, if accepted to both, people choose to go directly to medical school.  It is very difficult to get into med school anywhere in the country, so if you have an acceptance, take it.  Imi, on the other hand, is not a piece of cake either.  Imi pushes you to your limits and beyond.  You will work extremely hard to make it through the program, but will benefit tremendously in the end.

5.  What coursework did you complete in the program?  What was the curriculum like?

Erin Kalua (EK): Imi is a year-long, rigorous academic program that included basic sciences in all the systems of the body, psychosocial concepts, anatomy, histology, as well as biochemistry.  Medical ethics and public speaking were also required.

KG: Imi Ho’ola provided a good foundation of knowledge for future studies in medicine.  It is a year long [program] filled with many disciplines in medicine, such as biological mechanisms of diseases, pharmacology, microbiology, and biochemistry.  Again, the [program] helps to prepare you for the United States Medical Licensing Exam Board Step 1 exams for your second year in medical school.  There are other classes in Imi Ho’ola that teach self-improvement, confidence, and professionalism.  These classes help with certain skills like speaking and writing.  In Imi Ho’ola, you will always improve and you will learn how to study effectively and efficiently.

YSL: The curriculum is problem-based learning but the [Imi] faculty members are much more directive and involved than in JABSOM in terms of what topics to study.

6.  What resources did you utilize while in Imi Ho’ola that helped you to be successful in improving yourself academically?  Did you approach your education differently?

MS: Imi faculty & staff helped me to understand how to refocus my learning to ensure success in medical school.  Gaining confidence in my ability to succeed was key.  After catching on to the PBL process and realizing I had what it takes to make it, I was successful.

KG: Imi Ho’ola has great faculty and staff that are a good resource for information.  The curriculum format at John A. Burns School of Medicine is problem-based learning (PBL), so Imi Ho’ola totally prepares you for PBL.  In PBL, you are the active participant in your education and knowledge base, so the more you read, the more you learn.  So PBL is definitely different than undergraduate courses, where the teacher tells you what you need to know.

YSL: I learned how to pick out key concepts when reading very long, convoluted passages.  I used a lot of books and spent a lot of time taking notes that I could use for review later.

EK: I always studied on my own during undergrad.  I found that implementing study group sessions in addition to my independent study was really helpful during Imi.

7.  What were the advantages and disadvantages of participating in the Imi Ho’ola Post-Baccalaureate Program?

YSL: It is a very intense program.  I didn’t have much time for fun during the semester.  Having a good family/friends support net was really helpful, especially when I was exhausted and discouraged.  The great thing is, afterwards and even years down the road, I view my successful completion of Imi as one of the greatest challenges ever.  The program is hard, but it prepared me very well to be a disciplined, responsible, self-driven, knowledgeable medical student and future doctor.  Also, Imi is a very small program of 10 or fewer students.  You will get to know everyone pretty well.  Along the way, I made some great friendships.  But it can be tough too, seeing the best and the worst in yourself and others.

KG: Advantages: Gain a knowledge base and foundation for your medical education; improve yourself by learning new study techniques, professionalism, and speaking skills; etc.  Disadvantages: None really, I highly recommend this program!  The only disadvantage I can think of is that you will be ‘stuck’ with nine other students for the whole year.  And yet, it is an advantage because you learn to work effectively with other students.

MS: Advantages: Teaches you how to improve your learning skills; builds your confidence; provides excellent preparation for medical school in the area of basic science.  Disadvantages: None really, except for less time with your family.  In the end, the sacrifice is well worth it.

EK: Advantages: Enter medical school with a broader knowledge base; develop study skills and tools for medical school; form relationships that will last throughout medical school and beyond (good support system).  Disadvantages: Extremely difficult and challenging but prepares you well for medical school.

8.  Do you feel adequately prepared to tackle medical school having gone through the program?

YSL: Yes

MS: Yes, very much so.  I went into my first year with so much more background knowledge than my non-Imi peers.  Things that they were newly introduced to were old hat for the Imis.

EK: Yes.  Imi has given me a broader knowledge base, and has also helped me to develop more efficient study skills and a confidence I would not have had if I entered medical school right away.

9.  What advice would you give to students who are contemplating whether or not to pursue a post-baccalaureate program? What general advice would you give to students?

YSL: Talk to past/current Imi students and see what kind of lifestyles they have.  If you know you are committed and are willing to invest all you’ve got into the program, then consider applying.  If you get bored easily, like to be flexible and independent most of the time, like variety, this program might be hard - it is quite rigid and requires your complete attention and focus.

KG: If I had a choice to go through Imi Ho’ola or to go directly to medical school, I would definitely choose Imi Ho’ola again, because you learn a wealth of knowledge and gain a good solid foundation to further your medical education.

MS: If you have exhausted all other options, go for it.  It may serve you well in the end.  Imi gave me the opportunity I might not have otherwise had. I am now a 2nd year medical student and an Imi for life! (By the way, that’s a good thing.)  Generally speaking, work hard and take advantage of every opportunity to strengthen your knowledge base.  Nothing is a sure thing, but if you work hard, many doors will open and opportunities will arise.