Tell us a little about your background before you came to Drexel.
Before I came to Drexel, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in experimental psychology from Saint Joseph’s University. After college, I wasn’t sure what I wanted in a career, and I worked for a few years as a clinical research coordinator at Penn Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry. I worked on a variety of research studies on sleep disorders and mental health. Through this position I gained valuable clinical experience and discovered that my real passion was for medicine.
Why did you decide to enroll in a post-baccalaureate program? And why did you feel the Evening Pre-Medical Program (PMED) was a good fit for you?
I decided to enroll in a post-baccalaureate program because I needed to take the pre-med prerequisites to apply to medical school. The evening PMED program was a good fit for me because it enabled me to go back to school while still working to support myself.
Since graduating from the PMED program, what did you do to continue building your medical school application?
Since graduating from the PMED program, I studied for and took the MCAT, and I worked to strengthen my application through engaging with the community and clinical experience. Currently, I work as a personal trainer, volunteer at my local food bank and work at a dermatology office, where I scribe and assist with patient flow. Working at the dermatology office has given me valuable insight into patient care and medical conditions.
What influenced you to want to become a physician?
I want to become a doctor because I think everyone should have the right to quality care and health. The varied hats I can wear as a physician — including providing compassionate care, contributing to research and outreach, and advocating for policy and systemic changes — give me numerous ways I can improve the health and lives of many.
What has allowed you to achieve your current accomplishments?
Hard work, flexibility, and a whole lot of luck and help from a lot of good people.
As one of our top students, what advice would you give to current and future PMED students?
Use the resources available to you at Drexel! The Drexel community is very welcoming and tight knit. Meeting with my classmates in small groups and with my professors was integral to getting through the PMED program and successfully studying for the MCAT.
Where are you now?
I started medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University here in Philly in August 2025!