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How does a medical school prepare students to care for individual patients while also understanding the communities and health systems surrounding them? In Episode 632 of Accepted’s Admissions Straight Talk, host Dr. Valerie Wherley speaks with Dr. Donald Batisky, associate dean of medical student admissions and special programs at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Dr. Batisky explains how Cincinnati Medicine connects foundational science with early clinical learning, teamwork, communication, advocacy, and community engagement. He discusses the school’s Learning Communities program, the “Physician and Society” course, work with community organizations, and the role of standardized patients in helping students practice clinical and communication skills before the stakes become higher.

The conversation also explores how the physician’s role is changing. Future doctors must be strong diagnosticians, but they must also understand social determinants of health, communicate across different levels of health literacy, work effectively within complex systems, and advocate for patients who face barriers to care.

For current and future medical students, Dr. Batisky shares advice on moving beyond survival to genuine growth: remember your reason for pursuing medicine, maintain relationships and interests outside school, find a personal approach to wellness, and stay connected to service. He also identifies underused opportunities, including dual-degree programs, and explains what Cincinnati Medicine seeks in applicants: academic readiness, mission alignment, teamwork, service, authenticity, and a cohesive story rather than a collection of checked boxes.

00:00 Meet Dr. Donald Batisky and Cincinnati College of Medicine

02:14 The Changing Role of the Physician

07:33 Early Clinical Learning and Standardized Patients

12:40 Learning from Cincinnati’s Communities

20:15 Building Connection and Preventing Burnout

22:42 Underused Opportunities for Cincinnati College of Medicine Students

26:27 Moving from Surviving to Thriving

34:48 What Cincinnati College of Medicine Looks for in Applicants

Related Resources:

• Donald Batisky, MD, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Office of Medical Admissions
• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Pre-Clerkship Curriculum
• “Physician and Society” Course Service-Learning Experience
• Accepted’s Medical School and Healthcare Admissions Consulting

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