PHSRC Pulse
Celebrating the Retirement of PHSRC Director, Tricia Todd
The Pre-Health Student Resource Center (PHSRC) announces the retirement of Director Tricia Todd, effective February 2, 2026. Read more about Tricia's legacy with the PHSRC, get details about the Retirement Open House on Feb 2, and how you can share a message or memory with her.
A New Year Without the Pressure to Become Someone New
With the new year in full swing, we often feel pressured to step into a newly revamped version of ourselves. We launch ourselves into new diets, enroll in new (and sometimes scarily pricey) workout studios, and buy a 2026 planner embossed with flowers (to symbolize the blooming of a new era, duh). And although on social media we aestheticize the idea of a “New Year's Reset,” it can slip into an all-or-nothing mindset; however, it’s essential to prioritize progress over perfection.
Your Journey, Your Pace: The Empowering Choice of a Gap Year
Nearly three-quarters of incoming medical students take at least one gap year—but the stigma still lingers. This blog explores why choosing your own pace can strengthen both your application and your well-being.
December Spotlight: Jordan Dunigan
Jordan Dunigan is a third-year Pre-Med student, a student pilot for the PHSRC Observership Program, and in the Health Profession Pathways Program. Read more about his pathway to success, highlights in the Pathways Program, and his experience being a student athlete.
Navigating Your Financial Roadmap to a Health Profession
On October 29, the Pre-Health Student Resource Center (PHSRC) hosted a workshop detailing how to navigate a financial Roadmap to a health profession in partnership with One Stop's Financial Wellness team.
If you were able to attend, we thank you for coming to our event and hope you gained a financial GPS for the rest of your pre-health journey. If you were not able to attend, we still have you covered in this recap-style blog to highlight budgeting tips, an overview of funding routes, and how to avoid financial detours!
Spotlight: PHSRC TA Shaam Alkillesly
Shaam is a sophomore undergraduate student and TA studying Health & Wellbeing Sciences on the pre-med track. She grew up in Minnetonka, MN. She loves to travel, and in her free time, she loves spending time with her family, friends, or her cat, going on walks, and enjoying a good coffee or matcha! Read about Shaam's experience as a TA and her passions!
From Script to Scrubs: The (sometimes accurate) portrayals of doctors on TV.
Rushing back and forth among beds, blaring alarms signaling each new commercial break, romantic relationships being omnipresent, and the variance in following protocol: These are all aspects prevalent and winsome of our favorite medical television series.
Perhaps public health is a lesser focus, while emotion and high-stakes drama take center stage. Read more to find out how "Grey's" and"The Pitt" represent working in medicine.
Spotlighting Megan Lindow, TA for the PHSRC
Megan is a senior undergraduate student and TA with the PHSRC pursuing a career in the dental field. Growing up in the Park Rapids, MN, Lakes Area, Megan is an outdoor enthusiast who finds value in spending time at the lake year-round.
Read more about Megan's career visions, her passion for children's dental advocacy, rural background, and personal challenges in her undergraduate career.
Evolving with the ADA: Brent Engebretson’s Digital Journey to Website accessibility amidst new regulations
Brent Engebretson, a Digital Communications Specialist at the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota, has been with the university for 25 years. He started as a database coordinator within the health sciences at a time when websites were still somewhat of a novelty for units. Read about his path to digital accessibility, general tips and skills in making content accessible, and the evolution of website design!
September Spotlight: Meeting Kelsey Pederson
Kelsey Pederson is a dedicated member of the PHSRC team, specializing in Pre-Health Academic Advising and Career Counseling. She supports undergraduate Pre-health students at the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus. Read more to learn about what led Pederson to the PHSRC, her career journey, and memorable moments in her time with us!