PHSRC Pulse

PHSRC Pulse

Briana's Experience in Ecuador with AHS 3004

Briana standing in the jungle, looking at the camera

Since students are now able to apply for our health-focused global programs, the PHSRC is excited to share student experiences from traveling abroad with us on past trips. This week, Briana shares a few of her memories from traveling to Ecuador in AHS 3004: Health in Ecuador - Humans, Animals, and Ecosystems. 

Learn more about all of the global programs led by PHSRC staff and health professionals and attend an upcoming information session to hear about upcoming application deadlines for 2023-2024 programs. 

August Spotlight: Hannah Lehmann, DVM, MPH

Dr. Lehmann and a dog and a cat

Hannah Lehmann, DVM, MPH is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. In this month's spotlight, Dr. Lehmann shares about her journey to veterinary medicine, her experience in AHS 3002: Global Health in Thailand, and her insights for pre-health students.

Click the link to read about Dr. Lehmann's path to veterinary medicine, her memories from traveling with the PHSRC, and her current role as a veterinary corps officer at Joint-Base Lewis McChord, Washington.

PHSRC Hosts Emerge Students

Students in the School of Dentistry

On Friday, July 28th, students in the 2023 Emerge Summer STEM program spent a day with the Pre-Health Student Resource Center learning about health sciences programs at the University of Minnesota, and what their journey could look like as a pre-health student. 

Learn about the Emerge Summer STEM program and the Health Profession Pathways Program, and the activities they engaged in with the PHSRC, from listening to a panel of health sciences students, visiting the UMN Clinics & Surgery Center, learning from the School of Dentistry and College of Pharmacy, and more. 

July Spotlight: Jordan Arntz, BS

Jordan in a cap and gown

Jordan Arntz, BS, recently graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and is planning to apply to medical schools. Jordan was one of the Pre-Health Student Resource Center Teaching Assistant and Peer Advisors, and supported other pre-health students by leading peer drop-in sessions, tabling at PHSRC events, and assisting with AHS 1101/1102, 1611, 1612, and 1613.

In this post, Jordan shares about her pre-med journey, her experience working with the PHSRC, her plans for the future, and her advice for pre-health students. 

Research Advice From a Recent UMN Grad

Ali presenting his research

This week, recent University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts graduate Ali Mashadi, BA, shares about his journey as a pre-med student, his experiences getting involved in research and eventually presenting nationally, and how he brought these experiences into his medical school applications. Ali offers his advice for pre-health students who also hope to contribute to research during their undergraduate years. Find links to learn more and get involved in research at the University of Minnesota at the end of the interview.

Click the link to read about Ali's experiences and insights!

June Spotlight: Sustainable Approaches to Health in France

Students at the Arc de Triomphe

In May, students in the AHS 3003: Sustainable Approaches to Health in France course led by Karin Hamilton, DVM, MPH and Dana Lovold, MPH traveled to Montpelier in southern France to explore health and the Sustainable Development Goals. They looked at the progress Montpelier and France have made with the Sustainable Development Goals and compared that with the US and Minnesota’s progress with these goals. Students also explored France’s culture through various activities and excursions.  

Read about their adventures in France and the other opportunities you have to learn abroad with the PHSRC!

Writing About Your Experiences

Image of a woman in scrubs with a clipboard

As a pre-health student, you probably know that there are a lot of pieces to put together to create a strong application to a health program, including gaining experience. But, health program admissions committees aren’t just looking to see what you’ve done; they’re looking to see how you reflect on the experiences you’ve had, and connect them to the health profession you want to enter. And when it comes time for you to write about your experiences in your application, you have the opportunity to show admissions committees these reflections.

Click the link for tips and information on writing about experiences!

May Spotlight: Zoe Marquis-Kelly, BA

Zoe's headshot

Zoe Marquis-Kelly is the Administrative and Data Coordinator in the Pre-Health Student Resource Center. She works to collect and synthesize data concerning the University of Minnesota’s pre-health student population, as well as scheduling pre-health courses and helping with office operations. Zoe has a liberal arts background and graduated from St. Olaf College with bachelor’s degrees in History and French.

Read about Zoe's experience in the Office of Academic Programs at the UMN School of Nursing, and her reflections on the years she spent in France as an English-language teaching assistant. 

PHSRC at CAAHP 

Fred presenting at CAAHP

In April, PHSRC career counselors Dana Lovold, MPH and Fred Williams, MA had the opportunity to present at the Central Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (CAAHP) regional meeting in Milwaukee, WI. Fred and Dana have been career counselors in the PHSRC for 8 and 9 years, respectively, and have published and presented numerous times on the topic of personal statement writing. The PHSRC is excited to have our career counselors attend conferences like CAAHP to not only share their expertise, but bring back new insights from the conference to pre-health students at the University of Minnesota! Click the link to read about their experience.

 

April Spotlight: Scott Simpson, MS

Headshot of Scott Simpson

Scott Simpson, M.S. is a Senior Career Counselor in the Pre-Health Student Resource Center. Scott has a M.S. in the Counseling and Student Personnel program from Minnesota State University-Mankato, and a B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

Read about Scott's path to his current role, his perspectives on the value of exploring health careers, and his insights on building a strong application to a health program. 

These Students Learned About Health in Ecuador with the PHSRC

students at the pamba mesa

When asked about their biggest life goals, a lot of people will answer “travel!” But, easier said than done, especially when you’re already spending a lot of time and money on college. And for pre-health students, spending a whole semester abroad can be challenging. That’s why the PHSRC offers global courses each spring! Students have the opportunity to spend a week abroad, but stay on campus for the rest of the semester learning about health topics and issues in the region they’ll travel to. Read PHSRC Director of Communications and AHS 3004: Health in the Andes course instructor Laura Fyfe's highlights from their spring break trip to Ecuador.

How'd They Do It? Read Some Admitted Student Stories!

Bin in a white coat

There is no right path to a health profession program–no perfect path, and no one path! Every student in a health program has a unique story on how they got to where they are. What will be the story of your journey to a health career?

Check out the stories of Bin, Lauren, and Kayla, and others on our “Admitted Student Stories” page. 

You can also stop by our office at 2-565 Moos Tower to see our Wall of Success, featuring students that have worked with our office who were accepted to health programs.