Well, this is an interesting topic = the ethics of residency applications. Recently one of the very good students form the Senior class asked for my assistance in the personal statement aspect of the process. Here is my email response:
Yes, ...... I do remember you. Thank you for honoring me with the request to be of assistance. However, this request to help with the personal statement on the residency application is a very difficult issue to deal with for any faculty member. First because it is a personal statement and should be just that a personal statement! However, as someone who wants only the very best for you, I am subject to the natural desire to help polish the written product. Fortunately, your personal statement you sent me is very good. In most cases, I have found that simply by encouragement and discussion, students are able to work through the revision process without editorial assistance. Furthermore, it is only one part of the overall application. Reference letters, grades and the interview will all play a part. Now to the personal statement. Re-read it carefully and answer the important question - after reading this what does it say about me? Is it reporting my experiences? Is it reporting how I feel about my experiences ? Is it both? Is it neither? What about my personal statement would make me a desireable candidate? What is the one best reason a Surgery Residency Program should pick me? Have I conveyed that one best reason? When lying in bed alone at night after a hard day, what do I hold on to as my best quality? Did it shine through in my personal statement? Remember in the final analysis your personal statement is more about how you think of yourself than how others think of you! Thanks again for the request and reply with your thoughts. All my best. JTE.
Well, after writing that response, I began checking with other faculty and students. To my shock I discovered there is one faculty wife who actually ghost writes personal statements. Also, I found that there are faculty who gladly apply red pens and editorial supervision. It is my view that ghost written personal statements constitute blatant fraud and I would recommend rejection of any candidate guilty of same. What about faculty? I do not know of any censure available for them. This would seem to boil the selection process down to a review of grades, standardized scores, and letters of reference. Truly the phrase caveat emptor was never more appropriate!. JTE
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Friday, July 15, 2005
Paul Loeb
SUBJECT: HOPE FOR THE LONG HAUL In these tough political times, I thought you’d be interested in a book that lifts the fog of political despair that envelops so many these days--"The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen's Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear,” named the #3 political book of Fall 2004 by the History Channel and the American Book Association, and winner of the Nautilus Award for the best spiritual social change book of the year.The Impossible creates a conversation among some of the most visionary and eloquent voices of our times: Think Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, Arundhati Roy, Tony Kushner, Václav Havel, and Howard Zinn. Alice Walker, Jonathan Kozol, Diane Ackerman, Susan Griffin, and Marian Wright Edelman. Cornel West, Terry Tempest Williams, Jim Hightower, and Desmond Tutu.
With this book, editor Paul Rogat Loeb, whom Susan Sontag has called "a national treasure" for his work on courage and conscience, builds on his activist classic, "Soul of a Citizen." He explores what it's like to go up against Goliath, whether South African apartheid, the iron fist of Eastern European dictatorship, or Mississippi segregation. These stories don't sugarcoat the obstacles. But they inspire hope by showing what keeps us keeping on--even when the odds seem overwhelming. They replenish the wellsprings of our commitment.If you care about change in a world where most people are told their voices don't count, think of this book as a gift to yourself---bread for the journey to keep on working for and sustenance to return to again and again when your spirit begins to flag.Find out more by visiting www.theimpossible.org. You'll find excerpts from the book, wonderful reviews, Paul’s national speaking schedule, and live interviews. There’s also information on classroom use including sample study questions, and on Loeb’s previous underground bestseller, Soul of a Citizen.
Bill Moyers writes, "You are part of what's good about this world and I admire your work very much. This book can even make one hopeful about the future despite so many signs to the contrary." Barbara Ehrenreich says, "For anyone worn down by Bushism, The Impossible Will Take a Little While is a bracing double cappuccino!" And Arianna Huffington writes, "Put away your Prozac and pick up The Impossible Will Take a Little While." Please forward it to anyone who could use a song of hope in these difficult times. And do your soul a favor by reading the book.
THE IMPOSSIBLE WILL TAKE A LITTLE WHILE: COMMENTS & REVIEWS
History Channel & American Book Association's #3 political book for Fall
2004
"This might possibly be the most important collection of stories and essays
you will ever read." --American Book Association & History Channel
top-10 Fall 2004 political book list
"Paul Loeb brings hope for a better world in a time when we so urgently need
it."--Millard Fuller, founder, Habitat for Humanity
"A much needed salvo against despair."--Psychology Today
"Hopeful, inspiring and motivating...May well be required reading for us
all."--Sierra Club magazine
“Deeply moving and motivating… a retinue to be reckoned with; a plethora of commentary from those dedicated to the concept of a better world”—Baltimore Sun
"As I read these stories, I am reminded yet again of the incredible power we
have as individuals and the multiplication of that power when we come
together. Thank you for this book of inspiring writing." --Joan Blades,
cofounder, MoveOn.org
“Think of this as a devotional for those who subscribe to the theology of liberation and social justice. Will resonate with anyone struggling with despair and doubt.”—Dallas Morning News
"Stunning insights...educational and inspirational."--Seattle Times
"A stirring collection of essays aimed at people who still want to believe
that ordinary people can change the world." --Atlanta Journal Constitution
"This inspiring collection is such a song of hope in these difficult
times--Bonnie Raitt
"For anyone worn down by Bushism, The Impossible Will Take a Little While is
a bracing double cappuccino!"--Barbara Ehrenreich
"An anthology of some of the most powerful voices of our time."--Boston
Globe
"A magnificent anthology celebrates hope, guts, and the power of taking
action.... Loeb has done us a great favor [and] compiled for us the words of
49 of the most gifted and heroic men and women of our time, 49 testimonials
to stamina and compassion in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, 49
reasons to keep hope alive in this time of frustration and fear, 49 ways to
take action..."--Pam Houston, Oprah magazine [Lead Review]
"An extremely important effort."--John Kenneth Galbraith
"A wonderful book, with some extraordinary folks contributing. It reminds us
that darkness always comes before the dawn."--Reg Weaver, president,
National Education Association
"Stop worrying, stop feeling sorry for humanity and read 'The Impossible
Will Take a Little While.'"--Chicago Tribune
"An intelligent, impressive compendium of ideas and feelings that, if
implemented, will lead to a far more civilized society." --Peter Matthiessen
"An indispensable anthology of hope and inspiration. Put away your Prozac,
and pick up The Impossible Will Take a Little While." --Arianna Huffington
"Refreshingly empowering, healing, and amazingly inspirational. It touches
the imagination, retrieves the faith, and is desperately needed by our
country to provoke new hope and meaning. It is a glass half full for the
cynic and the fearful, a compilation of vision for the complacent, and an
antidote for the despondent--truly a must read for everyone." --Steelabor,
United Steelworkers of America
"A book of essays meant to inspire people."--Christian Science Monitor
"Reading this hymnbook of hope, one's heart cannot help but sing. I am moved
and inspired by this magnificent book's rich stories and insights. They
water the fragile, precious seed of hope, from which everything we love
grows." --Vicki Robin, author, Your Money or Your Life
"Just what the doctor ordered for these depressing times: a massive infusion
of hope, written in the clearest and most inspiring prose. Do your soul a
favor and read this book." --Kevin Danaher, cofounder, Global Exchange
"A powerful chorus of hope. Loeb introduces us to a community of heroic
individuals who by their actions sustain themselves and can help inspire the
rest of us."-- Bill Meadows, president, Wilderness Society
"Captures the way the fight for decency can change people and change
circumstances, even when victory is still in the distance--Rich Trumka,
secretary--treasurer, AFL--CIO
"Everyone who believes in our humanity and the ideal of justice for all, but
feels despair by the direction the world has taken since 9/11, will find
their faith in our ability to serve the common good restored by Paul Loeb's
symphony of powerful voices." --Charles Johnson, National Book Award winner,
author of Middle Passage
With this book, editor Paul Rogat Loeb, whom Susan Sontag has called "a national treasure" for his work on courage and conscience, builds on his activist classic, "Soul of a Citizen." He explores what it's like to go up against Goliath, whether South African apartheid, the iron fist of Eastern European dictatorship, or Mississippi segregation. These stories don't sugarcoat the obstacles. But they inspire hope by showing what keeps us keeping on--even when the odds seem overwhelming. They replenish the wellsprings of our commitment.If you care about change in a world where most people are told their voices don't count, think of this book as a gift to yourself---bread for the journey to keep on working for and sustenance to return to again and again when your spirit begins to flag.Find out more by visiting www.theimpossible.org. You'll find excerpts from the book, wonderful reviews, Paul’s national speaking schedule, and live interviews. There’s also information on classroom use including sample study questions, and on Loeb’s previous underground bestseller, Soul of a Citizen.
Bill Moyers writes, "You are part of what's good about this world and I admire your work very much. This book can even make one hopeful about the future despite so many signs to the contrary." Barbara Ehrenreich says, "For anyone worn down by Bushism, The Impossible Will Take a Little While is a bracing double cappuccino!" And Arianna Huffington writes, "Put away your Prozac and pick up The Impossible Will Take a Little While." Please forward it to anyone who could use a song of hope in these difficult times. And do your soul a favor by reading the book.
THE IMPOSSIBLE WILL TAKE A LITTLE WHILE: COMMENTS & REVIEWS
History Channel & American Book Association's #3 political book for Fall
2004
"This might possibly be the most important collection of stories and essays
you will ever read." --American Book Association & History Channel
top-10 Fall 2004 political book list
"Paul Loeb brings hope for a better world in a time when we so urgently need
it."--Millard Fuller, founder, Habitat for Humanity
"A much needed salvo against despair."--Psychology Today
"Hopeful, inspiring and motivating...May well be required reading for us
all."--Sierra Club magazine
“Deeply moving and motivating… a retinue to be reckoned with; a plethora of commentary from those dedicated to the concept of a better world”—Baltimore Sun
"As I read these stories, I am reminded yet again of the incredible power we
have as individuals and the multiplication of that power when we come
together. Thank you for this book of inspiring writing." --Joan Blades,
cofounder, MoveOn.org
“Think of this as a devotional for those who subscribe to the theology of liberation and social justice. Will resonate with anyone struggling with despair and doubt.”—Dallas Morning News
"Stunning insights...educational and inspirational."--Seattle Times
"A stirring collection of essays aimed at people who still want to believe
that ordinary people can change the world." --Atlanta Journal Constitution
"This inspiring collection is such a song of hope in these difficult
times--Bonnie Raitt
"For anyone worn down by Bushism, The Impossible Will Take a Little While is
a bracing double cappuccino!"--Barbara Ehrenreich
"An anthology of some of the most powerful voices of our time."--Boston
Globe
"A magnificent anthology celebrates hope, guts, and the power of taking
action.... Loeb has done us a great favor [and] compiled for us the words of
49 of the most gifted and heroic men and women of our time, 49 testimonials
to stamina and compassion in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, 49
reasons to keep hope alive in this time of frustration and fear, 49 ways to
take action..."--Pam Houston, Oprah magazine [Lead Review]
"An extremely important effort."--John Kenneth Galbraith
"A wonderful book, with some extraordinary folks contributing. It reminds us
that darkness always comes before the dawn."--Reg Weaver, president,
National Education Association
"Stop worrying, stop feeling sorry for humanity and read 'The Impossible
Will Take a Little While.'"--Chicago Tribune
"An intelligent, impressive compendium of ideas and feelings that, if
implemented, will lead to a far more civilized society." --Peter Matthiessen
"An indispensable anthology of hope and inspiration. Put away your Prozac,
and pick up The Impossible Will Take a Little While." --Arianna Huffington
"Refreshingly empowering, healing, and amazingly inspirational. It touches
the imagination, retrieves the faith, and is desperately needed by our
country to provoke new hope and meaning. It is a glass half full for the
cynic and the fearful, a compilation of vision for the complacent, and an
antidote for the despondent--truly a must read for everyone." --Steelabor,
United Steelworkers of America
"A book of essays meant to inspire people."--Christian Science Monitor
"Reading this hymnbook of hope, one's heart cannot help but sing. I am moved
and inspired by this magnificent book's rich stories and insights. They
water the fragile, precious seed of hope, from which everything we love
grows." --Vicki Robin, author, Your Money or Your Life
"Just what the doctor ordered for these depressing times: a massive infusion
of hope, written in the clearest and most inspiring prose. Do your soul a
favor and read this book." --Kevin Danaher, cofounder, Global Exchange
"A powerful chorus of hope. Loeb introduces us to a community of heroic
individuals who by their actions sustain themselves and can help inspire the
rest of us."-- Bill Meadows, president, Wilderness Society
"Captures the way the fight for decency can change people and change
circumstances, even when victory is still in the distance--Rich Trumka,
secretary--treasurer, AFL--CIO
"Everyone who believes in our humanity and the ideal of justice for all, but
feels despair by the direction the world has taken since 9/11, will find
their faith in our ability to serve the common good restored by Paul Loeb's
symphony of powerful voices." --Charles Johnson, National Book Award winner,
author of Middle Passage
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