Becoming a doctor is considered a noble and respected profession worldwide, demanding years of hard work, unwavering dedication, and a sincere commitment to improving human health.
Yet, for a young medical student, the journey to donning the white coat and stepping into the realm of healing is fraught with various challenges, each more complex and demanding than the last. One significant milestone in this journey is securing a residency or fellowship placement, a pivotal transition that transforms theoretical knowledge into practical, hands-on experience.
Reaching this crucial juncture is by no means a walk in the park. An exhaustive list of prerequisites awaits every aspiring resident: stringent competition for limited slots, mastering the intricacies of the application process, acing the formidable United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), and for international students, navigating the labyrinth of obtaining an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification.
Despite these obstacles, the flame of ambition continues to burn bright in the hearts of countless med students, fueling their dreams of a successful residency placement and a fulfilling medical career.
Stepping into this rigorous landscape is Dr. Michael Everest, a steadfast figure dedicated to turning students’ dreams of residency and fellowship success into reality. With the vision to empower med students with the right tools and guidance to achieve their residency goals, he started Residents Medical and the Everest Foundation.
More interestingly, however, Dr. Everest pioneered artificial intelligence in helping Residents Medical students get where they need to be.
“Imagine having a 24/7 study buddy during your college, undergraduate years, or even high school. You can have just that with Hannah,” says Dr. Everest excitedly. “Whether it’s studying late at night in your pajamas or seeking lessons and assistance from an AI Being edYOU has created, she’s always there to help and engage with you.”
The Hannah he’s referring to is an AI entity developed by edYOU Technologies, the company Dr. Everest founded mere months ago. Hannah is designed to function as a 24/7 study buddy and educational assistant. She offers personalized and continuous support for users, providing interactive communication and a unique learning experience.
“For instance, when studying, you can ask the AI to generate answers, like writing out ABC options. Moreover, during multiple-choice question preparation, the AI will assist you in selecting the correct answers, and if an answer is wrong, she will explain what went wrong and why,” Dr. Everest explains.
edYOU offers real-time data analytics to individuals while allowing them to retain complete control over their data without intending to keep it on the platform’s end. The platform provides users with their study information, allowing them to analyze their progress over time. They can review their learning journey from the past months or even years, identifying areas of weakness or subjects they excelled in.
“Our platform integrates the studying and quizzing process seamlessly. You interact with the AI directly, eliminating the need to switch between tools like studying materials, external chat GPTs, and search engines,” says Dr. Everest. “edYOU has its own patent-pending platform as well as tied into the LLM’s thus having a safe and reliable ecosystem in AI.”
It was the realization of the inherent bias and favoritism that exists toward certain ethnic groups in medical groups, particularly toward international students, which prompted Dr. Everest to act. He sought to level the playing field with Residents Medical, offering resources, a roadmap, mentoring, and a clear path toward securing medical residency, even in the face of significant time and monetary investment.
“When you have limited positions and thousands of applicants, many from prestigious institutions like UCLA, University of Chicago, Northwestern, or UCSD, it becomes challenging for individuals from countries like Sierra Leone or India to compete, Dr. Everest explains. “I sought to create opportunities and integrate these doctors into a program that provides the necessary support and test preparation, which is where Hannah comes in.”
While it might seem like the focus of Hannah and the team at edYOU is currently on medical students, the fact is that the learning platform is capable of helping more people of diverse backgrounds with diverse goals. Because of its easy-to-use interface, characterized by a human-like representation of Hannah, it might benefit people who struggle with traditional learning methods.
“Through this AI being, I witnessed how it significantly helped individuals with autism, as they found it more comfortable to relate to an AI than a human being,” says Dr. Everest. “Our approach not only benefits typical students but also supports individuals with special needs, social anxiety, dyslexia, and others who struggle with studying aloud in a classroom setting.”
With his eyes set on helping humanity and providing a voice for the marginalized and disadvantaged, there’s no doubt that Dr. Michael Everest and his teams at Residents Medical and edYOU will not rest until they help those who need it. Medical students are just the beginning. Or, as Dr. Everest put it, “We’re crafting a future where every student, irrespective of their background or circumstances, gets an equal opportunity to realize their dreams. Imagine a girl in Afghanistan who cannot go to school but can access a cell phone. She can utilize edYOU technologies to learn. That is the vision to help all to educate.”
McClatchy newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Nick Kasmik works with the Top 1% of Entrepreneurs/Business owners majority in the Ecom, coaching, and consulting industries. Currently, Nick is the head Public Relations Manager at HighKey Enterprises LLC. He can be reached at nick@highkeyagency.com.
