The majority of medical schools send out their interview invitations during the months of October through January, but this is no cause to concern if you do not receive an invite within this timeframe. It is largely dependent on the timing of when you submit your secondary applications. Oftentimes, the earlier you submit your secondary, the sooner you hear back from the institution.
Most interview invites are sent between the months of October through January; however, it depends on when the applicant submitted their primary and secondary applications. Should one submit these documents earlier in the cycle, they should expect to receive an interview invite sooner than those who submit later on. Once the individual has received their invite and completed the interviewing process, medical schools usually send out admissions decisions 2-3 weeks after the interview date.
While it is most common to receive an invite by January, some schools’ interview cycle can extend into February or March. Do not be quick to assume that this means you were not as “good” of an applicant! Your application may have simply been reviewed by the admissions committee later on, and regardless, you should be sure to enter with a positive mindset and prepared with your best foot forward with the goal of becoming accepted into medical school.
Medical schools will often provide you with a variety of interview dates to select from that can be spread out over weeks to months. While it is recommended to select an earlier date, you should always consider when you will feel most prepared and what fits in with your work or school schedule. After all, performing poorly on an earlier interview is undoubtedly less desirable than presenting yourself as a stunning candidate in a later interview.
Upon receiving an interview, your chances of being accepted into medical school rise considerably. It is difficult to state an exact percentage of your individual chance of being accepted following the interview itself, as it all comes down to how well you perform and prove your candidacy to the members of the admissions committee.
Most medical schools tend to use a few tried-and-true questions. Preparing your responses to these beforehand will go a long way in helping you answer them effectively and eloquently. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Your interview may not be limited to these questions, but this is a great place to begin your preparations!
There are a few questions that can potentially catch those who are unprepared off-guard. Knowing these ahead of time and composing your answer accordingly can help you to avoid any possible mishaps and allow you to sound more refined during your interview:
While being one of the most frequently used questions, this can also pose a great difficulty for students to respond in a manner that both answers the question and stays focused. By preparing a targeted outline beforehand, you will be less likely to ramble.
This seems very simple. However, it can be almost too easy for students to give an answer that is overused and does not truly reflect their passions, such as “I want to help others.” To provide a response that will really show your interviewer what you hope to do with your career as a physician, reflect upon experiences and people in your life which have inspired you to pursue this noble profession. Developing an answer based on that is sure to produce something unique that will give the interviewer a better idea of who you are.
This question can be especially difficult to answer, as all of these professions have the aim of helping to improve the lives of others. It can also be tasking to explain your reasoning for becoming a physician while avoiding any negative attitudes towards another profession. The best way to go about formulating a response would be to first truly understand the role of the other healthcare provider in relation to the physician, and how they each tackle the common goal of treating the patient using individual skills they have gained through their unique training paths. From there, you can draw similarities between your own interests and skills, and how they ultimately would make you better suited to a career as a physician.
One-on-one interviews can range from 20 to 60 minutes. The length of the interview does not reflect your performance. Rather, the timing depends on various factors such as the number of questions the interviewer has prepared to ask and/or how many other students he or she has to speak with that day.
The medical student ambassadors/interviewers are just as important to interact with as the faculty. Oftentimes, they do have some say in whether or not a candidate will receive an acceptance letter to join their medical school family. Below are some examples of topics to ask about that will show the medical student your interest in their program, and excitement to join their ranks:
Caribbean medical schools will often ask the same common medical school interview questions as those in the United States. However, there are a couple that may stand out, which you should prepare for:
On the day of the interview, many people find their nerves getting the best of them, causing them to fall into the trap of a few typical interview mistakes. Proper practice prior to the interview can help avoid this, as well as make you aware of what these mishaps are:
Sounding too rehearsed
While you may have prepared your answers to various questions beforehand, it is best to avoid sounding as though you are presenting a script. As you practice for your interview, try to make sure you are giving your responses in a manner that sounds fluid, natural, and conversational.
Not knowing the contents of your application
Your interviewer may ask questions regarding specific aspects or experiences highlighted in your primary and/or secondary applications. Be sure to read through them and refresh your memory of what you wrote in order to effectively speak about your application during your interview.
Not staying focused in your answers
It can be easy to ramble in response to a question such as “tell me about yourself.” Preparing an outline of what you intend to talk about for the most common questions can help you stay on track in these cases. However, be wary of sounding rehearsed, as stated earlier.
Not having a reason for attending a particular school
This question is almost inevitable in each interview, and it is important to make sure that your response reflects your knowledge and interest in the school itself. Be sure to read a little about the institution’s values and programs, so you can show the interviewer that you have done your homework on their school and have a clear goal in mind for your matriculation.
Arriving late/dressing inappropriately
It can be easy to oversleep or miss your morning alarm, but make sure to avoid doing so on the day of the interview. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at your interview 20-30 minutes before the start time. Doing so suggests an aura of professionalism and interest in their school. Dressing professionally is also a big part of the interview. You have limited time to interact with your interviewer, and first impressions make a world of difference. Please see our “what to wear” response below for a more detailed overview of how you should appear for your interview!
The Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format consists of various short assessments designed to test the applicant’s ability to handle various presented scenarios and questions. These require one to think quickly and decide on a plan of action with which to articulate clearly to the interviewer.
The most common issue that can be faced is often a result of nerves getting the best of the applicant. Oftentimes, the student may ramble in providing their response to the presented scenario and fail to make proper connections between it and their own experiences or opinions. The best way to tackle this would be to prepare prior to the interview by going through mock MMI scenarios. In these, you can practice such techniques as taking a deep breath to calm down before providing an answer, and drawing relevant parallels between your plan of action in the response and past experiences. Remember, like a traditional interview, if you fail to answer a question how you imaged, this is okay – do not let this weigh down your mind. Focus on the question at hand to knock that one out of the park!
Click Here For More Info on MMI Style Along With Example Stations and Responses.
While we may currently be in the era of COVID-19, it is still essential to develop a strong handshake for future medical school interviews and beyond. Starting off with a confident, firm handshake, eye contact, and a smile as you greet your interviewer when you first enter will go a long way in establishing a positive first impression. Regarding the handshake itself, try not to make it too limp or overly firm, this is not a competition, and you should try to be as natural as possible. It would also be in your best interest to shake hands with the interviewer at the conclusion of the interview, smile, and thank them for their time. This will again cement a positive impression of you as a potential MD/DO candidate at their school.
Should the interviewer for any reason decline to shake your hand, do not feel awkward or sheepish. Keep a focused mindset and sit down in preparation to ace your interview!
There is no need to carry an entire backpack to your interview, but there are a few essentials you should bring with you for a well-prepared, relaxed day!
As an aside, some medical school admissions departments arrange for a safe location for you to store personal items and luggage, should you be traveling for the interview.
The items needed for an MMI are exactly the same as those you should bring to any other interview. Please see our advice for “what you should bring to a medical school interview” for a more detailed outline!
On the day of the interview, you will be doing a lot of talking. By bringing a neutral bottle of water, you will be prepared in the event that your mouth dries up. While coughing during your interview is not a fast-track to an immediate rejection, it does not present well to the interviewer. Taking sips of water when appropriate will help you speak smoothly and clearly.
Another use of water in your interview can be in the event you need to take a little time to consider your response to a particularly thought-inducing question. Rather than staring into space, taking a drink of water as you internalize your answer can help you appear more composed in front of your interviewer.
Medical school interviews are nothing to sweat as long as you have prepared accordingly. Here are some helpful tips to guide you in getting ready for your big day!:
Group interviews are often structured to not only learn more about the applicants, but also observe their interactions with fellow candidates. Here are a few tips to help you stand out in the crowd:
Introduce yourself early on
The interviewers will be faced with a number of candidates to evaluate, and by introducing yourself early, you will not only ensure that they remember you, but also establish that you are confident and unafraid to take the lead.
Listen to your peers as they speak
This is just one large group conversation; make sure that you are taking interest in what your fellow candidates are saying in response to certain prompts and avoid interrupting. Interviewers will take note of your body language and how you conduct yourself, even when you are not in the spotlight.
Make sure that you balance leadership with allowing others a chance to contribute
Speaking the whole time and not letting other interviewees have a turn will give the interviewers a negative impression of you as someone who does not like to work with others. Group interviews are a good indication of how well you will collaborate with your peers later on as a medical student and physician. Giving your peers a chance to provide their input in response to a question, while also establishing your own answers, will display you as someone who will excel in a healthcare environment.
Here are three simple “do’s” you should keep in mind as you conduct yourself on interview day:
Here are a few “don’ts” that you should try to avoid:
The night before your medical school interview should be spent mainly relaxing and getting into a state of mind ready to excel. Lay out all of the items you will take with you to the interview, as well as your dry cleaned/pressed attire to ensure that it is ready for you to put on in the morning. Eat a nutritious dinner, and make sure to verbally practice your prepared responses. Most importantly, plan to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Having the proper amount of rest is essential, as it will allow you to present to the school sharp and ready to speak in favor of your candidacy for medical school.
Medical school interviews are no cause for stress or concerns as long as you follow some basic guidelines to excel. Please refer to our outline of “Medical School Interview Tips” for more information on what exactly you can do to ace your interview!
In your portfolio, you should make sure to include a few copies of your resume. This will come in handy if you see an opportunity in which to make it available to your interviewers, or to refer to it as you respond to the committee’s inquiries.
Your resume should follow the basic outline of your education, relevant experiences, research, leadership and community service, and your awards, honors, and skills.
A portfolio is essentially a nice folder in which you will carry documents that may be needed on the day of your interview. This should be simple and in a neutral color, such as a black leather. Inside your portfolio, you should place at least two copies of your resume, personal statement, primary, and secondary applications. If you conducted previous research, copies of your abstract(s) should be brought, as well. Carrying a portfolio allows you to look more prepared, professional, and interested, which are important in establishing a strong first impression.
Your appearance on the day of the interview is just as important as the responses you give to various questions. Below is a brief overview of what you can wear to ensure that you are dressed as nicely as your application:
Men
Select a well-fitting suit in a neutral color such as black, navy blue, or dark gray. It is a good idea to have it tailored in order to ensure that the shoulders and pants fit properly, so you are not tempted to fidget or adjust your clothing on the day of your interview. Your shirt should be a lighter color, such as white or light blue, with a tie that is of a contrasting color in either a solid or simple, undistracting pattern.
Women
You have the option to either select a well-fitting pantsuit following the same guidelines as the male suggestions above (neutral colored with a white or light blue shirt), with the exception of wearing a tie. You may also choose to wear a skirt with a neutral colored blouse; however, be sure that your skirt falls to knee length and your neckline is not too low. Dressing modestly helps exude an air of professionalism and will allow you to focus on the interview rather than adjusting to avoid any wardrobe malfunctions. Hair can be worn either down or tied back. If you have a habit of playing with it when nervous or in thought, it may be best to tie it up to avoid doing so. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and simpler pieces should be favored. Nails should be short and kept either natural, or painted a neutral color.
On the day of the interview, the admissions team will meet and interact with many hopeful premeds. To avoid being lost in the crowd, try to keep in mind these helpful tips to shine:
Everyone from the school is part of the interview team
Medical school is not just a place to learn more about the human body, disease, and cures. Rather, it is also a home away from home, made up of a close-knit family. The way in which you interact with those who are a part of it outside of the interview room itself can greatly determine your placement, so make sure to be respectful to all you come into contact with. You never know who is watching!
Prepare for your interview beforehand and use personalized anecdotes
By rehearsing your answers to common questions, and paying attention to speaking them in a natural and fluid manner, you will come off as being very composed before the interviewers in what is undoubtedly a stressful situation. Mentioning your own individual experiences on top of that to solidify any points you make can further help the interviewer remember you in the midst of speaking with a myriad of candidates.
Understand what the school has to offer to its students
Doing your homework on the program prior to walking in on your interview day will provide you with an additional tool with which to communicate to the admissions team. It ultimately allows you to ask insightful questions at the end of your interview, as well as during any potential presentations or tours, effectively conveying your interest in attending their medical school.
Your interviewer will interact with and meet plenty of hopeful pre-meds throughout the admissions cycle! By sending out a thank you note to each individual who interviews you, you ensure that he or she remembers you specifically, and more importantly, allows you to thank the interviewer for taking the time to get to know you as an applicant. Try to have this sent in no later than 3 days after your interview. Here is an example for you to emulate:
Dear Dr. Smith,
Thank you very much for taking the time to meet with me on September 25th. I greatly enjoyed speaking with you and learning more about Motivate MD University’s dedication to serving the underserved, which perfectly aligns with my own interests and aspirations to resolve disparities in healthcare across various socioeconomic backgrounds. I especially appreciated the on-campus free clinic, where I could both practice skills learned in class and further the efforts to improve the health of the surrounding community.
It was an honor to be invited to Motivate MD University. If you have any questions, or would like additional information to support my candidacy, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] / (123) 456-7890.
Best regards,
Student
Dermatology
Former Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
OBGYN
Former Medical School: The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Dermatology
Former Medical School: Saint Louis University
Admissions Committee Experience
Pediatric
Former Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Admissions Committee Experience
Internal Medicine
Former Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Admissions Committee Experience
Creighton University School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Virginia Commonwealth University
Admissions Committee Experience
Columbia University
Admissions Committee Experience
Keck
School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Tulane University School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Emergency Medicine Resident
Former Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Internal Medicine Resident
Former Medical School: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine
Radiology Resident
Former Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine
The Robert Larner College of Medicine
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Tufts University School of Medicine
Duke University School of Medicine
Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center
University of California San Diego School of Medicine
NEOMED
George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences
Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Harvard Medical School
University of Arizona, College of Medicine Phoenix
Medical College of Wisconsin
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
Rush Medical College
University of Rochester School of Medicine
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
University of Arizona, College of Medicine Phoenix
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
MD/PhD
Emory University School of Medicine
University of South Carolina School of Medicine-Greenville
Admissions Committee Experience
Emory
Rush Medical College
Penn State College of Medicine
MD/MPH Student
The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York
The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Rush Medical College
University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU
Internal Medicine
Former Medical School: Burrell
Western University of Health Sciences
Internal Medicine
Former Medical School: CCOM
Dermatology Resident
Former Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine
OBGYN Resident
Former Medical School: Pritzker School of Medicine
Hi! My name is Akosua, I am currently an OBGYN resident and went to medical student at The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. I received my Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 2016 and graduated summa cum laude. Mentorship has been and continues to be an important part of my life. In college, I was part of an organization called Empowering, Encouraging, Eliminating Barriers in which I was a mentor to high school girls interested in STEM careers. As a first-year medical student, I was paired with a UChicago undergraduate student through the Minority Association of Premedical Students and have been mentoring her since then.
The summer after my first year, I was paired with a student who was completing a pipeline program here at Pritzker and I have been mentoring her since then. I have also acted as a mentor informally to several undergraduate students who applied during the 2020-2021 cycle, all of whom have been accepted to various medical schools.
I was a non-traditional applicant. I took two years off after undergrad to engage in research at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. My projects focused on exploring the effects of a global, systemic injury in rodent models to mimic premature birth in humans. I was able to publish a few original science and review papers during this time.
In 2021 I took a year off to complete a Master’s in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the Motivate MD team. I know firsthand how important it is to have guidance during this process and look forward to helping you with your pre-med journey!
Pediatric Resident
Former Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School
Hi! My name is Sam, I am a pediatric resident and went to medical school at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Prior to medical school, I studied biology and global health at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. Outside of my studies, I participated in research, volunteered at a non-profit organization focused on women’s health, served as a hospice volunteer, and spent a summer interning at a rural family medicine clinic. I also stayed connected to my childhood passion of figure skating by coaching private skating lessons for both children and adults. Helping skaters overcome their fears and build confidence overtime, by maintaining a fun, encouraging learning environment, was the most rewarding part of being a coach. My experiences as a skating coach, as well as my gratitude for my own mentors, motivated me to volunteer as a mentor for pre-medical students through the American Medical Student Association during my first year of medical school. As a first year medical student, I also received mentorship from a second year medical student through my school’s peer mentorship program. My role as a mentee heightened my appreciation for the support and guidance that mentorship provides, and I now serve as a mentor for two first year medical students through this program. I absolutely love being a part of the Motivate MD team and look forward to working with you!
Creighton University School of Medicine
Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a medical student at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix. I am originally from rural Pennsylvania. I attended Canisius College in Buffalo, NY where I majored in biology and psychology and minored in neuroscience and neuropsychology, graduating summa cum laude from the All-College Honors Program. While at Canisius, I volunteered as a NICU cuddler, worked as an emergency room scribe and a medical assistant in an urgent care, participated in a Remote Area Medical clinic and Costa Rica medical service trip, and worked on social psychology research. I also was a cheerleader.
While at Canisius, I enjoyed serving in multiple leadership and mentoring roles. I became a tutor for biology and psychology and a biology teaching assistant. Additionally, my last two years, I was president of the pre-health club on campus. As president, I established and organized a mentoring program with junior and senior pre-health students serving as mentors to freshmen and sophomores with similar interests as well as facilitated a mentoring speaker series that allowed medical, dental, veterinary, and physician assistant students to provide mentorship to all four classes. In addition to establishing the program, I served as a mentor, helping pre-medical students plan their course schedules, find clinical and volunteer experiences, and begin building a strong medical application. Since beginning my journey at Creighton, I have served as a volunteer mentor to pre-health students in Arizona, joined the Admissions Committee at Creighton as a student interviewer, and have loved my time editing, advising, and doing interview prep for pre-health students through Motivate MD!
As a first-generation college graduate from a rural area with no family members in medicine, I understand how hard it can be to navigate the pre-medical path. Inspired by the amazing mentorship that I received in undergrad, I would love the opportunity to support you on your journey into medicine!
Virginia Commonwealth University
Admissions Committee Experience
Hello! My name is Madihah, and I’m currently a 4th year medical student at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. I also went to VCU for my undergraduate education and graduated with university honors in the major of psychology and minors in biology and chemistry. In college, I was involved with volunteering at free health clinics, elementary schools, and non-profit organizations. I participated in leadership roles for non-profit organizations, United2Heal and Project Sunshine. In medical school, I joined the national board of directors for United2Heal. Another passion of mine is clinical research, and I have had the great opportunity to pursue various projects to enhance patient care. I have presented my projects at many national conferences. I recently applied for the residency match in internal medicine and am looking forward to starting the next chapter in my medical career!
I have a passion for mentoring and guiding aspiring medical students. My family and friends always refer pre-med students to me for mentorship, MCAT prep, editing applications, and interview prep. As an Admissions ambassador and tour guide at my medical school, I have the opportunity to actively participate in the admissions process. I am trained in the various interview styles with the admissions committee and would love to help you succeed in your interview!
Aside from academics, I love spending time with my family and friends, exploring new restaurants and dessert places, adventuring in the outdoors, and traveling (studied abroad in Spain for a semester). My goal as a physician is to commit myself to patient care, continual learning, and the advancement of medicine. I am so grateful to be a part of the Motivate MD team to help utilize my experiences and assist you in feeling confident for your medical school interviews! I will be your biggest cheerleader and help you be prepared for the interview! 😊
Columbia University
Admissions Committee Experience
Hi, my name is Emily and I am a medical student at Columbia University in New York City. I graduated from Yale University with a degree in English after which I worked for both a technology startup and human rights nonprofit in New York City for about 4 years. After deciding that I wanted to become a doctor, I completed a year-long post-baccalaureate premedical program at Bryn Mawr College prior to starting at Columbia. My research and extracurricular experiences in medical school have centered around my interest in reproductive health and justice, and I hope to pursue a career in this area. I have professionally tutored, mentored and coached students for over 5 years, and I bring my background in both the humanities and sciences as well as my varied professional history to my approach to working with students and supporting their goals.
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Admissions Committee Experience
Hi! My name is Kate and I’m a current medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City! I’m originally from Kingsport, Tennessee and attended Clemson University where I completed my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in Applied Health Research.
I have many years of experience as an advisor and mentor, mainly through working as study abroad ambassador and as a peer tutor and peer mentor through a Women in Engineering organization at my school. Later in college, I also worked as a teaching assistant for a challenging chemical engineering course in my degree. I also volunteered my time as a tour guide and was able to provide loads of advice and guidance to future students through that role.
While finishing my master’s degree at Clemson University, I worked as a scribe at a gastroenterology clinic to boost my clinical experience hours. During this time, I also served as a mentor and health coach for a local volunteer organization with a mission to help people get off of government assistance.
At Clemson, I had multiple research experiences ranging from social psychology to OB/GYN clinical research. I was also heavily involved with STEM outreach at local schools, ran a pitch competition, and volunteered as a conversational partner for international students who were learning English. I also spent the summer after I graduated college working at Interlochen Arts Camp as a camp counselor and reigniting my passion for theatre and the arts.
I have had a slightly more non-traditional path to medicine (engineering degree/extracurriculars, taking a year to do a master’s, working at an arts camp), and I have a lot of experience in how to best weave together your own unique story in order to stand out to admissions committees. As a current medical student, I now spend my time working as an Admissions Ambassador and serving as a mentor to incoming students. I also currently interview for my medical school and so I can provide a lot of insight as I’ve sat on both sides of the Zoom interview screen.
I look forward to helping you put your best foot forward in your applications and interviews for medical school!
Tulane University School of Medicine
Hello, Hello!!! My name is Ajibola (Aji), and I am a General Surgery resident at the University of Arkansas and went to medical school at Tulane University School of Medicine (TUSOM). I completed my undergraduate degree at Transylvania University (Transy), a small liberal arts college in Kentucky. At Transy, I majored in Biology and had a minor in Chemistry. While I have served as a mentor to my younger brothers all my life, it was in college that I got to hone my mentorship skills. I served as a mentor to incoming first-year students from various backgrounds, providing them with the necessary resource and support to help with their transition into college. In addition, I also served as a peer tutor and assisted fellow students with their chemistry assignments.
After graduating from college, I joined a research lab at the University of Arkansas to pursue a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular biology. My research work on the involvement of the mitochondrial genome in the development of the early-onset neurodegenerative disease, Leigh syndrome, resulted in several first-author publications. During this period, I mentored several undergraduate students, some of whom were honors students. Under my mentorship, these students were able to successfully design and execute research projects that culminated in an honors thesis.
In medical school, I was heavily involved in assisting two pre-meds with their medical school application. Both students have had a successful application season and will be enrolling in medical school in the fall. As a non-traditional applicant, I understand how stressful the process is, and I have been lucky to have had great support along the treacherous path to medical school. It is for this reason that I am excited to provide the same level of support and guidance to other future physicians through Motivate MD. I look forward to working with you and helping you on this journey!
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Hi! My name is Ankitha Iyer and I am a Neurosurgery resident at the University of Texas Medical Branch. I received a B.S in Emergency Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh in 2019. Before medical school, I took a gap year where I worked as an Advanced Critical Care Patient Care Technician in the Medical ICU at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. In my time at the University of Pittsburgh I was a teaching assistant for four courses, and part of the Delta Epsilon Mu Pre-Health Fraternity, where I served as a mentor for several younger premed students. Additionally, I served with Jumpstart, an early education Americorps program for underserved preschool kids, started a non-profit organization that catered to the emotional health of Senior Citizens, and engaged in Cardiology, Public Health and Cognitive Neuroscience research. In my time in college, I have mentored a variety of students specifically on how to engage in active, entrepreneurial service and leadership while exploring their path towards medicine. Mentorship is a very important method for me to disseminate the knowledge I wish I had received from a mentor myself.
At Wake Forest School of Medicine, I was a part of the executive board of the General Surgery Interest group and OASIS Anthology of Medical Humanities. I mentored an underserved undergraduate premed student at Wake Forest University through the Mentoring the Pipeline organization. I was also involved with both Head and Neck Radiation Oncology and Neurosurgery research projects. I owe who I am today to the mentors who have provided me their unwavering support and guided me through times of uncertainty. I hope to provide you the same strategic mentorship to be a driven, proactive, and pioneering future student doctor!
University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
Hello! My name is Uma and I am a medical student at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine. I graduated from Duke University Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Neuroscience and minors in Biology and Psychology. I have over 5 years of experience working with pre-health students applying to college and graduate admissions and I am excited to guide you on your medical school application journey!
During my undergraduate years, I was involved in clinical Neuroscience research as well as volunteer work at the Duke Children’s Hospital. After graduating from Duke, I took a gap year where I worked as a Medical Technician at an allergy clinic.
As a first generation medical student, mentorship has been pivotal to my journey and I am excited at the opportunity to assist others. In my role as a mentor, I have enjoyed building relationships with mentees, understanding their goals, and providing customized assistance and resources to help them succeed. For many people, the medical school application process can be daunting, but I believe that it can also be an exciting time to showcase your application to the admissions committees. I am very passionate about storytelling and I believe that every person has a unique narrative to share. I am looking forward to working together to best present your story to schools and help you stand out on your path to medical school!
Emergency Medicine Resident
Former Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
My name is Jamie, I am an Emergency Medicine resident and went to medical school at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine (CCOM). I completed my undergraduate education at Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Exercise Science. I took 1 gap year before starting medical school. During my gap year, I continued working at a hospital in Northern Chicago as an Emergency Room technician, while completing research in T-cell mediated cancer therapy. Currently, I am working on my manuscript for publication of a systematic literature review on various prediction models for severe illnesses caused by COVID-19. I have always valued the impact that my mentors have had on my own journey to medical school, so I want to help other students in the same way. During my undergraduate years, I worked with the writing center on our campus to help students brainstorm ideas, cohesively write a paper, and edit grammar and punctuation to polish off their papers. I also helped out in the pre-med office where I gained extensive insight into the application process and what goes into making a competitive applicant for medical school. Since starting medical school, I have become a pre-med mentor for undergraduate students at the University of Iowa who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, and I help direct them in their path and the application process. I am also a CCOM peer mentor, where I am paired with a first year medical student to assist them with their transition to medical school through building connections and fostering a sense of community. Finally, I did one-on-one tutoring for first year medical students at CCOM to help aid their success in their classes as they transition to life in medical school!
Radiology Resident
Former Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine
Hi, my name is Priya Dave and I am currently a preliminary medicine intern at Mount Sinai, where I graduated from medical school in 2023. I am excited to start diagnostic radiology residency at the Mayo Clinic later this year! Before medical school, I majored in Medical Humanities. I built upon these experiences by pursuing a Master’s in Bioethics at Harvard Medical School and spending time at the Oxford University Ethox Center, developing my research interests in artificial intelligence ethics and moral distress. I enjoy serving on the Board of Governors of the American Osler Society, an organization dedicated to medical humanities and history. I also actively lead and participate in radiology and medical humanities initiatives.
I enjoy using my background in the humanities to create personal statements that capture stories and journies succinctly and meaningfully. I especially enjoy the brainstorming process and synthesizing ways to make seemingly unconnected aspects of an application come together.
The Robert Larner College of Medicine
Hello! I’m Zain, a fourth-year student at the Robert Larner M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington. My journey in medicine began with my early immigrant experiences, instilling in me a drive to make a global impact.
During my undergraduate years at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I was honored to intern at the Pediatric Anesthesia Clinical and Research Internship (PACaRI) at Boston Children’s Hospital in 2017. This transformative experience shaped my vision for the future and fueled my commitment to a career in medicine. Inspired by a passion for global health, I collaborated with Doctors Without Borders on vaccination projects in the developing world.
Graduating summa cum laude from UMass Amherst, I dedicated my gap year to meaningful endeavors, contributing to health literacy projects at the Worcester Free Clinic Coalition and organizing relief aid projects with Helping Hand for Relief and Development in areas affected by disasters and conflicts.
Before entering medical school, I founded S.P.I.K.E, a mentorship organization providing application assistance to students from first-generation and refugee backgrounds in Worcester, Massachusetts, gaining extensive experience in the process. I have learned a great deal being a mentor on the leadership board of S.P.I.K.E and hope to use those skills to help you get into your dream medical programs!
More recently in medical school, my commitment to global surgery led me to Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and Harvard Medical School’s Program for Global Surgery and Social Change. Additionally, I was selected as a prestigious FAER MSARF scholar and presented research on sleep and postoperative neurocognitive outcomes at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ meeting in 2021. Currently, I am developing an Anesthesia Online Learning Community with a team at BCH and will present my research at the 18th World Congress of Anesthesiologists in 2024.
Yale School of Medicine
Hi! My name is Rhys (pronounced like “Reese’s Pieces”) and I am a medical student at Yale School of Medicine.
I have upwards of 9 years experience mentoring peers, most recently aiding students through the premedical path at my undergrad. I also have worked as an executive function/planning tutor for Los Angeles area high school and college students. Earlier in college, I worked as a research aide/teaching assistant helping students leverage “writing-to-learn” in order to improve their understanding of complex concepts.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering and Health Policy from the University of Southern California in 2021, I took a gap year primarily to scribe at a pediatric clinic to boost my clinical experience hours and to continue to work on a philanthropic start-up I co-founded while at USC.
At USC, I had multiple research experiences ranging from biomedical device research in a hybrid wet lab to policy analysis. I also was heavily involved in pro-bono consulting for non-profits and social enterprises.
I have personal experience approaching the common “Why Medicine?” question from a non-traditional angle (engineering major/activities and low clinical hours compared to non-clinical), tying in a non-standard major “X factor” extracurricular into the overall theme of an application, and expressing interest in dual degrees/interdisciplinary medical careers (policy, public health etc).
I look forward to helping you plan for and execute your unique path to medical school!
University of Washington School of Medicine
Hello! My name is Leah and I am a medical student at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine.
My love for teaching has been a common thread throughout my educational journey. I began peer mentoring early entrance undergraduate students by the time I was a sophomore in college. I spent several summers teaching enrichment classes about philosophy, robotics, and debate for children aged 4-12. After graduating from UW in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I spent a year as an instructor, teaching MCAT test preparation courses and advising pre-medical students.
In terms of other extracurriculars, I was involved in a plethora of research projects, ranging anywhere from quality improvement (finding ways to improve physician hand hygiene compliance!) to bench research about the neuropathology of aging. I was also a UW student senator, president of our school’s suicide awareness advocacy group, and a volunteer at multiple homeless shelters. Although my pre-med extracurriculars were kind of all over the place, I believe they spoke to the person I was – a growing, changing human being that was pursuing all the things she was curious and passionate about. I truly believe there is a story behind everybody’s pre-med journey, and I am excited to help future doctors articulate theirs!
One unique aspect of my application: as an early entrance college student, I started my undergraduate at UW at 16 years old. Because of this, when I applied to medical school, people frequently questioned my maturity level and readiness to become a physician. Interviewers’ first impressions are so critical to an applicant’s success and often set the tone for the interview itself. I have extensive experience carefully phrasing essays and interview responses so that I can re-direct interviewers away from their initial impression and toward my achievements, life experience, and resilience. If for any reason, you are worried about what interviewers will think of you before they even get to meet you, I would love to help!
While staying true to your story and the person you are, I am committed to keeping you one step ahead, so that you can walk into interview day confident and ready for anything.
Duke University School of Medicine
Hi everyone! My name is Ivana, and I am a current medical student at Duke University School of Medicine. I attended Duke University for undergrad as well, where I graduated summa cum laude with double majors in Biology and Spanish and a minor in Chemistry. I then took one gap year before coming to medical school, where I worked as a Spanish teacher, volunteered with my leadership club (Leaders UNITE), and wrote the early drafts of my first full-length novel. In college, I was passionate about volunteering/mentorship for middle/high school students as well as clinical research on health disparities in the Latinx community. I am fortunate to be able to continue both of these interests in medical school as well. DukeMed’s MS3 year is a research year, and I became so interested in my research on the effect of acculturative stress on mental health service use in the Latinx community that I chose to do an additional research year as an MS3+ student. In medical school, I am also the Student Chair of DukeMed’s Curriculum Committee. Outside of medical school, I love to write, and I am currently pursuing writing as an additional professional career.
Among my variety of interests, my two greatest passions have always been mentorship and writing. Regarding mentorship and advising, I have been a freelance college/medical school essay editor, application advisor, and interview prep instructor for over three years. I have also been a DukeMed Admissions Liaison for the past three and a half years, as well as a premed mentor for Duke undergraduate students through the Medtor program. I am also a Duke University undergraduate admissions interviewer. Outside of the premed realm, I have also spent the past eleven years mentoring students of all ages through the leadership club that I founded, Leaders UNITE. In Leaders UNITE, I help students identify their own unique strengths and assist them in utilizing their individual strengths to excel inside and outside of the classroom. I adopt a similar mindset for medical school advising: I hope to help highlight students’ unique stories, skills, and passions in their application. In addition to my writing experience as an essay editor, I am also pursuing writing as a professional career. I am currently submitting my debut novel to literary agents with hopes of getting my novel published! I was also extremely fortunate to recently receive the Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship during the summer of 2023—a scholarship given to a medical student who demonstrates an interest in the arts or cultural pursuits outside of medicine. It’s safe to say that writing will always have a very special place in my heart!
As an essay editor, advisor, and interview prep coach for Motivate MD, I hope to continue drawing upon my passion and unique approach to mentorship, as well as my writing experience to help highlight your unique strengths and stories to medical schools during the admissions process. Additionally, as a second-generation immigrant who went through the premed and medical school application process without much knowledge beforehand, I also hope to provide you with as much guidance as I can regarding the entire process. Regardless of where you are in your journey, I am so excited to work with you and to cheer you on as you pursue your dreams!
Long School of Medicine
Hi! I’m Marilynn, an incoming PGY-1 in Pediatrics at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. I graduated from UTHealth – Long School of Medicine in San Antonio, TX and majored in Biology at UT Austin. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, particularly creative writing and films, and through serving as an essay editor for college and medical school applicants, I developed a skill for helping others articulate their personal stories in a compelling and genuine way.
Having once been a reapplicant myself, I know what it’s like to feel discouraged by setbacks. But I also know how to turn those moments into growth. My journey, shaped by my commitment to mental health, health equity, and service, has taught me the power of resilience and reflection. I’m excited to support you in building an application that not only stands out, but truly represents who you are.
University of California San Diego School of Medicine
NEOMED
Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Hi everyone! My name is Allie, and I am a Family Medicine resident at Sutter Santa Rosa UCSF and went to medical school at Loyola Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. My long and winding journey to medicine began at thirteen when my mom suffered sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital and ended up living to be the first to survive without brain damage at that hospital due to the application of the novel hypothermia protocol. After her recovery, I recognized the significant lack of CPR education within my community and began working to implement sustainable community CPR training programs alongside the American Heart Association.
At just thirteen, I had no idea this formative experience would help guide my future career aspirations. This influenced me to pursue further education in psychology and chemistry at the University of Oregon where I truly developed a love that thrived where the physical sciences and behavioral sciences intersected. After my first year of college, I still had no idea what I wanted to do but had a strong underlying passion for service, so I took a leap and worked and lived on the Navajo Nation in construction and community building. This was so far out of my comfort zone but illuminated so many health disparities between populations living just miles away from each other. It spurred in me a desire to form a foundation in medicine grounded in culturally competent patient care and led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Global Medicine at USC Keck School of Medicine. This program offered so many unique opportunities to learn how to be a better patient advocate through hands on, didactic, and research experiences. Through my research at USC Keck School of Medicine and LAC+ USC Department of Pediatrics, I began to better understand the morbidity and mortality associated with certain indicators of health in neonates. From this, I published and presented upwards of ten abstracts and two manuscripts at national and international Pediatric conferences and was given the opportunity to guide others in their research endeavors. I continued to ponder the global and cultural relevance of this research, and eventually travelled to Panama to work in infant health delivery and education alongside a rural indigenous community. During my two gap years I took time to travel (and rest!) while working in a local community hospital and an adolescent psychiatric facility, both of which were hit hard by COVID. This experience and many others truly guided my desire to go into resource limited medicine and work within a diverse community to provide culturally appropriate care.
As a medical student I loved getting the opportunity to develop and grow alongside other students and work alongside the admissions department at my school–offering insight regarding the community that Stritch has built for its students. In the past I have worked as both a tutor and a teacher, and currently am a Barre instructor, so I find such satisfaction in teasing out the intricacies and strengths of each individual to put each piece of the puzzle together in a way that allows the overall image to shine brighter.
University of Arizona, College of Medicine Phoenix
Hi everyone! My name is Adina and I am a medical student at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine Phoenix! Having just gone through the medical school cycle during COVID-19, I am very well versed in all things application-related. I graduated with honors as the only recipient of the Franklin Henry Award from UC Berkeley in May 2020 with a degree in Integrative Biology. During my one gap year, I worked as head medical and surgical assistant at a dermatology office in the Bay Area, leading the mentorship program for all undergraduate interns including mentoring and advising for pre-med and pre-PA students.
Coming from a family with no members in medicine, I understand the struggles of navigating the complex pre-medical pathways successfully. At UC Berkeley, I loved serving in multiple leadership and mentor positions including President of the Integrative Biology Students, Director for the Campus-Wide Pre Health Student Council, Vice President of the American Medical Women’s Association, and really valued helping students with class scheduling, gaining research, and clinical experiences. As a previous campus representative for an MCAT test prep company, I have over 3 years of experience and extensive training with MCAT scheduling and study plans. Outside of pre-med classes at UC Berkeley, I was very passionate about my clinical research at UCSF (including one acknowledgment in Nature) and my sorority involvement! In my free time, I enjoy fitness, healthy cooking, and playing mahjong!
I am here to advise you, support you, and be your #1 cheerleader. I will bring my unparalleled positive energy, extensive experience with extracurriculars/clinical hours, meticulous goal-setting, and friendship to our sessions! I want to help you tell your story and make sure you are as prepared as possible for a successful application cycle, including helping cultivate resilience with any challenges that are presented. I look forward to working with you!
Medical College of Wisconsin
Hello! My name is Natalie, I’m a medical student at Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) in Milwaukee, WI. Prior to medical school, I went to undergrad at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where I majored in Biology with minors in Neuroscience and Spanish. There, I was a Golden Gopher student-athlete all four years, in addition to pursuing research in osteosarcoma and volunteering at the local children’s hospital. I graduated from undergrad in 2020 and worked as a medical scribe in the ED throughout my gap year. During this time, I re-applied to medical schools for a second cycle that ended up being drastically different from my first (confirmation that you can absolutely have great success even if you hit some bumps in the road)! I have been lucky to have significant experiences cultivating some of the “softer skills” important in medicine, including teamwork, connection, humility, compassion, etc. and love to reflect and explore these concepts with applicants! In addition to having worked with Motivate MD for the past three cycles, I have held mentorship roles as a “Big Sib”, Near-Peer Mentor, and interest group co-president during medical school. I am the first person in my family to pursue medicine, so I really enjoy being able to share my knowledge of the process with others!
All in all, I’ve done a little bit of everything, and consider myself to be pretty well-rounded! I’m a big proponent of taking the stress out of applying, out of being in medicine in general, and am always happy to share the experiences I have had along this journey. Outside of med school, you can find me doing research, involved with the Kern National Network for Flourishing in Medicine, training for triathlons, baking, or knitting/crocheting. I look forward to working with you, and good luck on your journey!
Anesthesiology
Dr. Moore is an Anesthesiology resident at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Rush Medical College. Her commitment to mentoring students applying to medical school and residency has resulted in successful outcomes, with many students receiving acceptances to MD and DO programs. As a member of the Motivate MD team, she is eager to utilize her experiences to provide support to pre-medical students, fostering hope and confidence as they pursue their journey towards becoming a physician.
University of Rochester School of Medicine
Child Neurology
Hi there! My name is Olivia. I am currently a Child Neurology residency and graduated from University of Rochester School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Rochester Institute of Technology in three years (2020), followed by a Master of Science in Health and Well-being Management (2021).
My passion for mentorship ignited during my time at RIT, where I served as a peer mentor in the Academic Success Center. From cultivating effective study skills to aiding in goal setting, I enjoyed the collaborative nature of mentoring and assisting other students with achieving their goals. This commitment extended to my role as a teaching assistant in various undergraduate courses. Alongside my mentorship pursuits, I engaged in various activities including volunteering with the on-campus ambulance, health coaching, and working as a medical scribe.
During my undergraduate years, I also discovered a newfound interest in global health, resulting in a research trip to Ghana and co-authorship of a publication. This passion inspired my pursuit of a master’s degree, driven by the desire to acquire comprehensive knowledge in global health and healthcare administration.
Entering medical school, my commitment to mentorship persisted. I have actively participated in programs guiding middle and high school students aspiring to enter the medical field. This involvement has allowed me not only to mentor students, but to teach and develop curriculum in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Additionally, to further explore my interest in global health, I am getting involved in international neurological research.
Understanding the challenges inherent to pursuing a career in the medical field, I thoroughly enjoy both sharing my journey and mentoring others through their own. Medicine is undeniably a collaborative effort. I am thrilled to be a part of the Motivate MD team and look forward to helping you achieve your goals!
University of Arizona, College of Medicine Phoenix
Mentorship and advising:
Other things before medical school:
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Hello! My name is Michaela Farrell, I am a medical student at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Prior to medical school, I worked as a scribe in the emergency department for several years, and then in my gap year worked as a nursing assistant in the ICU. During that time, I also worked as a respite care provider for an individual with a TBI, volunteered in different community projects, and did research in the efficacy of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy in HER2+ breast cancer. My current research is in environmental sustainability in healthcare, where we are working on implementing different practices to reduce the negative impact healthcare has on our planet. I am also involved with the organization Girls on the Run as a running coach to elementary school girls. I have plenty of experience with the application process, as I applied during two cycles, one of which was prior to the pandemic and one during. I have previous experience in advising students applying to medical school unofficially through my undergraduate university as well as through my job as a scribe, in which many coworkers were applying to school and asked me for advice about the process. My friends and family have also referred many people to me to advise them about the application process.
The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
Hello! My name is Bridget and I am a medical student at Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin. I attended University of San Diego for undergrad where I majored in Behavioral Neuroscience and minored in Philosophy. I then completed a master’s degree in Biology at the University of Texas at Tyler. Following this, I worked for three years in academic molecular biology research while applying to medical school. As a premed, I volunteered in a pediatric ED, was a companion for hospice patients, and participated in Medical Brigades. As a medical student, I am part of leadership for the Addiction Medicine Interest Group and participate in Hematology/Oncology research. I really enjoy working with students to highlight their strengths and experiences through storytelling in their application. As a reapplicant myself, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate the application process and love helping students work to improve their application and be more confident to apply the next cycle.
Emory
Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a third year medical student at Emory School of Medicine. Prior to medical school, I attended Williams College, where I studied Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry, as well as a dual major in English Literature. While at Williams, I served as a Junior Advisor, living with and providing peer support to a group of first year students as they navigated their first year of college. I also served as a lab TA in the Chemistry department.
After graduation, I completed a Master’s degree in Narrative Medicine, a medical humanities discipline devoted to better understanding the role of listening and storytelling in medical spaces. Much of my interest within the program focused on understanding and supporting the narratives of vulnerable populations in the health care system, especially focusing on intersectional narratives of disability. After completing this degree, I spent two years conducting clinical research in neuromuscular disease at Boston Children’s Hospital. Now as a medical student at Emory, I am a peer mentor, paired with a first-year student to help them transition to medical school and find community.
My studies and experiences have allowed me to build a more holistic approach to medicine, and now drive me to help others craft their own narratives during the application process. This process can be daunting, and it can be hard to feel connected to all of the work you have put in. I hope to provide any support and guidance I can as you navigate this process, and I look forward to helping you tell your story!
Rush Medical College
Hi all! My name is Haley and I’m a medical student at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL. My path to medical school has been challenging to say the least and I feel incredibly honored to be able to use my experience to advise others on their own journey to medicine. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin with my bachelor’s in Sociology and certificates in Gender & Women’s Studies and Global Health. In college, I most enjoyed being involved in my community which led me to experiences such as working with students at an adult English Second Language school, volunteering as a medical assistant in a free clinic and serving as a support advocate on a crisis helpline. After graduating, my passions for service and mentorship led me to dedicate a year of service with AmeriCorps in Louisiana where I was a 3rd grade math instructor and near-peer mentor. I know from my own experience just how crucial it is to have reliable mentorship and advising while navigating the complex process of medical school applications, and I look forward to having that opportunity to support you on your journey to medicine!
MD/MPH Student
The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York
MD/MPH student at The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University in New York
I believe that I am where I am and all that I have accomplished is due to the help, guidance, and advice I received from my mentors from all aspects of life, whether it be friends who had gone through this, my professors, current medical students, residents, and more. Hence, I have always had a strong held value of paying it forward, which I have done in several ways. Below are some of the relevant ways for this specific role:
Young Jains of America (YJA) – Jain Mentorship Program (JMP) – I have served as a STEM Mentor as part of a national cultural organization called the Young Jains of America’s established mentorship program. As a mentor, I had periodic calls with my mentees who ranged from high school students applying to college, to pre-meds seeking advice on extracurriculars, MCAT preparation, as well as current applicants applying to medical schools. I shared useful resources, and edited essays, activities, as well as letters of continued interests for students applying to college and medical schools once I submitted my primary and secondary applications in August 2021. I also performed mock interviews with them once I was done with my interview cycle a few months ago. Personal: I also edited several personal statements, AMCAS activities as well as secondary essays of friends applying during my cycle as well as editing the same for friends and family applying during this current 2022-23 cycle.
Mentoring In Medicine, Bronx, NY. As a mentor, I mentored underrepresented NYC middle/high school students on research projects to empower them to consider medical careers. I advised them on the whole undergraduate pre-medical curriculum as well as the medical school admissions process.
Boston University – Biomedical Engineering Society, Boston, MA Even as a peer mentor, due to my true love for mentorship and academic planning, I enjoyedI advising biomedical engineering underclassmen about extracurriculars, research, volunteering, and leadership roles to get involved if they were intending to pursue graduate education, especially if they were planning on intending to go to medical school.
Boston University – Technology Innovation Scholars Program (TISP), Boston, MA. As an Inspirational Ambassador, I visited several middle and high schools in the underprivileged parts of the Boston area and performed interactive hands-on design/engineering activities with high school students on STEM innovation. Through this, I met several high school students who reached out to me seeking help on their personal statements as well as college interviews (for some of the highly competitive undergraduate schools) so have had experiences with editing, advising, and interview prepping at the undergraduate level as well.
Some more info:
TCU & UNTHSC School of Medicine in Fort Worth Texas
Hi! My name is Sereena and I’m currently a graduating medical student at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas. I currently serve on my school’s admissions committee and was previously an admissions ambassador, so I have a fair amount of experience calming nerves before a medical school interview and am familiar with what schools are looking for! Having just applied to residency with the hopes of matching into OB/GYN, I’m also reminded of how to stand out in applications and present oneself in a positive light during interviews.
Before medical school, I earned my B.S. in Neuroscience & Behavioral Biology from Emory University in 2019. To stay motivated on my path to medicine, I TA’d for Biology and Human Physiology in college and I joined my school’s on-campus Emergency Medical Services program, which allowed me to become certified as an Advanced-EMT and volunteer within the Atlanta area for three years. I studied abroad twice in college (France and Denmark) and took a gap year afterwards to give myself a mental break, build some savings and life experiences, and spend time with my family before I sold myself to medicine for good!
Since college, I’ve continued engaging in community service and research and have also involved myself in policy and advocacy. I’ve been an advisor for MotivateMD since my first year of medical school and have enjoyed my time helping students gain acceptances to graduate school! My favorite part of the job is helping students realize how much they’ve accomplished as we work on their experience sections and secondary applications. I also love helping students solidify which schools to apply to and how each of them can fulfill their desires! I didn’t have too many mentors I could look to when I went through the process–I know how cold the water is and would love to help students wade their way through.
If you take anything away from an interaction with me, I hope it will be that if you’d like to pursue a career in medicine, nothing will stand in your way, no matter any flaws you may be hyperaware of in your application. I look forward to aiding you on your journey through medicine!
Internal Medicine Resident
Former Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM)
My name is Emma and I am currently an internal medicine resident and went to medical school at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) in New Mexico. While I was born in AZ, I grew up in Albuquerque, NM and graduated summa cum laude from The University of New Mexico (UNM) with a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences. After graduating college, I relocated to Baltimore, MD where I worked as Clinical Laboratory Scientist for two years prior to beginning medical school. I enjoy writing and am humbled to have had two articles published in 2020 as well as currently contribute to the Motivate MD blog. At BCOM, I have created the Burrell-Aggie Mentorship Program which is a program created specifically for NMSU Pipeline and pre-medical students. I hold mentorship to the highest regard as none of my own family members were doctors or even in the medical field, so I learned as I advanced along my journey. I had always wished I had a mentor guide me through the pre-med years, medical school application process, and early years in medical school, so my goal is to be that mentor for students. I know what it feels like to be uncertain whether you are making the right moves and decisions in the pre-med realm. If this feels like you right now – I am more than happy to assist in any facet of your medical school journey!
Rocky Vista University
Hello! My name is Alex Fishburn and I am a current medical student at Rocky Vista University. I grew up in northern UT, in a town called Ogden. I completed my undergrad at Weber State University, with a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. Some passions of mine are to travel the world, taste unique cuisine and coffee, and to enjoy all things outdoors like skiing, climbing, hiking, and camping. Before medical school, I worked a few different jobs; a medical assistant, laboratory technician, lift operator at a ski resort, and a Health Science Instructor at a Technical College. I am passionate about global medicine and went on an outreach medical trip to Panama before medical school. Right now, I am most interested in Internal Medicine or Family Medicine and am also a part of peer mentoring, tutoring, and the Global Medicine Track at my medical school. My girlfriend is a current family medicine resident and has interviewed students for medical school, so I have learned a lot of tips and tricks through her. I am excited to be a part of Motivate MD and to help as many students as possible get accepted to medical school!
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
Hello there! My name is Raj Patel and I’m a medical student at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). I was born in London, U.K., grew up in South Florida, and completed much of my educational journey at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Here, I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science and later with a Master of Business Administration specializing in Healthcare Management. Throughout my college career and beyond, I’ve enjoyed giving back to my peers through mentorship and advising. Much of this has been influenced by my dynamic interests in leadership, research, and service which gave me a unique position on balancing a challenging pre-med curriculum with substantial extracurricular activities. I’ve mentored several pre-medical students and have helped successfully develop student leaders and strong candidates. I’ve always been a passionate student researcher in the fields of neuroscience, infectious disease, and surgery. To date, I’ve published several peer-reviewed journal articles and a few book chapters. I was also fortunate to be awarded several research accolades for my work and have had the opportunity to present my findings at the local, regional, and national levels. At USF, I served in numerous leadership roles ranging from Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, President of the largest multicultural student organization on campus, President of the university’s alumni honor society, among others. I also gained valuable work experience on campus as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Resident Assistant, and Campus Ambassador for The Princeton Review. These roles also opened opportunities to interact with younger students starting freshly on their college journey and offer them advice as they navigated their early days. As a first-generation college student, I know some of the common challenges faced especially with limited access to mentors for guidance along this arduous journey. I’d love for the chance to help you navigate your pre-med journey and simplify your track by offering some of my advice through the unique path that I took when I was once in your shoes.
Western University of Health Sciences
Hi there! My name is Shilpa Nath, and I am a medical student at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA! I started tutoring as a child, and since then, I have mentored, advised, and taught all different age groups and demographics in a wide variety of subjects. I am so excited to bring all my skills to Motivate MD to help make your medical school dreams a reality!
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology, with a minor in Global Health, from UC San Diego. I was heavily involved as an undergraduate, in which I spent the majority of my time doing service work in my community with people with mental illnesses, the socioeconomically disadvantaged, autistic youth, sexual assault survivors, and the elderly. I also contributed to two gastroenterology research publications, served as a board member for several health-related undergraduate organizations, and worked as a tutor for my university.
My path to medical school is unique in that I am a first-generation college graduate and medical student, completed my undergraduate degree in three years, self-studied for the MCAT, and applied to medical school during a pandemic. I would love to help anyone that has any questions about these topics, or anyone that is looking for a mentor or advisor that can accurately and empathetically guide them through the medical school admission process. I will be your biggest supporter and cheerleader through your pre-medical journey!
