{"id":10545,"date":"2017-04-14T10:39:35","date_gmt":"2017-04-14T17:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/depts.washington.edu\/medex\/?page_id=10545"},"modified":"2026-02-11T23:26:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T23:26:10","slug":"profile-a-competitive-medex-applicant","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/applicants\/profile-a-competitive-medex-applicant\/","title":{"rendered":"Selection Factors and Preferences"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1045745609\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1058377171\" class=\"col small-12 large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The MEDEX Northwest PA program is mission-driven and is committed to educating experienced health personnel. Each application is reviewed holistically including assessment of the following factors:\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ability to communicate, professionalism, problem-solving ability and maturity\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Community service\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Interest and experience in rural health, underserved populations and\/or primary care\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Motivation to become a PA, and interest and\/or commitment to the MEDEX mission\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Review of overall scholastic record<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Review of direct, hands-on patient care experience\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Review of letters of recommendation\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"20\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Review of personal statement and supplemental application statements\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;335559685&quot;:1032,&quot;335559739&quot;:144}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 aria-level=\"2\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Profile: A Competitive MEDEX Applicant\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This profile is meant as an overview of the strengths of common competitive applicants, not to capture all acceptable or required elements in an application. Not all listed items are required to be a successful applicant to the MEDEX program, but all recommendations are designed to help applicants best prepare a competitive application.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Remember, MEDEX is looking for applicants who demonstrate that they are thoroughly prepared both academically and clinically to succeed in an intense, scientific, professional medical curriculum, where they can ultimately become qualified healthcare providers.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Academic History:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A competitive MEDEX applicant will have a comprehensive science background; upper division health-related science coursework is preferred.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">All prerequisites will be completed with <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">7 <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">years of application.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW152346326 BCX2\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">The <\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW152346326 BCX2\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">o<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">verall<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW152346326 BCX2\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\"> combined<\/span><\/span><\/span> <span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW152346326 BCX2\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">prerequisite<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\"> GPA<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextDeletionMarker TrackedChange SCXW152346326 BCX2\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun TrackChangeTextDeletion SCXW152346326 BCX2\">s<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\"> will be at or above <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">3.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TrackChangeTextInsertion TrackedChange SCXW152346326 BCX2\"><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">2<\/span><\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW152346326 BCX2\">.\u202f<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In addition to the required courses, the following are recommended to help strengthen an application:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Genetics\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Social Science (Sociology, Psychology,\u00a0or\u00a0Anthropology)\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Medical Terminology<\/li>\n<li>Biochemistry\/Organic Chemistry Lab\u202f<\/li>\n<li>Microbiology Lab\u202f\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Clinical History:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The most competitive positions will have significant patient care responsibility that includes development of clinical skills and medical decision-making.\u202fCompetitive examples include: military medicine (corpsman, healthcare specialist, medic, etc.), emergency medicine (paramedic, EMT, ER tech), nursing fields (RN, LPN\/LVN), and international medical graduates.<\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Volunteerism:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Competitive MEDEX applicants will have a history of volunteerism and connection to their community. While individual short-term volunteering opportunities are valued, applicants with long-term volunteering commitments will be viewed as more competitive.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">PA Shadowing:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A competitive MEDEX applicant will have spent hours shadowing or working directly with a PA in order to understand the role of the profession. The strongest applicants will have experience with PAs in various medical specialties in order to develop a broadened exposure to healthcare.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">References:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">A competitive MEDEX applicant will have 3-5 recent references from healthcare professionals who can comment on qualifications and aptitude for the PA profession.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">The best references will be comprehensive from a source that knows the applicant well, with at least one from a PA.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Geographic Connection:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A competitive MEDEX applicant will demonstrate clinical experience and strong personal, educational, and\/or professional connection to serve the MEDEX service region of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho or Hawaii.<\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Personal Statements:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Competitive MEDEX applicants use the personal statement on the CASPA application to clearly explain their goals in becoming a PA, including their understanding of the profession. The best personal statement will tell MEDEX reviewers something about the applicant that is not apparent in other sections of the application.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p aria-level=\"3\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">MEDEX Mission:\u202f<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:120}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Finally, a competitive MEDEX applicant will understand the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/about-medex-nw\/mission-vision-values\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">MEDEX mission<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fand how their personal mission aligns with the goals of the program. Stated personal missions or connections to the\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/about-medex-nw\/mission-vision-values\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">MEDEX mission<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u202fshould be echoed in an applicant\u2019s work, shadowing, or volunteer history.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:312}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-full-width-title-breadcrumbs.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10545","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10545"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29392,"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10545\/revisions\/29392"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/familymedicine.uw.edu\/medex\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}