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Meet The Motivate MD Team

Our team represents over 85 medical schools in the U.S.

Set the below filters and/or search for a team member, medical school, residency specialty, etc. in the search field below:

Ajibola Bakare, MD, PhD

Tulane University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Alyssa Romine

Creighton University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Alyssa, and I’m a medical student at Creighton University SOM. I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Biological Sciences along with minors in Nutrition & Food and Spanish. At Davis, I served as a teaching assistant and peer mentor, volunteered in UC Davis Medical Center’s pediatric emergency room, and worked at UCD’s COVID testing center. After graduating, I took a gap year in which I worked as an EMT and in a UCSD research lab focusing on the relationship between diet and cardiovascular health. I then completed a master’s degree in Medical Physiology at Loyola University Chicago.

Community service has always been an important part of my life, and I’ve been a part of multiple organizations since starting medical school including an after-school program for kids with developmental disabilities and two free clinics serving mainly unhoused patients. I have been involved in tutoring since high school and was an editor for a journal in college, leading me to join MotivateMD. I have a service dog that comes to school with me, and I hope to encourage others with disabilities/chronic disease to pursue careers in medicine.

Ankitha Iyer, MD

Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Anna Afasizheva, MD, PhD

University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

I’m Anna, currently a resident in anesthesiology at Yale School of Medicine.
I studied at UC Berkeley, completed a two-year post-bac fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, and earned my MD/PhD at UCLA. Through my experiences with research and academic writing, I’ve developed a sharp eye for detail, a clear, strategic approach to storytelling, and a deep understanding of what makes an application stand out.

Throughout training, I’ve worked with students on personal statements, activity descriptions, secondaries, and interview prep—and I know how overwhelming it can all be. My goal is to help you present your experiences in a way that is authentic, polished, and compelling.

Whether you’re looking for big-picture guidance or fine-tuned suggestions, I offer thoughtful, individualized feedback designed to strengthen your application.  

I joined Motivate MD because I understand how much time, thought, and care go into this process. I’m here to help you bring out your voice, highlight your strengths, and move forward with clarity and confidence. 

Ansel Nalin

Ohio State University College of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Ansel Nalin. I am a current Radiation Oncology resident at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. I graduated from the Ohio State University College of Medicine MD/PhD program. While in medical school, I tutored first- and second-year medical students, helping them review lecture material and prepare for block exams. I taught study strategies to first-year students adjusting to the medical school curriculum. I worked individually with students during board exam preparation. I also led a review course for MD/PhD students prior to taking Step 1. In addition to my role as a tutor, I was also selected by the Ohio State College of Medicine Academic Office staff to serve in a leadership role for two years. In this role I led the team of 40 students on the peer tutoring team.

I met weekly with College of Medicine staff to plan academic programs benefitting first- and second-year medical students. Together we organized and managed academic resources for medical students including our peer tutoring programs, group review sessions, and student-led review lectures. I coordinated the tutoring assignments for medical students involved in the program; over 100 students utilized the programs. We oversaw the creation of new student-led anatomy review sessions that were incorporated into the medical school academic program. While enrolled in the MD/PhD program, I completed my PhD in cancer immunology studying natural killer cell development. I also collaborated on translational research projects seeking to identify new cell-based therapies for cancer. I published multiple papers in high impact journals and had the opportunity to present my work at both local and international conferences. I continue to pursue research that develops immune-based therapies for cancer and plan to pursue a career as a physician-scientist.

I joined the team at Motivate MD to help students achieve their goals in medicine. I have benefitted from the support of many outstanding mentors, and I strive to have a similarly positive impact in helping students succeed. My experiences as a tutor and teaching assistant, in both undergraduate and medical school, have helped me develop excellent skills in communication and mentoring. In addition to my teaching and leadership experience, I have developed specific skills to help students with the application and interview process for medical school and residency programs. Not only am I familiar with what makes a strong application, I am prepared to help students highlight their strengths in their essays and interviews. I have extensive writing and speaking experience from my graduate studies. I have coached other students in communicating effectively. From my own experience in interviewing for medical school and residency, I can help students gain confidence in their communication skills and clearly express their motivations and goals. As a member of the Motivate MD team, I am passionate about helping students work toward their goal of a successful career in medicine. 

Arpitha Pamula

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Arpitha, and I’m a 4th year medical student at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine! I graduated from St Bonaventure University with a B.S. in behavioral neuroscience and a minor in music theory. During college, I worked as tutor in general and organic chemistry, and biology gained me exposure to a wide variety of students and allowed me to tailor my advising and teaching styles to each student’s preferences.

At Geisinger, I am also part of the interviewing committee. I have extensive research experience in trauma surgery and orthopedic surgery and participated in an orthopedic surgery research internship at Vanderbilt University.

The application process to medical school is challenging and intensive. My goal is to be a supporter and cheerleader in your corner in any way that I can. Whether through mock interviews, general advice, or offer words of encouragement, I hope that at the end of our session, you feel empowered, supported, and ready to tackle the next challenge in front of you!

Autumn M., MD

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.

Brooke Allnutt

University of Florida College of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Brooke Allnutt, and I am a 3rd year medical student at the University of Florida. My journey to medicine started when I was a kid and observed the positive impact my father (a family medicine doctor) had on our community. After volunteering and working in the healthcare setting and seeing the relationship between physicians and their patients, I knew the medical field was the right one for me.

I have received a lot of wonderful mentorship along my journey, and I am eager to give back. So far, I have served as a mentor for summer programs for pre-professional students from underrepresented backgrounds and students from rural areas with limited access to
health care. I also serve as a student presenter and peer tutor at my medical school.

I chose to be a part of Motivate MD for the same reason. I look forward to supporting students on their own journeys to medicine! 

Bryson Grondel, DO

AT Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Bryson and I am a PGY-2 Internal Medicine Resident at Inspira – Mullica Hill Medical Center (NJ). I started out with a plan to become a clinical psychologist and was accepted to graduate school, but during the last semester of my senior year in college I took a neuroscience class that changed everything! I fell in love with anatomy, physiology, and the science that makes up you and me! I spent time working as a scribe until I was accepted into The George Washington University’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program. After an intensive 10 month program, I matriculated into AT-Still University’s class of 2024 (class of CoVid). I took more time than most to decide on a specialty and explored everything from Family Medicine to Neurosurgery before realizing I had been searching for Internal Medicine the whole time. I plan to apply to cardiology fellowship this summer.

Throughout this (VERY) long journey I had amazing teachers, mentors, and leaders. They changed my life and helped me accomplish goals I didn’t know I could reach. This inspired me to give back through coaching, teaching, and mentoring. Over the past 10 years, I have worked as a teaching fellow, private tutor, wrestling coach, and advisor for pre-medical and medical students. Through one-on-one tutoring and mentoring, I have helped students achieve higher GPA’s, present research, and match into the specialty of their dreams.

Helping people succeed is my passion! I joined MotivateMD because their mission resonates with my mission: I hope to pave the way because “the next generation of doctors deserves a better path.”  

Chris Soto

Washington University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Chris and I’m a medical student at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. I’m originally from Los Angeles, CA, and I attended the University of California-Davis for undergraduate, where I majored in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. During my undergraduate years, I developed a passion for basic science research and had the opportunity to present my work at multiple conferences. I further pursued these interests in bench research for three gap years at both UC Davis Med Center and Cedars-Sinai before matriculating to medical school to begin a four year MD program. As a result of these experiences, I’ve had the privilege to co-author multiple publications in high-impact journals. I hope to become an attending physician in academic medicine!

In addition to my research interests, I am very passionate about mentorship and increasing diversity in medicine. As a Latino born and raised in South Los Angeles, I witnessed healthcare disparities firsthand in my local community and saw how critical a diverse, culturally-competent team of physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers was to improving patient outcomes. To truly heal requires listening to patients and treating them as a whole person, not just a collection of symptoms. I hope to one day be a physician that understands the unique healthcare needs of my community and takes a holistic approach to care for my patients.

As with most things in life, it takes a village. I owe everything to the people who helped me get here. These include my family, dearest friends, and mentors. I was the first person in my family to pursue a career in medicine, and I had very little exposure or understanding of how to get here until I got to college. Being premed can be one of the most stressful parts of this entire process, and the right approach is critical to one’s success. That being said, connecting with the right people, filtering out the “noise,” and having a plan will open doors you never thought were possible. I’ve decided to join MotivateMD to pay it forward and help as many applicants as possible achieve their dreams of getting into medical school!  

As for life outside of medicine, I love to travel, read, play guitar, play LoL, run in Forest Park, and go to rock concerts! 

Darshi Shah

Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Hi everyone!

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:

● I was a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Biology

● I did take 3 gap-years (2 were intended and 1 because of my MCAT getting canceled several times and everything being delayed to be able to apply on time in 2020)

● I worked in Pharmaceutical consulting (at a UK-based company), which is a bit non-traditional and I guess something different that medical schools might appreciate

● I also traveled abroad and did some global health stuff in Peru (where I led a medical device project and used my engineering skills and also conducted clinical research in pediatric oncology), which is not necessary but also added a different dimension to my application for sure

● I also worked part-time in cancer clinical trials at NYU Langone

● I also co-founded a nanotechnology start-up and was a junior advisor for an oral-cancer diagnostics start-up

● I also worked on some clinical research studies and a medical device project and got a few publications during my gap years – the important theme was to keep my activities consistent with my academic and personal background so my story had a nice flow and was consistent throughout :)

Emerson Heckler

Wake Forest University

Hi everyone!

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! 

Emily Laskey

Emory University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Emily and I’m a current MD-PhD student at Emory University. I’ve been involved in tutoring and mentorship since high school, and love helping other students succeed in their courses and their intended career path. 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. Now that I am in medical school, I hope to give back to students and help them find the resources that they need to find the path that’s right for them.

Throughout college, I had mainly been interested in solely pursuing an MD degree. 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 love the idea of bringing ideas directly from the bench to the bedside and I envision a career that includes running a laboratory while still seeing patients clinically. I took a gap year working as a research technician to confirm my interest in doing research full-time while pursuing other clinical opportunities and found that an MD-PhD was the perfect fit for me!

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! 

Felicia Hung

California Health Sciences University

Hi everyone!

My name is Felicia and I am a medical student at California Health Sciences University. Her academic path began in San Jose, followed by studies in Public Health at UC Berkeley and a Masters at Yale. I took a few gap years for clinical exposure and application refinement, where I worked in vascular surgery and a healthcare startup. Now, I assists with interviews and supports peers in their medical school endeavors, eager to contribute to Motivate MD’s mission. I developed a mentorship program for a neighboring university for aspiring pre-meds and continue to help them achieve their medical school dreams!

I used MotivateMD as an applicant myself and loved how supportive the team is. I am here to bring that experience to all applicants.

Haley Primuth, MD

Rush Medical College

Hi everyone!

My name is Haley and I’m an OBGYN resident at Aurora Health Care in Milwaukee, WI. 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!

Helena Bui

Emory University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Helena and I’m a fourth-year medical student at the Emory University School of Medicine who recently applied to match into 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/yoga/pilates classes, and exploring coffee shops around Atlanta (even though I don’t even drink coffee!).

Joining MotivateMD since my second year of medical school has given me the opportunity to continue staying updated with the latest changes in the medical school application process while meeting amazing applicants from all around the nation. It’s given me the chance 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!

Vicky

MD/PhD
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Hi y’all! My name is Vicky. I’m a current MD/PhD trainee at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW). I’ve hopped around the country a bit! I did my undergrad at Washington University in St. Louis, where I majored in neuroscience and minored in anthropology. After deciding late to apply to MD/PhD programs, I took a gap year at the National Institutes of Health IRTA Post-Baccalaureate Program where I worked full-time while applying to medical schools. After a very long year, I ended up matriculating at UTSW.

As someone who was fortunate to stumble upon some great mentors in my undergraduate and graduate years, I’ve always felt passionate about doing the same for others. I enjoy the personalized process of understanding a student’s goals and then working together to come up with a plan to achieve their goals! In undergrad, I tutored low-income St. Louis middle- and high-school students through the Each One Teach One tutoring program at Washington University. At UTSW, I also serve as a big sib and a student interviewer, which has given me valuable perspective on what admissions committees really look for in applicants.

In addition to mentoring, writing has been another passion of mine over the years. In medical school, I successfully published two op-ed pieces in Kevin MD about various health advocacy issues and was a Doximity Fellow for a year where I published six editorial pieces on a variety of healthcare topics including diversity in nutrition education and vaccine awareness. I joined Motivate MD as an editor to combine my passion for writing and mentorship by guiding current applicants with empathetic, personalized advice and helping them craft essays that showcase their unique experiences and personalities to admissions committees.

Ian Robertson

Uniformed Services University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

Dr. Robertson is currently an active-duty Navy physician. He graduated from Davidson College, just outside Charlotte, NC, and went on to earn his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. He then completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

After serving as a general medical officer with Marine Special Operations (MARSOC), he will be returning to Walter Reed to complete a residency in Psychiatry. Dr. Robertson is excited to support future medical students and residents as they pursue their careers in medicine.

Jamie Koopman, MD

University of Iowa

Hi everyone!

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!

Jessica Liang

University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Jessica Ye

Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Hi everyone!

Dr. Ye is a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation resident at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia/Cornell. She studied Human Biology & Society at UCLA, where she also worked as a New Student Advisor. After a gap year as a medical scribe, she attended medical school at Stony Brook University.

Having experienced the challenges of applying to medical school and residency, she joined Motivate MD to help others navigate the process. She looks forward to meeting you and being part of your journey!

Josephine Nwankwo

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Josephine Nwankwo, and I am currently a resident physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine’s six-year BA/MD program. As someone who took a non-traditional route to medical school, I understand the challenges and considerations that come with forging your own path—and I’m more than happy to help answer any questions you may have about whether this could be the right journey for you.

Throughout my time in medical school, I remained deeply committed to mentorship and uplifting others. I was actively involved in multiple mentorship programs, including the Student NationalMedical Association (SNMA), where I had the privilege of mentoring both middle school and college-aged students. I’m passionate about encouraging youth and individuals interested in STEM, and I firmly believe in the power of representation and guidance. As someone who has served on admission committees, I hope to provide help insight to future applicants and share what I have learned from my own personal experiences.

My own path in medicine was shaped by incredible mentors and role models who inspired and supported me along the way. Now, I hope to be that same kind of resource for others—someone who can help you navigate your unique journey, find your voice, and confidently pursue your goals in medicine. In my free time, you can find me taking a walk in a park, taking photos, or trying the newest ice cream shop. 

Joshua Kim

California Northstate

Hi everyone!

Mentorship/advising experience:
During my time in high school, I started an outside program known as PrepForCollege, where I presented my knowledge regarding college expectations to parents and students. Upon arriving at UCLA, I transformed this outside program into the Core Club. Here, I utilized my knowledge and experience to offer mentorship and advice to other premedical students, granting them crucial information that would help them prepare for the rigorous requirements of medical school applications. Now, as a medical student, I seek to further pursue my motive of helping others through Motivate MD.

During my time pursuing medicine, I took two gap years where I worked as a medical scribe and technician, held four research positions, and received my Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Julie Thamby, MD, MBA

Duke University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Julie, and I’m a current intern in the combined Medicine-Pediatrics residency program at UCLA. I did my undergrad at Rice University where I majored in Cognitive Sciences and attended medical school at Duke University. In college and medical school, I was passionate about addressing social drivers of health through various student led initiatives, including ones focused on food and housing insecurity.

I often wondered how these issues could be better addressed and integrated into our health system and decided to pursue an MBA while in medical school. Business school provided me with exposure to new models of care, technology, and gave me a framework for problem solving complex issues. I also engaged in clinical research focused on financial toxicity in pediatric cancer care and published several papers on the topic. As a resident, I am excited to continue caring for patients across the full age spectrum and hope to become a combined hospitalist.

My journey to medicine was not without difficulties as I am the first in my family to attend college in the US and to become a doctor. As such, I am deeply appreciative of the guidance and support of all my mentors as I would not be in my current position otherwise. I chose to be a part of Motivate MD to uplift the doctors that come after me and to help them realize their goals in medicine. I have extensive experience in mentorship/advising through college, medical school, and now residency.

I served as an orientation week advisor for 3 years at Rice and provided academic advice, helped navigate life and social challenges, and followed them through their college career. It was incredible seeing each and every student’s growth and I enjoyed playing a supporting role in their journey. I had a similar contribution in medication as I mentored college students through medical school applications. I was connected with these students through my medical school, personal connections, and through Motivate MD. I also conducted portions of the MMI while at Duke, gaining valuable insight into the application process. In business school,

I served as a TA and tutor for several courses, and now in residency, I serve as a resident buddy to current medical students, offering guidance on rotations, studying, and future career paths, and also participate in recruitment efforts for the Med-Peds program. I am excited to bring this expertise to Motivate MD and to work with all of you!

Kashika Bharol

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Hi everyone!

My name is Kashika, and I’m a medical student at the University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine, where I’m part of the Population Urban & Rural Community Health (PURCH) track. My work in medical school focuses heavily on health equity, community engagement, and understanding how social factors shape patient care.

Before medical school, I attended the University of California, Berkeley, where I earned degrees in Molecular and Cell Biology and Public Health. During college, I became deeply interested in the intersection of medicine, public health, and advocacy. I worked on projects ranging from research on lung cancer therapies at Massachusetts General Hospital to public-health initiatives that expanded access to community resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In medical school, I’ve continued to explore those interests through research and leadership. Much of my research centers on health disparities, including projects on skin-of-color education, sunscreen use in patients with pigmentary disorders, and the impact of social determinants of health in clinical care. I’m also involved in community-based initiatives such as curriculum development focused on health equity and outreach programs aimed at improving preventive health education.  

Mentorship has always been incredibly important to me. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who helped guide me through the medical school process, and I love paying that forward by supporting students navigating the same path. I enjoy helping applicants think through how to tell their story authentically, whether that’s brainstorming experiences, editing personal statements, or building confidence throughout the application cycle.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending my time doing pilates, trying new cafes, and doing henna art.

Applying to medical school can feel overwhelming, but you absolutely don’t have to navigate it alone. As your mentor, my goal is to work with you as a teammate, helping you present your experiences and motivations in a way that truly reflects who you are. Every applicant’s journey is unique, and I’m excited to help you shape yours.

Looking forward to working with you!

Kate Alperin

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Hi everyone!

I’m Kate, a third-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 pediatric research 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.

Kate Tolleson

Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Madihah

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! 😊

Marilynn Kanu, MD

Long School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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.

Marlaena Nooney

Creighton University School of Medicine

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!  

Megan

Medical College of Georgia

Hi my name is Megan A. and I’m a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia! During college I have spent most of my time outside school working as an EMT for the past 3 years. I gained a lot of clinical experience through my time on the ambulance and it really confirmed my desire to pursue a career in the medical field! During undergrad I also led peer groups for freshman chemistry classes during which I provided support and encouragement to students in their first year of chemistry. I also tutored elementary students in a trailer park community and led a service organization for freshman students during college. These opportunities have allowed me to gain confidence and experience in mentoring other students and I hope to use the lessons that I learned in helping premed students achieve their goals! I had many doubts during my journey towards medical school and there were many times I wanted to quit. I am so glad that I didn’t and I hope I can provide the encouragement and support to help premeds believe in themselves and their dreams! I am truly looking forward to working with all of you!

Melissa Porterhouse, MD

Rush Medical College

Hi everyone!

My name is Melissa, and I am a general surgery resident at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Being the first in my family to attend college and pursue a career in medicine, I uniquely understand both the challenges of navigating the medical school and residency admissions processes and the impact that meaningful mentorship can have. I joined Motivate MD in hopes of providing reliable, accessible guidance to ultimately help others achieve their dreams of becoming a physician.

As far as my educational background and qualifications, I completed my undergraduate education at Saint Louis University, where I graduated magna cum laude with a major in Investigative and Medical Sciences and minors in Biology and Health Care Ethics. Throughout my time in college, I worked as an overnight emergency department medical scribe, served in several leadership positions for pre-health and service clubs, and developed a passion for volunteering with and serving underserved communities. I carried these passions with me to medical school at Rush Medical College and found a niche within surgical disparities work. Additionally, I am incredibly passionate about increasing representation and providing mentorship within medicine. This led me to create the Rush Surgery Mentorship Program, which provides medical students with insight into the field of surgery and connections with attending surgeon mentors, and to foster relationships between the Rush Surgery Interest Group and pipeline programs for local high school students. I also served as a member of the Rush Medical College Committee on Admissions, a mentor for underrepresented M1 and M2 medical students through a national mentorship program, and an editor-in-chief of the Rush COVID-19 Journal. These experiences have prepared me to not only provide quality application guidance and editing assistance, but to truly support you through all stages of the application process. Whether you are looking for general advice on applications, assistance with editing, or anything in between, I hope you will reach out. I would be thrilled to be a part of your journey!

Michaela F.

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.

Mohammad Mansour, MD

University of Debrecen

Hi everyone!

I graduated from the University of Debrecen in Hungary and am currently an Internal Medicine resident at Northwell Health, affiliated with the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in New York.

Alongside my clinical training, I have been involved in research, medical education, and mentorship. Through my experiences with academic writing and residency applications, I developed a strong interest in helping applicants clearly and authentically tell their stories. When I applied for residency, I used Motivate MD’s services and found the guidance invaluable. Now that I am on the other side of the process, I aim to provide the same thoughtful support and constructive feedback that once helped me.

Natalie Stratton, MD

Medical College of Wisconsin

Hi everyone!

My name is Natalie, I’m a PGY-1 at University of Michigan in the combined Internal Medicine-Pediatrics program. I went to medical school at Medical College of Wisconsin and undergrad at University of Minnesota. I have worked with MotivateMD as an editor, interviewer, coach, advisor since starting medical school! I take particular joy out of guiding people through their application journey from the beginnings of writing personal statements to completing interviews.

I have had significant experiences in medical education at both institutional and national levels and continue to pursue this interest in residency. I also enjoy quality-improvement efforts, have given many oral presentations on widely varying topics, as well as written both manuscripts and case reports with regards to research publications.

Nidhi Kuchimanchi, MD

University of Virginia

Hi everyone!

I recently matched to an Internal Medicine preliminary year at the University of Virginia, followed by an advanced dermatology position at Baylor College of Medicine’s program in Temple, Texas (BSWH). 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. 

Noah Wilson

Creighton University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Noah and I am a medical student at the Creighton University School of Medicine. I am originally from Denver, Colorado and completed my undergraduate work at the University of Notre Dame where I earned a B.S. in biological sciences with a double major in theology.

I have had the pleasure of serving and mentoring students of all ages, from middle schoolers to premedical students, and enjoy the process of helping each student achieve their dreams and reach their full potential! As far as my professional experience, I have significant research experience in pediatric pulmonology and general surgery through the Children’s Hospital of Colorado and Creighton.

I am also pursuing an MBA as part of Creighton’s dual-degree program and plan to return to the medical curriculum full-time beginning in spring 2027. I have worked as an essay editor and interview prep coach at Motivate MD for the past year. I was inspired to join Motivate MD because I wanted make the daunting medical school admissions process more manageable for prospective medical students. Looking forward to working with you!

Olivia Garror, MD

University of Rochester

Hi everyone!

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!

Rachel Prince

Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Rachel and I am a third-year medical student at Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine, with a background in leadership, research, and mentorship. I came into college interested in pursuing healthcare, and my activities in college centered a lot around volunteering and mentorship. I was able to serve in several leadership roles in my sorority, was a volunteer tutor for immigrant staff members at the university (one of my favorite experiences in college!), and was a peer advisor within the Psychology and Brain Sciences department where I helped advise incoming freshmen about their career path, connected them to resources, and helped create a career advising guide for new students.

I also worked part-time as a medical scribe during my junior year to get in some clinical experience. After college I wanted to gain more clinical experience, so I took a single gap year and worked as an ophthalmic technician at a busy multi-specialty practice, volunteered as an editor for a narrative medicine journal, and provided freelance application editing and mock interview services for premed students as I went through my own application cycle. My path to medical school wasn’t necessarily the “traditional” one in the sense that I constantly got feedback from premed advisors that my interests in the medical humanities and creative writing and the arts might not be perceived as well by medical school admissions committees compared to the applicants coming in with stellar research portfolios, perfect grades, and hundreds more hours of clinical experience than me.

However, the narrative I told – which was 100% true to me and my passion for medicine – was that each patient brings a particular story to their healthcare provider, and it is our job to honor that story in the context of all the social, cultural, environmental, psychological, and clinical factors that encompass that patient. Even in medical school now I am able to utilize my skills in writing and storytelling to truly understand patients and develop those relationships with them, and I hope that it will remain a significant part of my life as a future physician for years to come. I’m a first-generation medical student, so I hope to use the experiences I have gained to help you craft compelling, holistic applications that highlight your passion for medicine and most importantly – tell YOUR STORY. No one can tell your story like you can, and I’m convinced that it is that unique factor that will help you stand out amongst the thousands applying to medical school. Work with me so we can tell your story, together!

Raj

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.

Rhys Richmond

Yale School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Safura Ateeq

Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Safura Ateeq, and I am an Osteopathic Medical Student passionate about helping fellow students! I am currently a medical student at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – Seton Hill. Prior to medical school, I completed my B.S. in Integrated Health Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I then took 2 gap years before starting medical school, applying to medical school each year. During my first gap year, I gained valuable clinical experience that helped me develop my bedside manner and gave me a sense of comfort in the field of medicine. I became an EMT, worked as a Medical Assistant, and also worked as a Patient Care Technician during the COVID-19 pandemic. As for my second gap year, I completed a medical Master’s degree in Integrative Physiology. My M.S. degree has been invaluable in my success in medical school, allowing me a first pass at the material I would face during medical school itself.

My medical school advising journey dates back to my first year of medical school. At my school, I was the class of 2025 SAAO secretary, Sports Medicine Club President, and PM&R chair. For those of you who are not familiar with SAAO, it is a club that serves DO students in an effort to teach and promote osteopathic practices and principles.

When I served, I would help students gain additional practice in perfecting osteopathic techniques during club meetings, while also helping to reinforce related concepts like anatomy. Outside of club meetings, I would record informational and demonstrative videos and post them on our club social media page to further allow students to learn and review in the comfort of their home. As Sports Medicine President and PM&R chair, I have been happy to help guide students in their interests in each respective field. Teaching is in my blood, my mom and sister are both teachers! I look forward to helping you out on your medical journey.

Sarah Batt, MD

Creighton University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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 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!

Sarah McLaughlin

Emory University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Sarah, and I am a 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!

Sheel Joshi

UNC School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

I’m Sheel, a 4th-year medical student at UNC School of Medicine. My diverse experiences in patient care and research, beginning in high school, led me to medical school.

I believe a strong applicant has a variety of experiences, but, more importantly, knows how to articulate them in their application. Having applied to medical school straight through undergrad, I can understand the desire not to take a gap year. I provide advice on what makes a strong application/applicant for students interested in applying straight into medical school. I have been a part of the Motivate MD team for 3 years as an advisor, editor, and interview coach, helping students achieve the best possible results on their medical school applications.

Sheena Chatrath, MD

University of illinois College of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Dr. Chatrath, and I am a dermatology resident at University of Illinois College of Medicine. I attended Saint Louis University for my undergraduate education, where I majored in Psychology and Biology. In undergrad, I spent 2.5 years performing basic science research where I published a manuscript in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, I served as a biology TA, tutor, and tutor leader for our peer mentoring program where I taught and mentored hundreds of students.

I completed medical school at University of Illinois, where I focused much of my time on clinical research, publishing several first author manuscripts in dermatology. I continued mentoring both pre-medical and medical students, assisting students with application advice, development of personal statements/activities, and interview prep. I also served as an admissions ambassador, where I interviewed pre-medical students for admission to UIC.

The journey to medical school is difficult, often uncertain, and one that I remember very clearly. I joined MotivateMD to help ease some of the anxiety that comes along with applying to medical school. I look forward to meeting with you and helping you reach your career goals!

Shilpa

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!

Shree Dudhat

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Hi everyone!

My name is Shree, and I’m an M2 at UWSMPH. I graduated from UW-Madison with degrees in Biology and Art History, so I am really passionate about looking at medicine through a humanistic lens. During my time in undergrad, I helped pilot our Biology Department’s Peer Mentoring Program where we focused on supporting 1st, 2nd, and transfer year Biology major students, particularly those underrepresented in the program. I also spent two years on the executive board of our HOSA chapter, mentoring our pre-med members on the path to medical school. I loved being able to help them with everything from crafting their personal narrative to helping them find opportunities on-campus that aligned with their professional goals.

Since graduating, I have spent my gap years working as a medical assistant in a reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic in Milwaukee. Through this experience, I’ve been able to participate in all aspects of clinical research from getting IRB approval to data collection to publishing our work to presenting it at conferences. I am also dedicated to serving underserved communities and volunteer weekly at a women’s substance use disorder shelter and treatment center and at an after-school tutoring program for refugees in Milwaukee. Outside of medicine, I am also a yoga instructor at my local YMCA! I love to read (mostly romance novels), travel (most recently went to San Diego), and bake (working on perfecting my scone recipe).

I joined MotivateMD because I am passionate about helping students navigate the challenging and complex journey that applying to medical school often is. As a reapplicant myself, I am more than familiar with the anxiety that often comes with applying, and it is my goal as your mentor to do whatever I can to ease that. Having used MotivateMD for my second application cycle, I am excited to provide the same comprehensive support, advising, and encouragement I received from my own team to you! I look forward to working with you! 

Sophia Zweig, MD ScM

SUNY Downstate

Hi everyone!

My name is Sophia and I am a first year resident at Family Health Centers of San Diego. I was a nontraditional medical student and worked as an epidemiologist for several years before deciding to pursue a career as a public health physician. I received my master’s degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

Throughout medical school at SUNY Downstate, I mentored and advised countless medical students and pre-med applicants. I chose to join MotivateMD because mentoring applicants brings me so much joy!

Stephanie Ryan, MD

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

I’m Steph, and I’m a current anesthesiology resident at Massachusetts General Hospital and former medical student at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). Like many people, I first became interested in medicine through a personal experience after undergoing an arrhythmia ablation at Boston Children’s Hospital. From that moment on, being a doctor became my goal. While I originally planned on going straight into medical school from my undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, I ended up taking one gap year as a scribe/practice assistant to save up money and gain more clinical experience before applying.

Being a first generation college student, my idea of medicine was largely pieced together from various doctor’s appointments and my family’s own encounters with the healthcare system. While I gained great mentors in medical school, I resonate with the challenges faced by fellow first-gen students throughout undergrad and the med school application process. At SSOM, I became involved in various peer mentorship roles to try and bridge the gap in advising I felt I experienced as a student. Additionally, I volunteered on SSOM’s admissions board for 2 years, where I aided in the holistic review of applicants and deepened my understanding of what makes students more likely to be selected for an interview.

Though difficult at times, deciding to attend medical school was the best decision I’ve ever made, and I find joy in helping others pursue similar careers in any way that I can.

Sunaina Addanki, MD

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine

Hi everyone!

I’m born and raised in Chicago! I went to medical school at Dr.Kiran C Patels College of Allopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University. I am a current first year resident at Rush University Medicine Center in Chicago! Some of my hobbies include badminton, dance, card games, and restaurant hopping! I absolutely love the opportunity to work with medical students through Motivate MD.

I’ve worked for several years with students to tune up their interview skills, identify strengths/weaknesses, and prep for medical school. I look forward to working with all of you!

Tammy Gonzalez, MD, PhD

University of Cincinnati

Hi everyone!

my name is Tammy Gonzalez and I am a dermatology resident at the University of Miami Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery. I completed my MD/PhD at the University of Cincinnati, where my doctoral research focused on the skin microbiome and host–microbe interactions in inflammatory skin diseases. My current work focuses on conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic itch, with a broader interest in improving dermatologic care and research for patients with skin of color.

Throughout my training, mentorship has played a key role in my journey, and I enjoy paying that forward by advising pre-medical and medical students on research, career planning, and the application process. I especially enjoy helping students connect their experiences into a clear and authentic narrative for personal statements and applications.

I joined Motivate MD because I believe mentorship and access to guidance can make a meaningful difference for students navigating the path to medicine. I look forward to supporting students as they pursue their goals. 

Tara Srinivas

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Tara, and I’m a fourth-year medical student at Johns Hopkins pursuing interventional radiology. I was born and raised in Colorado and moved to the East Coast for college, where I received a BSc in Neuroscience from Brown University in 2020. I later completed a Master’s in Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge and a Fulbright scholarship in Barcelona, Spain before starting medical school in 2022. My research interests have spanned stroke outcomes disparities and molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, and I’m hoping to pursue academic medicine in the future. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, running, camping, and dancing and love to connect over trails and camping recommendations!

Mentorship and tutoring has been a central and rewarding part of my academic and personal journey for as long as I can remember. I served as a peer mentor for first-year students, a TA for a few different courses, and a math tutor throughout undergrad. During my gap years, I taught English and pre-college essay advising for high school students in the Upward Bound program. At Hopkins, I am a mentor for undergrad pre-med students at Morgan State University, where I’ve worked with students to put their individual stories into writing a personal statement and advised them regarding research opportunities.

My goal as your mentor is to get to know and support you as a person. Together, we’ll make sure that you put your best foot forward and that you don’t feel alone in this process. I look forward to working with you! 

Uma Rao

University of California Irvine

Hi everyone!

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!  

Sachi

UMass Chan School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Sachi, and I’m currently a medical student at UMass Chan School of Medicine. I was born and raised in Massachusetts and attended Emory University, where I majored in Human Health and Economics.

In college, I volunteered as a patient visitor and participated in research projects on cleft lip and palates, triple-negative breast cancer metastasis, and community intervention programs. I’m especially passionate about global health and worked extensively on initiatives in Guatemala to improve patient education and living conditions, such as reducing smoke inhalation from open-fire cooking. After graduating, I spent two years in Washington, D.C. as a healthcare consultant before starting medical school.

I understand how overwhelming the medical school application process can feel, and I’m excited to join MotivateMD and help you create the strongest application possible!. 

Nithisha Cheedalla

Rowan-Virtual SOM

Hi everyone!

I am currently a medical student at the School of Osteopathic Medicine, and for the past four years I have been mentoring and advising pre-medical students. I have found this work incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to give back to the field that has shaped my journey. I understand how daunting the medical school application process can be, especially without proper guidance or mentorship, and I am passionate about helping students navigate it with confidence!

I attended Rutgers University New Brunswick for my undergraduate education, where I majored in Cell Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Music. During college, I discovered my passion for research and began working on a wet lab project studying the connectivity and distribution of interneurons within the brain’s motor pathways in mouse models with a mutation linked to Tourette’s syndrome. In medical school, I continued my work at the bench and led a project investigating the expression of the oxytocin receptor in mouse skin. Through these experiences, I have contributed to and published over 15 abstracts, posters, and manuscripts.

Prior to medical school, I took a gap year and worked as a medical assistant in an internal medicine practice. I learned how to take vital signs, thorough patient histories, and document effectively which are all skills that became incredibly valuable during med school.

I chose to become a part of Motivate MD because I resonate with its mission to support and uplift future physicians by providing accessible, affordable mentorship. I believe in paying forward the guidance I received and am committed to helping the next generation of medical students achieve their goals!

Sahana Ram

Georgetown University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Sahana, and I am a gap-year medical school applicant with a background in public health and neuroscience research. I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a 3.99 GPA and am currently preparing to enter medical school while continuing my work in clinical, research, and educational settings. Having navigated the medical school application process firsthand, I understand how overwhelming it can feel to balance academics, extracurricular commitments, and self-doubt while trying to present an authentic narrative.

Mentorship and advising have been central to my path. I have over eight years of tutoring experience across the sciences and standardized test preparation, and I have also mentored peers through the medical school application process, including personal statements, activities sections, and interview preparation. Through these roles, I have learned that effective advising requires listening closely to help each student build confidence in their own voice and journey.

My path to medicine has been shaped by a combination of public health work, EEG-based sleep and memory research, and sustained community engagement. During college, I worked in a memory and aging lab with poster presentations and manuscripts in preparation, worked as an ABA therapist, and served in leadership roles focused on education access and student wellness. Taking a gap year allowed me to deepen these experiences, gain clinical exposure as a medical assistant, and approach the application process with greater clarity and intention.

I chose to be a part of Motivate MD because I deeply value accessible, honest mentorship that meets students where they are. I am especially passionate about supporting students who feel overwhelmed by rigid expectations and helping them craft applications that reflect who they truly are. I would be honored to support you through any stage of your journey toward medicine.

Kirtan Patel

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Louisiana

Hi everyone!

My name is Kirtan Patel, and I am an OMS-1 at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Louisiana Campus. My journey to medicine has been shaped by diverse clinical experiences as a medical assistant and phlebotomist, along with research in pediatric oncology and ongoing work in neurotrauma and systematic reviews.

Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong foundation in both patient care and academic medicine. I have mentored pre-med students in coursework, application strategy, and interview preparation, focusing on clear, structured, and individualized guidance. I joined Motivate MD to help make the medical school application process more accessible and to support students in building both competitive applications and confidence in their path.

Josh Coan

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Hi everyone!

My name is Josh Coan and I am currently a medical student at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. I’m originally from the Greater Rochester area, so it’s been really special to return home for medical school and train in the community that helped shape me.

Before medical school, I studied at Princeton University in the School of Public and International Affairs. While there I was a member of the varsity men’s volleyball team, served as a Student-Athlete Wellness Leader, and worked as a peer academic and pre-health advisor. Through these roles I spent a lot of time mentoring other students, whether helping teammates balance athletics and academics or guiding peers through the early stages of the medical school application process.

After graduating, I spent a gap year working as a clinical research coordinator in the Orthopaedic Spine Department at Massachusetts General Hospital. During that time I worked on several spine surgery outcomes projects and gained experience with clinical research.

As the first person in my family to pursue medicine, I began the application process without a clear roadmap and ultimately was accepted to Rochester off the waitlist. I also had to balance starting a full-time job while preparing and submitting applications, which gave me a firsthand appreciation for how demanding the process can be. I’m excited to be part of Motivate MD and look forward to helping students navigate the same challenges as they work toward their goal of becoming physicians.

James Terrell

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Hi everyone!

I’m James, an incoming medical student at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

During my undergraduate years, I mentored high school students applying to college, providing guidance on essay editing and application strategy. I also conducted bariatric surgery research at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and neurosurgery research at UCSF. In addition, I served as a caseworker intern at the San Mateo Pride Center in the Bay Area.

As a Californian, I understand how competitive the application process can be. I was fortunate to receive support from MotivateMD during my own application cycle, and I’m excited to give back by helping others navigate their journeys.  

Ishika Jain

University of Minnesota Medical School

Hi everyone!

My name is Ishika Jain, and I am a medical student (MS1) at the University of Minnesota Medical School – Twin Cities. I attended the University of Minnesota for my undergraduate education, where I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biomedical Engineering.

Throughout college, my path toward medicine came about alongside my commitment to and interest in public health, advocacy, and engineering. I am currently part of the national leadership team of Partners In Health Engage and volunteer at Rahma Heart Care, a free cardiology clinic in my community.

As a former MotivateMD student, I had an extremely successful medical school interview and acceptance cycle, which I attribute in large part to the mentorship I received. I am very excited to now be part of MotivateMD to offer future applicants that same support and guidance. 

Ghaith Al Tibi, MD

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Ghaith Al Tibi, and I am a fourth-year medical student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine applying into Internal Medicine. I was born and raised in Syria and grew up with two physician parents, allowing me to have an early exposure to the impact of healthcare in an undeserved setting.

I continued pursuing this passion at Georgia Tech, majoring in Biology, where my work with underserved populations cemented my desire to become a physician who prioritizes health equity. At Einstein, I have stayed true to this mission by working with patients through our school’s free clinic, global health initiatives, and a rural non-profit.

My clinical perspective is further shaped by my research at the intersection of Cardiology and Artificial Intelligence. My path has also been defined by a deep commitment to mentorship. I serve as an alumni mentor for Georgia Tech Pre-Health Mentorship Program and provide guidance through our rural nonprofit, the Lake Country Rural Health Initiative, helping others navigate the complexities of a medical career. 

I chose to join Motivate MD because I believe no student should have to navigate this challenging path alone. My goal is to use my unique experience to provide transparent, relatable advising that empowers students to reach their full potential. 

Georgia McLeod

Baylor College of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Georgia and I’m an incoming 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 majored in Medical Anthropology with minors in Biology and Spanish for the Medical Professions.

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. Studying Medical Anthropology alongside the traditional pre-med curriculum allowed me to stay connected to the interests that inspired me to pursue medicine.

I also gained several years of mentorship experience as an Ambassador and Mentor at UNC’s Office for Undergraduate Research, advising 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 personal values and interests that shape their medical goals.

Delaney Ding

University of Florida College of Medicine

Hi everyone!

I’m Delaney Ding. I’m an MD-PhD trainee at the University of Florida College of Medicine, with graduate training in epidemiology and data science. I was called to medicine because I’m drawn to work that sits at the intersection of rigorous problem-solving and real human impact, especially for patients and communities that are too often overlooked. My path has been shaped by my dual-degree training and a research mindset, so I tend to think in systems: what the goal is, what the constraints are, and what plan will actually get someone across the finish line. I’ve been involved in academic research throughout my training, and that experience has ultimately taught me how to write clearly, think critically, and communicate in a way that’s candid, informative, and compelling.

Mentorship is a huge part of how I show up. I’ve supported students and peers through high-stakes application cycles by helping them clarify their narrative, refine their written materials, and prepare for interviews with structure and confidence. I’m direct but encouraging, and I care a lot about making sure someone’s voice stays true and intact. My goal is always for an applicant to come across as grounded, credible, and memorable as their best self.

I chose to be part of Motivate MD because I respect its mission, accessibility, and standards. Applicants deserve mentoring that’s thoughtful, accessible, organized, and personalized. I’m excited to help future physicians build a strategy that fits their life, present themselves strongly, and move through the process with clarity and momentum.  

 

Ayleen Shaban

Nova Southeastern University

Hi everyone!

My name is Ayleen, and I am incoming Neurology resident at Memorial Healthcare System. I was born and raised in California, where I also completed my undergraduate education at the University of California, Riverside, earning my B.S. in Biology. After graduating from college, I took two gap years that became some of the most formative years of my life. I worked as a tutor, medical assistant, and insurance coordinator, gaining a deeper understanding of patient care from multiple perspectives. During that time, I also had the privilege of mentoring a young girl through Big Brothers Big Sisters. This is where I discovered my passion for mentorship and how rewarding it can be.

I later attended Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU KPCOM), where I sought out opportunities to support others on a similar journey. I have served as a panelist speaking to fellow medical students about clinical rotations, as President of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), and as a peer mentor through Phi Delta Epsilon. These experiences have reinforced how meaningful it is to walk alongside others during challenging seasons of growth.

Throughout medical school, I discovered a deep passion for Neurology. I am continually inspired by the resilience of patients living with neurological diseases and am especially drawn to neuroimmunology. I have authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in the field of neurology, with a focus on expanding understanding of neurologic disease and treatment.  

Outside of medicine, you can usually find me exploring Florida’s beautiful springs and beaches, or exploring new coffee spots with friends. I know firsthand how overwhelming and stressful the medical school process can feel; so truly, congratulations on making it this far! You should be incredibly proud of yourself. My own experiences, combined with the guidance of incredible mentors who supported me along the way, have inspired me to give back. I am so excited and honored to be part of Motivate MD and to support you as you navigate this path. You do not have to do it alone.  

Alex Phan

University of Texas at Houston McGovern School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Alex Phan, and I am a first-year medical student at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, Class of 2030. I graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science.

During college, I immersed myself in research, including work in Dr. Chenggang Wu’s Microbiology and Molecular Genetics lab studying CRISPR interference systems and their role in colorectal cancer pathways. I have also contributed to stroke imaging research focused on CT-based biomarkers in large vessel occlusion patients. Presenting my work and engaging in translational science strengthened my passion for academic medicine.

My path to medical school was not linear. After retaking the MCAT and significantly improving my score, I chose to apply through the traditional route and withdraw my BS/MD early assurance acceptance. That decision required discipline, self-belief, and growth. I was fortunate to receive multiple MD acceptances across Texas.

Mentorship has become one of the most meaningful parts of my journey. I have guided pre-medical students through MCAT preparation, personal statement development, secondary essay writing, and mock interviews. I have a strong approach to writing primaries and secondaries by helping students clarify their thesis, structure their story with intention, and ensure their narrative is cohesive and memorable. My goal is not just strong essays, but clear storytelling that reflects who they truly are. 

I chose to join Motivate MD because I believe high-quality mentorship should be accessible, structured, and empowering. I am grateful for the guidance I received, and I am committed to helping future applicants pursue their calling with confidence and clarity. 

Aizaaz Faiz

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Aizaaz Faiz, and I am currently a medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. I began my journey to medicine at Northeastern University, where my academic and clinical experiences gradually shaped my understanding of what it means to care for patients. Working as a medical assistant in a cancer center and volunteering in a clinic serving uninsured individuals exposed me to two very different healthcare environments, yet both revealed the same underlying truth: access to quality care is deeply unequal. My experiences shadowing physicians in Pakistan and South Africa further broadened my perspective, showing me how systemic barriers can shape health outcomes on a global scale.

Throughout this journey, mentorship has played a central role in my growth, which is why I have made it a priority to support others navigating similar paths. I have worked as a tutor and mentor for students across different stages, helping them build both academic confidence and clarity in their goals. Whether through one-on-one advising, sharing application strategies, or simply being a reliable source of guidance, I have found fulfillment in making the process more accessible and less overwhelming. My background also includes research in aging and cellular biology, as well as clinical research presented at national conferences. I chose to be part of Motivate MD because I value its mission of providing personalized, thoughtful mentorship. Having benefited from guidance myself, I understand how impactful the right support can be, and I hope to offer that same sense of direction and reassurance to future applicants.

Mike Zhou

New York Institute of Technology COM

Hi everyone!

I am currently a student in the Life Sciences B.S./D.O. program at NYITCOM, pursuing a career in medicine with a strong emphasis on mentorship, service, and academic development. Being part of an accelerated medical pathway has given me early insight into the rigor of medical training while reinforcing the importance of intentional study habits, balance, and long term planning.

Mentorship has been a defining part of my journey. I have extensive experience advising and tutoring students at the high school and premedical levels, with a focus on MCAT preparation, science coursework, academic planning, and skill building. I have also developed and led structured tutoring programs, including individualized public speaking curricula, and regularly support students with goal setting, study strategies, and navigating academic pressure. My mentoring style prioritizes clarity, honesty, and adaptability, recognizing that every student’s path and challenges are different.

I chose to be part of Motivate MD because I believe meaningful mentorship can change trajectories. Motivate MD provides students with accessible, realistic guidance, and I am excited to contribute by helping others approach the path to medicine with confidence, structure, and purpose.

Mehar Maju, MD

University of Washington

Hi everyone!

I am a first-year preliminary resident at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and will begin Dermatology residency at UCSF in July 2026. I graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine, where I was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. My path to medicine was non-traditional.

Before medical school, I worked in public health and human rights research studying the impact of war and violence on human disease and earned a Master of Public Health from UCLA. I later pursued clinical research in several specialties, including General Surgery and Pediatrics, before applying to medical school. Throughout my training, I have remained committed to health equity and advocacy, particularly for individuals affected by war and displacement.

I served as Co-Director of my medical school’s Asylum Evaluation Clinic and continue to work on educational initiatives supporting clinicians who care for asylum seekers. Mentorship has been essential to my journey, and I am passionate about helping students navigate the path to medicine. I joined Motivate MD to support pre-medical and medical students, especially those with non-traditional paths, as they explore specialties, prepare applications, and build confidence in their stories.

Lilian Yao

UMass Chan School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Lilian, and I am an MD/MBA student at UMass Chan Medical School. My journey to medicine has been non-traditional, beginning at UC Santa Cruz, where I earned my degree in Bioengineering with a minor in Bioinformatics.

Following graduation, I worked as a Research Technician at Stanford University and completed a post-baccalaureate program at CSU East Bay. My ‘gap years’ were defined by a deep commitment to service; driven by witnessing the challenges loved ones faced with food insecurity, I volunteered at the Florence Fang Community Farm and Clinic by the Bay in San Francisco. This path eventually led me to an AmeriCorps (NHC SF) service term with the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Value-Based Care Team.

Through my work as a tutor with Club Z! Tutoring, I developed the ability to adapt complex information to diverse learning styles. Having navigated the complexities of being a reapplicant myself, I have valuable tools that helped me gain acceptance to medical school, such as improving my MCAT score, sharpening my interview skills, and refining my narrative.

I joined Motivate MD because I was once a pre-med student of this very program! The advisors were all so helpful, and I remember exactly what it feels like to be in your shoes, facing an application cycle that often feels overwhelming and uncertain. Having successfully transitioned from a non-traditional background and the reapplicant path into a dual-degree program, I am passionate about providing the same guidance that helped me reach my goals. I am thrilled to be part of this pivotal moment in your journey and can’t wait to help you put your best foot forward!

Natalie DeRoche, MD

Wake Forest University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Natalie DeRoche, and I am a fourth-year medical student at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. I will be graduating in 2026 and am excited to continue my training as a Family Medicine resident at Wake Forest.

My journey to medicine has been shaped largely by community service and by working alongside individuals navigating social and health challenges. After graduating from college, I spent a year serving with AmeriCorps at Maggie’s Place in Phoenix, Arizona, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and support for women experiencing homelessness. In this role, I had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with women during an especially vulnerable time in their lives, which deepened my understanding of the complex barriers many individuals face in accessing stable housing, healthcare, food, and social support. I later continued my work with individuals experiencing housing insecurity through working at Habitat for Humanity. These experiences gave me a deeper appreciation for how social determinants shape health outcomes and ultimately solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine.

During medical school, I have continued my commitment to health equity through my leadership in the Delivering Equal Access to Care (DEAC) Clinic, Wake Forest’s student-run free clinic that provides care to uninsured members of the community. In addition, I have also been involved in research focused on pediatric and community health, health equity, and hygiene poverty.

Mentorship has been one of the most meaningful parts of my medical school experience. Throughout my training, I have mentored both pre-medical and medical students at multiple stages of their academic journeys. I am passionate about supporting students as they prepare their applications by helping them identify and articulate what makes them unique. I particularly enjoy helping students reflect on their experiences and develop a compelling narrative around their “why medicine.” Applying to medical school can feel extremely overwhelming. I hope that with our support you can feel more confidence in your application and ultimately find a medical school that matches your goals.

Ramneet Chauhan

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Ramneet and I am currently a fourth-year medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit! I applied Family Medicine and I am looking forward to starting residency in a few months. I grew up in a small town in Michigan and received my B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Michigan in 2022, after which I matriculated to medical school. My journey in medicine has been influenced by several things, including growing up in a rural town, being both a first-generation college student in the United States and the first in my family to pursue medicine, and coming from a Punjabi-American background.

I love mentoring and advising! In college, I was a part of the ARISE Mentorship Program, which is focused on mentoring first-generation South and Southeast Asian students. I also was both a mentee and mentor as a part of the Women in Science and Engineering program during my first two years at the University of Michigan. I continued my passion for mentorship into medical school, where I’ve served as mentor for pre-med students, as well as for pre-clerkship students.

I chose to be a part of Motivate MD because I know how hard the medical school application process can be, especially if you are navigating it as a first-generation medical student. I am looking forward to helping you as you pursue medicine, a field that is very difficult, but extremely rewarding!

Samantha Leon

Northwestern University Feinberg Schoool of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Sammie, and I am currently a fourth-year medical student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and recently matched into Diagnostic Radiology at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Tufts University, where I majored in Clinical Psychology and graduated summa cum laude. I decided to pursue medicine later in college, and after graduating, I completed a post-baccalaureate premedical program at Goucher College, where I completed all of my premedical coursework before applying to medical school. During that time, I also worked as a medical assistant, gaining valuable clinical experience while preparing for medical school. Having taken a less traditional path, I especially enjoy helping applicants make sense of their experiences and shape a clear, authentic story.

I have extensive experience mentoring and advising students through roles as a medical student ambassador and prospective student interviewer, as well as mentoring high school and college students from diverse backgrounds as they explore careers in medicine. I’ve also worked with peers and mentees on personal statements and application strategy, and I really enjoy helping people connect their experiences and feel confident in how they present themselves.

I know how overwhelming the application process can feel, and I’m excited to support students in putting together an application that truly reflects who they are.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy long walks, hiking, reading thriller books, and trying new restaurants. I’m excited to be part of Motivate MD and look forward to working with you!

Vikram Simhambhatla

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Vikram, and I am an incoming medical student at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. I graduated summa cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in neuroscience, where my interests centered on neurodegenerative disease, aging, and national advocacy for health equity.

My path to medicine has been shaped by both clinical experiences and longitudinal involvement in patient-focused care. At WashU, I served as Co-President of Alzheimer’s Buddies, where I helped expand our organization and develop structured volunteer training in collaboration with geriatric specialists. As a patient care tech on the trauma surgery floor at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, I gained invaluable experience in high-acuity, team-based care, which nurtured my ability to think critically and communicate in multidisciplinary healthcare environments.

My mentorship experiences include serving as a teaching assistant for biology laboratories and advising premedical students on their applications. I have a passion for helping students identify what makes their story unique and translate that into a passionate, authentic narrative.

Additionally, I have published neuroscience research at Washington University School of Medicine, studying sleep and circadian dysfunction in Alzheimer’s models, and contributed to neurosurgery research at Saint Louis University School of Medicine involving intraoperative recordings in deep brain stimulation surgeries.

Like many applicants to medical school, I’ve long been interested in how medicine interacts with and informs related disciplines. What shapes my perspective most is a strong enthusiasm for connecting medicine with advocacy and policy. I’ve come to see healthcare as a system shaped extensively by legislation and structural barriers. This lens influences how I approach encouraging students to reflect on how their distinct motivations and experiences fit into a broader purpose within clinical medicine.

I know firsthand how overwhelming and complex the medical school application process can feel nowadays. I joined MotivateMD to help applicants present their most authentic and compelling selves!

Andrea Jakubowski

Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone!

My name is Andrea and I’m a current DO/MPH student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. I have taken a non-traditional path to medicine, as my Bachelor’s degree is in Energy Business and Finance. I then took three years off prior to entering medical school to work in a private dermatology practice, complete a post-baccalaureate program at the University of Pennsylvania, and work as a Clinical Research Assistant at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As a first generation physician, I aim to help other students navigate the complex medical school admissions process, especially with my non-traditional background.

My passion in medicine has always remained within the realm of epidemiology, equity, and social justice, which led me to pursue my DO/MPH dual degree. My capstone research project traverses parental hesitancy regarding preventative public health measures, and how to encourage a healthier world at the population-level. This pursuit has further encouraged me to work with students hoping to achieve their goals within medicine given the unique routes that may be taken or pursued within this field.

I am passionate about working with students to find their why within medicine, beyond simply being a helper. I feel every student has something unique within their background that makes them a suitable addition to any medical program, and I hope by helping students find this unique feature, I may instill confidence and encouragement in them as they to apply to medical school.

Anu Panneerselvam

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Evie Jin

Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra

Hi everyone!

I’m Evie! I’ve been writing since I was old enough to hold a pencil, with a special passion for fiction. I believe that what makes an application stand out is storytelling, not simply a resume in paragraph form. With experience in both creative and academic writing and a strong eye for detail, I’m here to help you figure out your story and make your personal statement unforgettable. Can’t wait to work with you!

Ishita Srivastava

University of Washington Seattle

Hi everyone!

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.

Janhavi Belwalkar

Rowan- Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Hi everyone!

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!

Michelle Arianna Price, MD

Brown University School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

Dr. Price is a resident physician in Psychiatry at UTSW. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Duke University, her masters degree in Public Health from the University of Arizona, and her medical degree from Brown University. Having taken time away during her medical school journey, she understands the unique challenges and decisions that come with striving for your goals while maintaining visibility of each of one’s priorities in life. She is passionate about discussing how both can and should be achieved!

Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Price has maintained a deep commitment to mentorship and advising. She served as the PI on multiple longitudinal public health research projects, started multiple electives for medical school students and undergraduate pre-med students, and informally mentored several high school, college, and medical school students through their application processes. She is eager to join Motivate MD in supporting aspiring medical students and residents by offering insight from her own path and knowledge she has gained from her exceptional mentors and peers!

Neil Parikh, MBA, MD

USC Keck School of Medicine

Hi everyone!

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.

Rida Shehzad

University of Texas Medical Branch

Hi everyone!

My name is Rida Shehzad and I am a medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. I attended The University of Texas at Austin where I majored in Neuroscience and completed a minor in Journalism and Media. As a pre-med student, I participated in drug discovery research, student leadership, and worked as a scribe and Patient Care Technician.

A a first-generation graduate student, navigating the medical world felt daunting and nearly impossible at times. I spend months scrambling for information, puzzling together an application to the best of my abilities, and hoping for an optimal outcome. My pre-med journey and application cycle taught me numerous lessons in hindsight, and I am excited to use my learnings to enhance the journeys of the applicants I meet. Motivate MD serves as a wonderful platform for students like myself to put our lessons to use in advancing the next generation of medical students.