PHSRC Pulse

PHSRC Pulse

One School. Three Campuses. A map that shows all 3 MN Campus Locations.

UMN Medical School Admissions: Insider Edition

On March 18, Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator for the University of Minnesota Medical School, Nedy Windham, held an MD Program Information Session for our Pre-Health course: AHS 1612: The Future Physician - Life & Work of a Physician. 

Oftentimes, thinking about everything that comes with the process of “preparing to apply” to medical school can be daunting. The stressors that can accompany your premedical chapters can be difficult to navigate. This blog takes out the guesswork and takes a full dive into the admissions process and requirements for the U of M Medical School. 


Cartoon brain with a flashing lightbulb above it, surrounded by orange and blue books and a computer with a test screen on it.

A Beginner’s Guide to the MCAT

For many prospective medical school students, taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) can be a daunting aspect of the application process. The following blog post will go through the most common questions we at the Pre-Health Student Resource Center get related to the MCAT exam. 


Graphic of a brain that has flowers growing out of the grooves.

An Exploration of Mental Health Careers in Medicine

In conversation with Dr. Fiyyaz Karim, we explore his journey in mental health, his involvement in organizations on a local and national level, and how you can find the right pathway for you.

This blog takes a non-traditional approach, discussing the opportunities "beyond the couch," unveiling up-and-coming pathways prospective students can take to align with their passions.


off-balance scale with two people.

Health Disparities Are Not Accidental: Medicine’s Legacy of Structural Racism

Health disparities persist in the United States, functioning as a direct outcome of structural racism, which is embedded within medicine and its pathways: the educational system. To unveil these disparities, an analysis of the entry process, biases, policy, and anti-racist approaches to change the system is a step toward a more equitable field of medicine and pool of future physicians. 


Graphic that Reads "Impacts of ICE on Patient Care: Knowing Your Rights as a Physician and Patient."

Impacts of ICE on Patient Care: Knowing Your Rights as a Physician and Patient

With increased immigration enforcement at hospitals, many patients are avoiding care — sometimes with life‑threatening results. Our piece explores the impacts in Minnesota, shares clinician and patient accounts, and outlines legal rights and practical steps health workers can take to protect access to care.


Tricia Todd smiling at the camera

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. 


Graphic with 2026 numbers that reads "Happy New Year."

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. 


Graphic that reads "Empowering Your Gap Year" with red medical sign and pie chart.

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.


Headshot of Jordan Dunigan wearing a maroon UMN Shirt.

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. 


Financial Wellbeing Workshop with green coins and road.

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!