Meet The Motivate MD Team

Hello applicants! I am an Orthopaedic Surgery resident at Stony Brook University Hospital with a passion for mentoring students through the medical school and residency application process. I understand firsthand how stressful and overwhelming it can be to navigate applications, personal statements, interviews, and the pressure of trying to stand out in highly competitive fields—especially when strong guidance can be difficult to find.

My goal is to make the process more approachable, strategic, and less overwhelming for applicants. I work with students to build authentic, compelling applications and essays that highlight their unique story, strengths, and experiences while helping them present themselves with confidence. Whether it’s medical school applications, ERAS, or personal statements, I aim to provide the mentorship and honest feedback I wish more students had access to during the process.

Outside of medicine, the most important part of my life is my family. My wife and I have a son and a German-Australian Shepherd mix named Ovi, after my favorite hockey player, Alex Ovechkin. One of my favorite memories was bringing our son to his first hockey game at just 8 weeks old, which happened to be the game Ovechkin broke the NHL all-time goal scoring record.

I also enjoy traveling whenever I can. My wife and I got engaged in Norway and got married in Italy. Some of our best experiences together have come from exploring new places and cultures outside of the demands of medicine. I think it’s important for students and trainees to realize that, while medicine is incredibly demanding, it’s still possible to build a fulfilling life outside the hospital and prioritize the people and experiences that matter most to you.

Hi! My name is Aman and I am a medical student at Creighton School of Medicine - Phoenix.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology and minor in Music Production from the University of Southern California in 2023, I took a gap year working in healthcare administration to learn about the business side of healthcare.

At USC, I had multiple research experiences ranging from AI-based radiomics research to wet lab stem-cell research. Additionally, I was heavily involved in the music program at USC. I studied music production/performance and facilitated community outreach programs to teach music. My "Why Medicine" was very personal and unique because it tied into my passion for music and human connection.

I have multiple years of experience serving as a mentor and peer tutor for the pre-med office at USC. I also served as a teaching assistant for the drumline at USC, helping students learn abstract rhythms note-by-note. Similarly, I look forward to helping you plan for and execute your unique path to medical school every step of the way!

Amanda Moser is a medical student at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine with nearly two years of experience as an editor and advisor with MotivateMD. Through this role, she has worked closely with applicants to refine personal statements, secondaries, and interview strategies, helping them effectively communicate their unique stories. Her passion for mentoring stems from a strong belief that the admissions process should feel accessible and empowering rather than overwhelming.

In addition to her advising work, Amanda serves as a student interviewer with the PSOM Admissions Office, where she evaluates applicants and contributes to the selection process. This dual perspective—as both an advisor and admissions participant—allows her to provide thoughtful, insider guidance tailored to what admissions committees are truly looking for.

I'm Andrea, a third-year medical student at Drexel University College of Medicine. I was born in Ecuador and immigrated to the United States when I was five years old and grew up in Queens, NYC. My Ecuadorian roots remain a huge part of who I am and have shaped the way I view community, family, and service. After graduating from New York University, I completed Drexel's DPMS post-baccalaureate program before matriculating into medical school, giving me a firsthand understanding of the many different paths that can lead to a career in medicine.

One of my favorite things about mentorship is getting to know people and hearing their stories. Throughout college and medical school, I have enjoyed supporting students as they navigate academics, medical school applications, career decisions, and the ups and downs that come with pursuing medicine. I believe everyone brings something valuable to the table, and I love helping students recognize the strengths and experiences that make their journeys unique.

My research has primarily focused on neuroscience and vascular surgery, and I am still exploring where my own path in medicine will ultimately lead. Along the way, I have been fortunate to find community through organizations like LMSA and through mentors who believed in me during moments when I wasn't always sure of myself.

Because my journey to medicine has not been a straight line, I understand how challenging and uncertain this process can feel. Those experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of asking for help when you need it. They have also shaped the way I mentor others, with honesty, empathy, and the belief that there is no single "right" path to becoming a physician.

I joined Motivate MD because I know how much meaningful mentorship can change someone's trajectory, and I hope to provide applicants with the same encouragement, support, and sense of community that helped me along my journey.

Hi! My name is Angelyn, and I’m currently an MD/MA candidate at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, where I’m also pursuing a Master’s in Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics. My interest in medicine has always been closely tied to my love for storytelling, ethics, and deeply understanding what makes each person who they are. Moreover, I’m the first in my family to pursue medicine and a child of immigrant parents, so I understand the particular challenges that can bring, and am especially passionate about supporting students who are navigating that.

I know how vulnerable it can feel to share personal writing and experiences, and I see it as a privilege to be trusted with that. Whether it’s advising, editing, or interview prep, I promise to give thoughtful, honest, and encouraging feedback, just like the support that helped me most during my own application process.

My goal is to walk alongside you to help you bring out the strongest, most authentic version of your story and make sure it comes across clearly to admissions committees. Every application is unique, and I’m excited to help you shape yours into something you’re proud of submitting. Thank you for letting me a part of this process with you!

My name is Autumn and I am a first-year Anesthesiology Resident at Brigham & Women’s Hospital.

I joined Motivate MD in 2022 because I am passionate about mentoring and uplifting students as they apply to medical school and residency. My goal is to promote transparency around the application process by outlining expectations of what the process entails and creating realistic timelines that are catered to the unique needs of individual applicants. I aim to use my experiences to provide support to pre-medical and medical students, fostering hope and confidence as they pursue their journey towards becoming a physician.

Educational background: With an upbringing centered around service and a passion for working within marginalized communities, I was fortunate to embark on my undergraduate education at the University of Chicago, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with a specialization in Endocrinology and a minor in Health and Society. My passion for advocacy and service led me to Rush Medical College. With a focus on utilizing education to promote empowerment, I had the opportunity to participate in positive change at Rush and lead efforts in implementing longitudinal initiatives within the community. Through these initiatives, I learned that I can use my platform to serve as an advocate and a leader and make impactful and sustainable change. I am inspired to continue rebuilding trust, reshaping patient perspectives, and re-writing the narrative that has been written for underserved patient populations.

Hi! My name is Bairavi, and I graduated from NYITCOM in 2025 with my DO degree and a Masters in Medical and Health Care Simulation. My main goal throughout medical school was providing mental health resources for woman and children who faced domestic violence as well as advocacy efforts for better health resources for children. Currently, I am finishing up my PhD and will be moving to Philly for residency. In my free time, I love mentoring my cultural community and do various wellness events for the Tamil community in NY. Other than that, you can always see me with a matcha, a good book, and my next plane ticket out.

I’m Carmen, a MotivateMD coach who offers app advising, essay editing, and interview prep services.

As an interview coach, my goal is to help applicants show up as themselves. I focus on helping you communicate your motivations and experiences with clarity (not scripts), so you can handle follow-ups and curveball questions with confidence. Expect practical structure, honest feedback, and lots of reps so that your best answers sound natural because they are.

As an essay editor and app advisor, I believe that the strongest applications are the ones that feel unmistakably human. I’ll help you find the through-line in your story, keep your voice intact, and turn vague statements into specific moments that actually show who you are. My goal is for your personal statement and secondaries to read like the best version of you and not a template.

I'm looking forward to working with you!

My mission is to find unique and innovative approaches to healthcare. I've always had a hunger for creativity and helping others through medicine. At the same time, my curiosity spans across disciplines - from chemistry and psychology to art and sociology. I believe that to understand health, you have to understand all the issues (the biomedical conditions, the mental and behavioral health perspective, and the socio-political context) in order to see the whole picture. As an MD-PhD student, I am working on research projects that use concepts of behavioral economics to create new solutions for addressing healthcare disparities. These include projects in labs on both the USC Health Sciences Campus and CalTech campus.

As an undergraduate at the University of Southern California, I actively participated in projects across several disciplines from neuroscience to public policy. I worked for 3 years at the USC Annenberg’s Center for Communication Leadership and Policy on several projects targeting election cybersecurity and crisis response. In the past, I’ve also created and distributed digital outreach materials informing the public about culture-based health misconceptions and the connections between natural disasters and socioeconomic disparities.

Hi! My name is Charlotte. I am a current MS-3 at the University of Miami. I'm originally from New Jersey and went to the University of Michigan for undergrad, where I studied Biology and Spanish. I took two gap years prior to medical school, where I took the opportunity to teach English to elementary school kids in Segovia, Spain. I'm currently interested in Emergency Medicine/Critical Care. I love writing in my free time (medical school gives you a lot of experiences to write about!), as well as volunteering for Miami Street Medicine as Street Run Co-Director, running, and cooking.

Darshi is a Resident Physician in Internal Medicine at Yale, and completed a combined MD/MPH degree in 4 years from Stony Brook Medicine. She has a background in biomedical engineering, medical innovation, public health, translational/clinical research, and arts in medicine.

With a rich history in STEM, pre-med, and med applications mentoring, she is dedicated to sharing her valuable experiences and helping craft aspiring medical students their unique stories, thereby reciprocating the support she received from others throughout both the premedical and medical journeys.

I attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for my undergraduate education, receiving a B.S. in Biochemistry and Biophysics and Biological Neuroscience, with minors in both Public Health and General Psychology. Currently, I am attending Albany Medical College to become a physician, with the goal of making a positive impact in the field of neurology. In the future, I hope to guide patients toward longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Aside from medicine, I play tennis and soccer. I grew up along the beach, so I love any activity ocean-related! I have spent many years advising others on application advice, and look forward to helping you achieve your medicine-related goals.

Hi! My name is Emerson Heckler, and I am an MS3 at Wake Forest University with a background in neuroscience. My journey to medicine was shaped by navigating the application process without family in medicine, which gave me firsthand insight into how overwhelming and unclear the path can feel without strong mentorship. I applied directly from undergrad on a traditional timeline, and along the way, I learned how important it is to have guidance that is both practical and honest.

I chose to join MotivateMD because it allows me to support students in a way I wish I had been supported early on and to help make the path to medicine feel more accessible and less intimidating. I’ve developed a strong passion for mentorship and advising, supporting applicants with personal statement editing, application strategy, CASPer preparation, and mock interviews. I enjoy helping students communicate their experiences clearly, build confidence in their interviews, and approach the process with a step-by-step plan that feels manageable. I also care deeply about making medical education more accessible and work with students to identify and apply for scholarship opportunities.

I’m particularly interested in procedural specialties, with a growing passion for reproductive endocrinology and infertility within OBGYN. Outside of medicine, I enjoy horseback riding, reading, hiking, and crocheting. I look forward to working with you and supporting you through your application journey!

My name is Emily and I’m a current MD-PhD student at Emory University. Not knowing anyone in medicine growing up, I had to carve my own path and find ways to independently explore the field. I worked as an EMT through high school and college to learn more about patient care and prehospital medicine.

Throughout college, I was interested in solely pursuing an MD. However, as I became exposed to the world of research, I realized the important role that research plays in medicine and the amount of progress that still needs to be made to improve care globally. I envision a career that includes running a laboratory while still seeing patients clinically, which motivated me to apply to MSTPs.

I love working with students to craft a narrative about how they got to where they are and why they chose to apply to medical school. Oftentimes, there are themes throughout a student’s application that they can focus on to create a convincing and well-rounded application! Every journey is a story, you just need to figure out how to tell it. I look forward to helping you with your application!

Hi all! My name is Emily, and I’m a board-certified Neurologist and current Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania.

I found my calling for a career in medicine after I had spinal surgery as a teenager. Through my experience as a patient, I was inspired by the healing power of medicine and wanted to pay that forward as a physician. I received my undergraduate degree in Biology from Lafayette College and was heavily involved in the Community Outreach program. I took a gap year before medical school and worked as an Emergency Room Scribe in New Jersey, which was a great way to gain exposure to numerous medical specialties in a day’s work. I matriculated at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University after being drawn to the school’s focus on community service and humanism in medicine. I matched in Neurology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia and served as Chief Resident during my final year. Currently, I am a Fellow in Movement Disorders (Parkinson’s Disease, tremor, etc.) at the University of Pennsylvania.

During medical school, I worked as a peer tutor as well as a problem-based learning group leader for post-baccalaureate students. I also volunteered as a mentor for teens in Camden, NJ who were interested in pursuing careers in STEM. As a Neurology resident, I served as Chief Resident which gave me a front row seat to the other side of residency application and interviews. I am excited to use all of the knowledge I’ve gained about applying and interviewing to medical school and residency to helps others at Motivate MD!

I am a first-generation physician, and I want to be the mentor for others that I didn’t have during my application cycle. As a mentor, I aim to help applicants tell their unique story to find their perfect fit for medical school or residency. The application process can be daunting, so let me be your cheerleader to remind you why you already have the skills to be a great physician.

For me, becoming a doctor was never about a single ‘aha’ moment, but about a series of experiences that kept leading me to medicine and about steps that revealed that becoming a doctor was even possible. I started by wanting to understand people—why they behave the way they do, what drives them, what holds them back. That curiosity led me into psychology and years of work on an eating disorder helpline. But over time, I felt limited in how much I could help. I wanted to be able to not only listen and understand, but also diagnose, treat, and walk with patients through their recovery.

Working in diverse environments—whether it was mentoring teens, supporting people in crisis, or even my odd jobs outside of healthcare—taught me resilience and adaptability. Medicine felt like the way to bring all of those threads together: the curiosity, the service, and the ability to make a tangible difference in someone’s life. And completing prerequisites for a dietetics degree showed me how close I was to medicine and showed me that it was even a possibility for me.

So I became a doctor because I wanted to bring both science and humanity together in caring for people. Psychiatry, in particular, is where I can do that most fully—combining my background in psychology with the tools and training of medicine to support patients through some of their most challenging moments.

Hi everyone! My name is Greta, and I’m currently a medical student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. I graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Global Public Health. During my time at UVA, I volunteered in an infectious disease lab, taught ballet classes, and worked as a teaching assistant.

After graduation, I moved to Boston and spent two years working as a clinical research coordinator in a cardiac catheterization lab. There, I had the opportunity to contribute to several research projects focused on topics including frailty in the CICU and nutrition practices for patients experiencing cardiogenic shock.

Mentorship and teaching have been important parts of my journey both in college and in medical school. In addition to serving as a TA at UVA, I was also an ambassador for the Global Public Health major, where I helped guide students through the application process. Now, as a medical student, I participate in admissions interview days and give tours to prospective students.

I know firsthand how overwhelming the medical school application process can feel. I worked hard to craft a compelling personal narrative that highlighted my research experiences, gap years, non-STEM background, and the unique interests that shaped my path to medicine, including ballet and my passion for teaching. I’m excited to help you tell your story and navigate the application process with confidence. Congratulations on getting started — I look forward to working with you!

Hi all! My path to medical school and residency was 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 completed medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago, IL where I spent my time outside the classroom engaging in reproductive health advocacy, medical student education and curriculum development, and providing medical care to unhoused individuals through a traveling Street Medicine team.

I am now completing my residency training in OBGYN at a hybrid community-academic program caring for diverse and medically-complex patients in an underserved urban hospital setting.

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 and residency applications, and I look forward to having that opportunity to support you on your journey in medicine!

Hi all! My name is Helena and I'm a medical student at the Emory University School of Medicine; I'm currently interested in pursuing anesthesiology. I was originally born and raised in Connecticut and stayed for college; I received my B.A. in History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health in 2020 from Yale University with a focus in medicine and public health. I love to read, write, and look at medicine through a humanistic/literary lens! But I've also dabbled in so many research fields: from hookworm research during my first year of college, bioethics research on ontological arguments around abortion during my third year, to writing a thesis on the cultural attitudes around mental health care for Vietnamese refugees after the Vietnam War during my senior year! I took two gap years after graduating, taking some time to do proteomics research as an NIH IRTA Post-Bac Research Fellow at the Framingham Heart Study. I also worked as a pharmacy tech, giving Covid-19 vaccines at the height of the pandemic!

I also love to mentor—I wouldn't be who I am without wonderful mentors along the way! I was a First-Year Counselor (""FroCo"") during my senior year and a camp counselor for Camp Kesem for two summers. At EUSOM, I'm on the executive board of the Mentorship Matching Program—a program created between the SOM and the Emory pre-health program to match med school applicants with medical students. In my free time, I've connected with former mentees and coworkers to edit their personal statements and help them with their own medical school journey— whether they end up pursuing medicine or not. I also love writing and editing for the SOM literary magazine (The Styloid Process), taking weekly dance classes, and exploring coffee shops around Atlanta (even though I don't even drink coffee!).

I know how hard the medical school process is so, congratulations for taking this step! As your mentor, I want to work with you as your teammate. I want to make sure that you're putting your best foot forward and telling your story in the way that it deserves to be heard. Each applicant is so unique and therefore, the way we approach your application will be unique too. Looking forward to working with you!

My name is Irene, and I am a 4th-year medical student at Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. I will be graduating this May 2026 and starting Internal Medicine residency in Dallas, TX with an intent to pursue cardiology. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and worked as a remote medical scribe during my gap year. As a mother of two I am passionate about advocating for women and parents in medicine. I helped establish a Parents in Medicine group at my school to support student-parents. Additionally, I have experience with my medical school’s admissions committee and joined Motivate MD to help applicants who may struggle to showcase their full potential.

Hi! My name is Jackie and I am an MD-PhD student in the Tri-Institutional MD–PhD Program. I was born and raised in New Jersey and I earned my bachelors degree at Rutgers University - New Brunswick, where I graduated as valedictorian. During my first year of undergrad, I began working in a behavioral neuroscience lab and developed my passion for research. Then when COVID-19 hit and my lab closed, I gained an interest in medicine, volunteering as a COVID-19 test kit processor and serving as a counselor on Crisis Text Line. Joining research and medicine through an MD-PhD program seemed like the perfect fit for me, and I completed my MD-PhD application cycle while working as a postbac at the NIH.

Hello! My name is Jessica, and I am a medical student at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine. I completed my undergraduate degree in Molecular & Cellular Biology at Johns Hopkins University, along with a minor in Entrepreneurship & Management. At Hopkins, I played on the varsity tennis team, served as a peer tutor, and volunteered at the JHH Sickle Cell Infusion Center.

After graduating from college, I took on a full-time position at the Sickle Cell Infusion Center as a clinical research coordinator. I stayed in this role for one gap year, where I ran the largest registry of sickle cell disease patients in the United States, helping to characterize disparities faced in health outcomes and access to care.

Since starting medical school, I have become heavily involved in cervical cancer research, volunteering at the Chinese Hospital in downtown San Francisco, and advocating for vulnerable populations. As a first-generation medical student, I understand how overwhelming the application process is and how vital near-peer guidance can be. I've helped several applicants through their application writing and interview process, who will all be matriculating to medical school this upcoming fall. I look forward to helping you curate your own story, put your best foot forward, and pursue your dream career!

Dr. Kumar is a General Surgery resident. He graduated from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine after completing a SMP at the same school. Throughout his graduate career, he has mentored students in various areas, including medical school applications, MCAT preparation, and career planning. “One of the main reasons I am passionate about mentoring is that I used such resources throughout my pathway to success and would like to give back, in the same manner, someone had done for me.”

Educationally Karan has completed a BS in Biology and Psychology, a MS in Interdisciplinary Biological and Physiologic Sciences, and a DO. He is an avid researcher working in both wet labs and qualitative research.

Hi! I am Karthik, a medical student at Johns Hopkins, and I am currently taking a gap year pursuing my MBA. My academic interests include radiology, global health, neuroscience, and health equity.

I have several years of tutoring experience across chemistry and Spanish-language courses, and I enjoy adapting my teaching style to each student’s individual needs and have now been working with MotivateMD for just over a year. My goal is to create an encouraging and collaborative learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, working through mistakes, and developing the skills they need to navigate their academic journey with greater confidence and independence.

Hi, I’m Kate, a second-year medical student at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. My interest in mentorship started during college, where I was involved in clinical research and served as the president of a pre-health club, spending a lot of time helping other students think through their paths to medicine.

Now in medical school, that interest has continued to grow. I tutor first-year medical students, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience so far. I’m also involved in research at Children’s National and participate in the Health Policy Scholarly Concentration at GW. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong interest in academic medicine and supporting trainees..

Having recently gone through the medical school application process myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel and how hard it is to translate your experiences into a compelling story. I love working with students to help them reflect on their journeys and capture what truly matters in their applications.

My name is Komal, and I’m an M3 at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in the MD/MSCR program. I am passionate about preventative medicine and health equity, which inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. In the future, I hope to advocate for greater incorporation of preventative and equity-driven care through patient care, policy work, and research at both the individual and community levels.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy trying new cafes and restaurants. I’m also a big fan of music and theater, so I’m always looking for a new show to catch. I’m excited to work with future applicants and help them build confidence in the unique stories and perspectives they bring to medicine.

Before medical school, I graduated at the top of the class while completing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in biochemistry and mathematics, demonstrating both academic excellence and a deep commitment to analytical thinking and problem solving.

During college, I worked for two years as a baker while simultaneously balancing rigorous coursework before transitioning into a role as a medical assistant in pediatrics for two additional years. These experiences cultivated strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for patient-centered care long before entering medical school.

Rather than taking a traditional gap year, I completed undergraduate studies early in order to pursue analytical chemistry research in Germany. While abroad, I contributed to water analysis research and published two scientific papers, all while navigating the challenges of completing medical school interviews across multiple time zones—often interviewing eight hours ahead late into the night. I successfully gained acceptance to three medical schools during the first application cycle, an experience that now fuels a passion for helping future applicants navigate the often stressful and overwhelming admissions process with confidence and clarity.

In medical school, I have continued to pursue scholarly work and mentorship. I published pathology research focused on granulosa cell tumors and remains passionate about integrating scientific inquiry with compassionate patient care. In addition to academic pursuits, I have mentored first- and second-year medical students throughout their didactic years, providing guidance on study strategies, adjusting to medical school, academic success, and wellness.

Hi everyone!

My name is Marlaena, and I grew up surrounded by the beauty and nature of Washington state. I am a current medical student at Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska, which offers a tight-knit sense of community and belonging.

Having been fortunate to have wonderful mentors myself, I am passionate about helping others along their journey to medicine. After graduating cum laude from the University of Washington with a degree in Neuroscience, I took three gap years to reflect and explore different careers in medicine. I worked as a medical scribe across multiple specialties, volunteered for a crisis hotline, and tutored middle and high school students in reading, writing, and math. Collectively, these experiences are ultimately what solidified my decision to pursue medical school, knowing I wanted to land on a specialty allowing me to care for the mental and physical health of my future patients.

I discovered the magic of Motivate MD when I applied to medical school myself. The application process can be stressful, and I want to help lessen that stress as much as I can. I help applicants find their unique voice and strengthen their essays with impactful stories that will draw well-deserved attention to their writing and their story. I provide efficient, thorough edits and am always happy to answer questions should they arise!

Looking forward to providing the mentorship that you deserve!

I am an M3 at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. I grew up in New Hampshire and went to Northeastern University in Boston for undergrad, graduating with a BS in Biochemistry with a minor in Public Health in 2024. In medicine, I am passionate about advancing health equity through accessibility and want to focus on access to healthcare in rural communities in my future career. Right now, I am considering a career in OB/GYN or surgery, but am excited to explore all specialties throughout my clinical year! I will be the first physician in my family when I graduate medical school, so I began working with Motivate MD in 2024 to provide applicants with the kind of support and mentorship I struggled to find without family connections of my own. As an editor and advisor, I see my role as helping applicants understand themselves and their story so that they can put their best foot forward throughout the application cycle, from their primary application through their interviews and acceptances. Looking forward to working with you!

Hi! I'm an incoming MS1 at Dell Medical School with a background in neuroscience. I applied to medical school in my sophomore year, pre-matched to several MD schools in Texas, and graduated early from the University of Texas at Austin after realizing how strongly I wanted to pursue medicine.

Over the past few years, I have been involved in neuroimmunology research while also gaining clinical experience in pediatrics as a medical assistant, on a neurology inpatient unit, and in community clinics. In college, I minored in Spanish, which sparked my interest in global health and working with diverse patient populations.

I care a lot about helping kids succeed, and I spent much of college tutoring and mentoring students. I am currently interested in ophthalmology and am excited to continuing to explore how research and clinical care can work together to improve patient outcomes.

Hi everyone!

I recently matched to an internal medicine preliminary year at the University of Virginia, followed by an advanced dermatology position at Baylor Scott and White/Baylor College of Medicine’s program in Temple, Texas (my top choices!!). I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Austin and took a gap year before medical school, where I worked in immunology and OB/GYN clinics. I also have experience in immunology and cutaneous cancer research.

Through my own path in medicine, I understand how challenging it can be to translate meaningful experiences into strong, cohesive application writing. I have worked closely with students across different stages of the application cycle, including personal statements, secondary essays, and school selection, and I enjoy helping them identify the themes in their experiences and communicate them clearly.

As an Editor and Advisor, I focus on helping applicants find their own voice rather than fitting into a template. I believe that the strongest applications come from authentic reflection and clear storytelling, and I work with students to make their writing feel both personal and intentional. I joined Motivate MD to be part of a team that prioritizes individualized mentorship and supports applicants in navigating this process with intention and confidence.

Rachel is a fourth-year medical student at Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, with a background in leadership, research, and mentorship. Before medical school, she worked as an ophthalmic technician, volunteered as an editor for a narrative medicine journal, and provided application editing and mock interview services for premed students. She continues her passion for mentorship and writing as a member of her school’s admissions committee and as a mentor in the clinical skills clinic. As a first-generation medical student, Rachel aims to use her editing experience to help applicants craft compelling, holistic applications that highlight their passion for medicine and personal story.

Hi! My name is Rachel and I will be an M1 at Pritzker School of Medicine starting August 2026. I graduated from Cornell University in 2024, where I competed on the gymnastics team. I also tutored students at Cornell in biology, physics, chemistry and neuroscience and worked as a TA for neuroscience and psychology courses. I spent three years as a research assistant in Cornell’s Laboratory for Rational Decision-Making on the Health and Medical Decision-Making team and worked at Chicago Medical School in the Brain Science Institute. After graduation, I took two gap years and spent most of my time working as an EMT. I was fortunate to have a had successful application cycle myself, scoring a 520 on the MCAT, receiving 18 interviews and ultimately being accepted to 11 MD programs, including 4 T20 schools.

I’m excited to meet you and help you navigate your own successful application process. What I value most about Motivate MD is our holistic and comprehensive approach to advising. I feel strongly that every student has a unique story to tell, and look forward to helping you to authentically represent yourself. I am here to support you through every step of the journey, from MCAT preparation to developing a compelling personal narrative and finally presenting your best self during interview day.

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!

Hello! I am an MS1 at the UCLA DGSOM. I am originally from Southern California and graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a degree in Neuroscience and Biomedical Research. At UCLA, I combined my interests in medicine, athletics, and neuroscience through a variety of experiences. I was on the UCLA rowing team and also worked with student-athletes as an athletic training aide for rugby, a women’s basketball team manager, and a strength and conditioning intern for the football team. Those experiences gave me a unique perspective on injury recovery, teamwork, and patient care while allowing me to explore my interest in sports medicine. In addition to athletics, I pursued research focused on concussion and recovery. During college, I worked on a pediatric concussion research study looking at biomarkers of chronic concussion symptoms, and after graduation I spent three gap years as a lab manager in a neuroscience lab studying neuromodulation for concussion recovery.

Mentorship became one of the most rewarding parts of my experience in research. As a lab manager, I worked closely with nearly 50 students on research projects and senior theses, helping them troubleshoot experiments, think through ideas, and build confidence in their work. During undergrad, I also served as a Biomedical Research Mentor, where I supported students with research coursework and academic planning. Those experiences made me realize how much I enjoy mentoring students and helping them navigate parts of school and research that can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar, and I’m excited to do the same for students during this upcoming application cycle.

I chose to join Motivate MD because of the support I received from the team during my own application cycle. Having mentors who genuinely cared, gave thoughtful feedback, and helped me tell my story made such a difference for me. I’m excited to now give back and help future applicants navigate the application process with confidence and support!

Greetings! My name is Riya, and I am a fourth-year medical student. I graduated Cum Laude from UCLA with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychobiology.

During my undergraduate years, I became involved in research investigating brain gut microbiome interactions in food addiction and have continued that involvement into medical school. I have a keen interest in neuroimaging as a tool to study obesity-related changes in brain structure, function, and connectivity and the impact of various social determinants of health. My contributions have culminated in several publications, including a book chapter. I am additionally interested in oncologic imaging and nuclear medicine, and have continued to be involved in this area of research in medical school.

Aside from medical studies, I am passionate about community service and volunteer at a clinic that provides care for patients without health insurance. My clinical experience spans working with unsheltered populations and hospice care patients. Writing is another passion of mine, and I have had the privilege of publishing several articles on an online forum, KevinMD, and a brain-gut health website, ABiome. Additionally, I enjoy teaching and mentor first-year medical students in physiology, and tutor college and high school students in Math and Science subjects.

I am a first-generation graduate student and the first in my family to become a physician. I am passionate about supporting and empowering future applicants in their journey in applying to medical school and navigating a career in medicine. I have been part of the Motivate MD team for over a year now and have worked with many students through personal statement guidance, secondary essay writing, and interview preparation. I also currently serve as an MMI interviewer with my medical school admissions committee. I look forward to supporting you in your journey in medicine!

Sam is currently a medical student at Duke University School of Medicine. With years of experience supporting students through pre-med and medical school admissions, Sam has helped dozens of applicants gain acceptance to top-tier medical schools. He has guided students in improving their MCAT scores, strengthening their extracurricular profiles, and writing standout personal essays. Sam’s clinical experience serving patients internationally in Honduras and Nigeria allows him to help students demonstrate true commitment to healthcare through meaningful service and impact-driven storytelling. Sam's mentees appreciate his organized, strategic approach and value his accessibility, motivation, and relatability.

Sam is a fan of soul music, basketball, museums, traveling, and anything food-related. He hopes to travel to each continent one day.

Hi there! My name is Sarah Batt, and I am a pediatrics resident at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. I’m originally from rural Pennsylvania and attended Canisius University in Buffalo, NY, where I majored in both Biology and Psychology with minors in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. I then moved to Phoenix, AZ to attend Creighton University School of Medicine, where I graduated summa cum laude in 2025. During my time at Creighton, I also had the valuable experience of serving on the Admissions Committee, reviewing applications and conducting interviews of applicants just like yourself!

Throughout my journey in medicine, I have developed a strong passion for mentoring, advising, and teaching. From serving as president of the Pre-Health Club at Canisius to tutoring and mentoring medical students at Creighton through their coursework, clinical rotations, and USMLE Step exams, I have had the privilege of supporting students at every stage of their pre-medical and medical school journey. I have also had the opportunity to guide students pursuing other pre-health fields, including those pursuing dental, veterinary, and physician assistant programs.

As the first person in my family to graduate from college and one of only a few from my small rural town to pursue medicine, I understand firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate this path. I joined Motivate MD to help make the journey to a career in healthcare more accessible by providing individualized support, honest insight, and encouragement, so you can confidently put your best foot forward. I look forward to working with you!

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a fourth 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.

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.

My studies and experiences have allowed me to build a more holistic approach to medicine focused on centering patients' individual stories. This same skill set drives me to help others craft their own narratives in their medical school applications. 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 your application cycle, and I look forward to helping you tell your story!

Hi! I'm a medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health with academic backgrounds in Biology and Art History. I am deeply passionate about approaching medicine through a humanistic lens, combining science and empathy to better understand and serve patients.

As an undergraduate, I supported fellow students through a Peer Mentoring Program focused on assisting first, second, and transfer-year Biology majors. I also served on the HOSA board, mentoring pre-med students navigating the path to medical school. During my gap year, I worked as a medical assistant in a reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic, gaining valuable clinical experience and insight into patient care.

As a reapplicant I understand the stress and uncertainty that can come with the medical school admissions process. As a mentor, my goal is to ease that burden by offering support, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way.

Hello, my name is Taekmin Kim, and I am passionate about helping students achieve their dreams, even when the odds seem stacked against them. I grew up in a low-income household, moved across six different states, and worked throughout my undergraduate years. While hard work played an important role in my journey, I would not be where I am today without the mentors who guided, supported, and believed in me along the way.

I joined Motivate MD because their impact inspired me to give back and continue that cycle of support. My goal is to be the kind of mentor who helps students navigate challenges, build confidence, and realize that their goals are achievable no matter where they start from.

Today, I’m a medical student at Albany Medical College, where I’ve been fortunate to stay actively involved in mentoring and leadership. Since starting medical school, I’ve participated in the admissions process by leading MMIs, served as an orientation leader for incoming students, and even created an algorithm for our school’s Big-Little program.

My passion for mentorship started long before medical school. During undergrad, I spent much of my time mentoring incoming freshmen and leading teams of premed students in service-learning projects.

As a premed, my MCAT and GPA were average but not extraordinary. What I truly believe helped me earn an acceptance on my first try was my writing and storytelling: skills that also carried into my interviews.

Applying to medical school can feel overwhelming, but the journey is far more achievable than it may seem. Every year, nearly 45% of the students who apply receive an acceptance. No matter where you are in the process, I want you to know that getting into medical school is absolutely possible. If there’s any way I can support or guide you along the way, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Taylor graduated cum laude from a competitive 6 year BA/MD in 2019. She has over 10 years of experience serving on medical school admission committees both in medical school and residency. In addition, she also currently serves on the admissions committee for the UNC Gillings School of Public Health. In addition to her in UME, she also has participated in residency recruitment. She has extensive experience screening applications, selecting candidates for interviews, interviewing candidates, and participating in the final ranking of candidates. As a current colorectal surgery fellow, she is actively involved in both undergraduate and graduate medical education. Her kind, honest, and collaborative approach, along with her experiences, allows her to form an effective partnership with students.

Hi everyone! My name is Josh and I’m a medical student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. I grew up in the Greater Rochester area and returned home for medical school after graduating from Princeton University. After college, I spent a gap year working as a clinical research coordinator in the Orthopaedic Spine Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. As the first person in my family to pursue medicine, I navigated the application process without a clear roadmap and was ultimately accepted to Rochester off the waitlist while balancing a full-time job during my gap year. Through Motivate MD, I’m excited to help students navigate the medical school application process!

Born and raised in Syria, I was inspired to pursue medicine by my physician parents and developed a passion for health equity. I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology from Georgia Tech, where I started working with underserved communities. At Einstein, I continued this mission through free clinics, global health work, and rural initiatives, alongside research in cardiology and artificial intelligence. I am dedicated to mentorship and joined Motivate MD to provide transparent, supportive guidance to aspiring physicians.

Hi! My name is Georgia and I'm a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. I grew up in Austin, Texas, and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I studied Medical Anthropology with minors in Biology and Spanish for the Medical Professions.

During my time at UNC, I was involved in clinical research on rare bleeding disorders and volunteered as a Spanish medical interpreter at a free clinic serving underinsured patients. After taking a class in U.S. Population Health, I developed a strong interest in health equity and how social determinants shape health disparities in the United States. Pursuing Medical Anthropology alongside the traditional pre-med curriculum allowed me to stay grounded in the social dimensions of medicine that first inspired my interest in becoming a physician.

I also developed a passion for mentorship through several years as an Ambassador and Mentor at UNC's Office for Undergraduate Research, where I advised fellow students—many of them pre-med—on how to identify and navigate research opportunities.

After graduating, I took a gap year to work as a full-time medical assistant at a primary care clinic in Austin.

Having recently navigated the medical school admissions process myself, I understand how easy it is to feel overwhelmed and get caught up in “checking all the boxes.” I am passionate about helping students approach the process with confidence, while staying true to the unique interests and values that drove them to pursue medicine.

Hello my name is Aizaaz Faiz and I graduated from Northeastern University before starting medical school at the University of Pittsburgh on a merit scholarship. My path to medicine has been shaped by working in both high-resource cancer care and clinics serving uninsured patients, along with global health experiences in Pakistan and South Africa. I’ve spent a lot of time mentoring students through academics and the med school application process, and I enjoy making things feel more straightforward and less overwhelming. Having gone through the medical school admissions process from the primary application, secondaries, CASPer, Preview, and many interviews, I'm excited to advise about these topics as a part of the Motivate MD team.

Hi everyone! My name is Lilian, and I'm an incoming student at UMass Chan Medical School. I'm a non-trad who graduated with a Bioengineering degree and spent my gap years doing research at Stanford, serving underserved communities through AmeriCorps, and working at free clinics in San Francisco. Those experiences are what drew me to medicine in the first place. I've always wanted to make it more human and more equitable for the people who need it most. I joined Motivate MD because this program once helped me, and I know exactly how overwhelming this process can feel. I even navigated the reapplicant journey myself! I can't wait to help you through your pre-med journey. :D

I am a fourth-year medical student at the University of California, San Diego, and I will be starting my Internal Medicine residency at UC San Diego in July 2026. I joined MotivateMD because I remember the uncertainty of applying to medical school and the invaluable support I received from my mentors. I hope to pay it forward by helping students navigate their own journeys!

I attended UCLA for undergrad and spent my gap year working as a behavioral therapist for children with autism before starting medical school. My experiences in curriculum research and tutoring high school students during the pandemic have strengthened my passion for mentorship and education. I look forward to working with you and supporting you in this journey!

Hi! My name is Ishita Srivastava, and I am an incoming medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a B.A. in Molecular and Cell Biology, and my journey to medicine has been shaped by immigration, service, innovation, and a commitment to caring for underserved communities.

At UC Berkeley, I founded the Berkeley chapter of Project Lux, a nonprofit focused on connecting unhoused and immigrant patients to healthcare, insurance enrollment, and community resources. As Vice President of the national organization, I helped expand chapters nationwide and developed Beacon, a digital navigation platform that connects patients to care and social support. I have also worked with street medicine programs, free clinics, and immigrant health advocacy initiatives, which deepened my interest in becoming a physician who combines clinical care with advocacy and systems-level change.

Pursuing this path to medical school, I learned how important strong mentorship, reflection, and storytelling are in building an authentic application. I have mentored premedical students through personal statements, secondary essays, activity descriptions, school lists, update letters, letters of intent, interview preparation, and reapplication strategy. I especially enjoy helping students identify the themes that connect their experiences and present their stories with clarity and confidence.

I have also been involved in clinical and translational research in anesthesiology, AI, and medical technology, with publications in Anesthesia & Analgesia and the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia. I chose to be part of Motivate MD because I know how overwhelming the application process can feel, and I hope to provide students with the supportive, strategic mentorship that helped me along my own path.

I graduated from Emory University, where I double majored in Biology and Political Science on the pre-med track. I'm interested in the intersection between policy and healthcare, and the ways in which this relationship affects longitudinal care for patient communities.

As an international and non-traditional student, my path to medicine came with unique challenges that shaped both my perspective and resilience. These experiences strengthened my commitment to perseverance and reinforced my belief that setbacks are often part of building something meaningful - this is what makes me passionate about mentorship and supporting students navigating similar journeys!

Neil Parikh, a Southern California native, graduated magna cum laude from UCLA in 2018 with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Economics. He worked as a financial analyst at DaVita Kidney Care (2018-2020) before applying to medical school as a non-traditional candidate, scoring in the 98th percentile on the MCAT and receiving over a dozen interviews at top medical schools. Neil chose to stay close to home, matriculating to and graduating from the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine with an MD/MBA dual degree in 2025. Neil subsequently matched at UCLA for anesthesiology residency, where he is currently a PGY-1.

In medical school, Neil scored a 260+ on STEP 2 CK, was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, and served as president of three student organizations. He has authored 50+ publications, abstracts, and presentations across multiple specialties, including ENT, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, cardiology, and global health. A dedicated mentor, Neil served on USC's admissions committee for four years, reviewing applications, interviewing candidates, and helping determine final admissions decisions. Passionate about paying it forward, Neil enjoys helping premed and residency applicants achieve their goals. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.