Key Takeaways from the TMDSAS Presentation at TAAHP 2020

TMDSAS presented to the TAAHP membership at the yearly meeting in Galveston, TX on January 30, 2020. Below are the highlights of the presentation and key takeaways provided by the presenters. The presenters included:

• Matthew C. Meeks, M.Ed  |  TMDSAS Director
• Alanna L. Edwards  |  Operations Coordinator
• Nichole A. Castillo, M.Ed.  |  Senior Applicant Liaison

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TMDSAS Applicant Survey

In EY2019, TMDSAS launched its first applicant survey consisting of 56 questions covering the following topics: Communication, Application Resources, Application Usability, Application Guide and Other Resources, and Self-Identifying Questions. The purpose of the survey was to learn the ways in which TMDSAS applicants are using TMDSAS as an application service, to test our assumptions about the ways applicants interact with the various resources we provide, and to improve the sphere and efficacy of these resources.

 

What did we learn?

Our analysis of the survey and other data collection efforts helped us to see the areas in which we could do more. Based on that analysis, TMDSAS is now working to do the following:​

• Create Greater Visibility and Maximize Functionality of Application Resources. There are so many resources that are now available to applicants, so our focus is to ensure that applicants are aware of them as well as know how to use them. ​
• Provide greater clarity of application instructions. We are working to take any “guesswork” out of the application, by refining our instructions to be thorough, but to the point.​
• Respond to the need for Additional Guidance throughout the application process. As we all know, applicant success goes beyond the metrics. We have built the handbook around “app tips” – these are additional guidelines that provide greater context for the application questions - and we are incorporating these guidelines into our application workshops, podcasts, videos, and new website! ​
• Develop More Resources for Pre-Health Advisors. As advisors are an integral part of an applicant’s journey to professional school, we want to make every effort to provide them with support.​
• Solicit and Strategically use Feedback at every turn. Every call, email, post, and message is an opportunity to collect and assess data. TMDSAS is working to track and learn from applicant feedback – not only to enrich our resources - but to enhance organizational improvement.​

So as we start to close out EY2020, and with an eye towards the future, we are excited about the many opportunities we will have to garner feedback and the ways in which we will continue to learn.

 

Communications and App Processing Improvements

Presented by Alanna L. Edwards, Operations Coordinator

With TMDSAS' focus on how we use data to inform our practice, here is how we used feedback to transform our communications and application processing. Between a review of internal practices, the applicant survey and data from phone calls, emails, and internal messages revealed we needed to focus on developing a trusting relationship between ourselves and the applicants, as early as possible.  ​

After a review of the feedback, what did we feel we could do better? The data revealed that we needed a more direct way of communicating with applicants, and we hoped this could be solved by having a more personal approach to processing applications. We needed one single individual at TMDSAS who could connect with each applicant after processing their application so that they had someone they could contact early on in the process.​

Furthermore, the data revealed that we needed greater efficiency in communications with applicants and that we needed to connect with them individually so they could ask questions and receive personalized attention. ​

 

Our Objective

We wanted to make sure applicants knew they had a contact at TMDSAS, someone they could trust to reach out to who would have their backs and provide them with the most accurate information. We were also trying to reduce the amount of applications experiencing easily avoided problems by keeping open communication with applicants throughout the cycle. ​Our aim is:

To build a better connection with the applicant, creating a greater sense of trust in our support, and enabling them to have a smoother and more enjoyable experience.​

 

Enhanced Application Processing Today

We decided to bridge that gap between TMDSAS and the applicants. We've created new roles within the organization called "applicant liaisons." These liaisons own the entire process of application review. They begin by processing the application, then introduce themselves in a personalized message. This messages outlines next steps, what documents have been received so far, and if we need any additional items before we can transmit their application, such as residency docs. ​

​By sending applicants a personalized message, we’re looking to encourage conversation to help them through this time of uncertainty. Of course, this new process is much more time intensive; but it has been our hope that the work going in at the beginning of the cycle will result in a smoother experience for the applicant. I should note that this year, we completed processing of applications in record time. ​

 

Application Changes for Entry Year 2021

Presented by Matthew C. Meeks, M.Ed, TMDSAS Director

View all changes to the TMDSAS Application for Entry Year 2021.

 

New Schools

This year, we added Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in August 2019. ​

The University of Houston College of Medicine joined TMDSAS in February 2020. Please note that all applicants who applied through TMDSAS for Entry Year 2020 are eligible to apply to University of Houston College of Medicine.

Starting EY 2021, the Woody L Hunt School of Dental Medicine at the Texas Tech Health Science Center in El Paso will be joining TMDSAS. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the items listed, please contact TMDSAS at info@tmdsas.com.

Inside Health Education

• Topics: TMDSAS
• Authors: TXHES Admin
• Date:  March 1, 2020