Student Stories

Haley Santiago was a kinesiology major. She was introduced to the field of occupational therapy in a high school class and knew it was a career she wanted to pursue. She gained experience in the field early on as an OT technician in a hand clinic. Santiago was also involved with an organization specializing in special needs and disabilities.

When asked her advice to current students, she said: "I am so excited that my dream is now a reality due to all my hard work and experiences. With enough dedication, you can achieve anything!"

Santiago was accepted to all of the schools she applied. She started the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at Northern Arizona… Read more

Heather Koch is a psychology major and senior with a 4.00 GPA. She has participated in two research projects. The first was research into nicotine and cocaine addiction based on neurological receptors and social factors. The second was brain patterns of children diagnosed with ADHD (clinical).

During her time at Arizona State University, Koch co-chaired Camp Kesem, whose mission is to support children through and beyond their parent’s cancer with innovative, fun-filled programs that foster a lasting community. She also was an employee at a private neurology clinic and volunteered at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix.

Koch was a formal executive board member… Read more

Brandon Deatherage is a health sciences major with a minor in business data analytics. He first became interested in medicine after a motorcycle accident when he was 16 years old. Learning how to intertwine compassion with scientific inquiry further motivated him to apply to medical school.

While at Arizona State University, Deatherage researched aging and autism in a clinical setting and volunteered in end-of-life hospice care.

His advice to current pre-health students? "Protect your dream. No matter how far behind you may think you are, never give up."

Deatherage will start medical school in Fall 2019.

Cody Munson graduated from ASU and Barrett in 2018 with a degree in Microbiology. He aspired to be a vet ever since he was a young child, and he chose to prepare for vet school by getting his undergraduate degree at ASU. Barrett was an especially appealing option as it would help to strengthen the application and provide opportunities for networking.

During his years at ASU, Cody gained animal experience by working as a Small Animal Keeper at the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s Education Department, working with exotic animals. He also worked in a bacteriology lab and as a Chemistry SI Leader. He focused on activities that demonstrated and reinforced skills such as leadership, responsibility, and time-management.

To prospective vet school applicants, he would say: “Get as… Read more

Last year, Christy Thomas received her bachelor’s degree in medical studies and this year is preparing to graduate with a Master of Science in the science of health care delivery. Christy was drawn to a career in medicine through serving children and the underserved.

Throughout her time at ASU, Christy was heavily involved in Student Health Outreach for Wellness (SHOW) as a volunteer and later student director, presenting SHOW’s progress at various conferences around the country. Christy was also a camp counselor for Muscular Dystrophy Association’s summer camp, a clinical volunteer at Ryan House, and a research volunteer for Athletes for Life. Christy also found time to serve as a Sunday school teacher and a vacation Bible school coordinator at her church. Her involvement in… Read more

Henry Chinyere is a Kinesiology major who was drawn to ASU for the immense amount of opportunities that came with studying at one of the largest universities in the country. His interest in science and commitment to serving underserved communities ultimately drove him into the field of medicine.

While at Arizona State University, Henry completed an internship at Sonoran Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons and is now working there as a medical scribe. He volunteered locally and abroad with various student organizations including AZ-Global Health Project, and was also apart of the Exercise for Adults with Down Syndrome research program. 

Henry’s advice for current pre-med students? “Identify what you are passionate about early on in college and let that dictate the clubs you… Read more

Nancy Dominguez, a nutrition (dietetics) major, was inspired to pursue a career in pharmacy after working as a pharmacy technician.

Dominguez completed three associate degrees before beginning at Arizona State University as a nutrition dietetics major. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college.

When asked what her advice to current students would be, she said: "Never underestimate what you can do. Everything is a learning experience, whether it is learning who you are and what you can handle, or learning how to think critically in class."

Dominguez started at the College of Pharmacy program at Midwestern University in June 2018.

Just this past spring, Leen received her Bachelor of Science in Biological (Biomedical) Sciences as well as a minor in Chemistry from ASU. She chose to attend ASU because of the endless enriching opportunities the school offers and because she appreciates being a part of one of the largest leading research institutions.

While at ASU, Leen pursued many opportunities to get out of her comfort zone and become a better student and person. Of the main experiences that shaped her interests well were teaching, mentoring, and research. ASU offers numerous and amazing teaching and research positions to help students get involved and thrive within and outside their majors of study. Leen's best advice to all pre-health students is to chase opportunities outside their comfort zones because… Read more

Katelyn is a biochemistry major who came to ASU pursuing both biochemistry and theatre. She has worked as a math and science tutor for middle and high school students, a student researcher in applied nanobioscience department at ASU's Biodesign Institute. She volunteers at Mayo Clinic Hospital in the oncology wing.

In her free time, Katelyn participates in the Barack Obama Scholars Program as a mentor and is a Health Devil through the pre-health program. She is very passionate about theater and film and continues to act both regionally and at ASU when possible.

When asked what her advice to current students would be, she said: "In order to take advantage of the endless opportunities ASU offers you have to get involved. I wish that I would have gotten to know my teachers… Read more

Lauren, a biological sciences major with a concentration in biology and society, says the best part about ASU is all of the people who are willing to help you. She has had amazing professors who are willing to go out of their way to answer questions, talk to her and even write recommendations. Her pre-health advisor is always happy to answer her questions and has given great advice throughout the medical school application process.

While at ASU, Lauren has worked as a medical assistant at a sports medicine clinic in Tempe, Arizona. She began as an intern and was hired after her internship was finished. This job has been a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with patients. She has also been involved in a research project studying congenital heart defects at St.… Read more

Ajay graduated in the Spring 2020 semester with honors and a degree in Biological Sciences. He wanted to come to ASU after seeing all of the amazing research and extracurricular opportunities our school has to offer.

While at ASU, Ajay worked in 3 research labs focused on human sensory perception, tissue regeneration, and large-scale innovation. A majority of his time was spent in the Luminosity Lab focused on healthcare development and is currently working on a machine learning algorithm to detect GBM in pediatric patients through a contract with PCH. Aside from research, Ajay spent a majority of his time in undergrad scribing, volunteering, and making sure to spend time in extracurricular activities such as Greek life and clubs.

Ajay will be attending the University of… Read more

Amy Bouhabib is a biological sciences major. She learned about the physician assistant profession at the ASU Summer Health Institute during her junior year of high school.

During her time at Arizona State University, Bouhabib volunteered as an EMT to gain patient care hours, worked as a scribe for more experience in a clinical setting, and was a leader in student organizations like the Physician Assistant Club.

Her advice to current pre-health students is: "First evaluate why you are choosing the profession you are striving for because the path to becoming a PA is not easy. Having a solid reason gave me the motivation to continue succeeding in challenging classes and work."

… Read more

Allison Lewis is a Medical Microbiology major and minoring in Family and Human Development. She chose ASU for its amazing honors college, Barrett; Allison loved the idea of being part of a small environment within a large university. She has always been interested in medicine, but when she began college, she was uncertain what specific career path she wanted to pursue. During sophomore year, Allison shadowed a family friend who is a physician assistant (PA) that works in a trauma center. After that experience, she knew that she wanted to pursue being a PA.

While at ASU, Allison joined the pre-PA club and worked as a medical assistant at a dermatology office. The pre-PA club offers a lot of insight on the profession, because physician assistants come to the meetings and speak… Read more

This past year, Greg received his Master of Science degree in the Science of Health Care Delivery through ASU’s College of Health Solutions. As a medical school reapplicant, he sought a program that would add depth to his application and complement his future career goals in medicine.

Pursuing the innovative graduate program at ASU provided the perfect opportunity to do just that. Aside from learning inside the classroom a wealth of knowledge surrounding the functioning of our healthcare system, he was given the opportunity to work directly with a clinical partner at a major Phoenix hospital to implement that knowledge into clinical practice. By designing a surgical care checklist, his work led to a drastic decrease in the incidence of surgical site infections; immediately making… Read more

Stephen graduated in 2017 with his degree in Health Sciences (Pre-Professional) with a minor in Spanish and a minor in Nutrition and Healthy Living.

While at ASU, Stephen was not only an officer within the AMSA Pre-Health Club, but he regularly volunteered at Banner University Medical Center’s ED and provided scribing and translational services at St. Vincent de Paul’s free health clinic. Stephen also spent 4 years as science instructional aide teaching both general and organic chemistry labs. Despite all the great experiences afforded to him, he attributes most of his success to the very supporting professors and pre-health advisors that always took the time to assist him in whatever he needed.

His advice to pre-health students? “I would tell incoming students to remain… Read more

Jacquelyn Faris, a kineosiology major, discovered her interest in physical therapy after completing an internship. She loves the patient interactions that being a physical therapist provides and the opportunity to get to know her patients.

When asked what her advice to other students would be, Faris said: "Work hard and make yourself stand out in interviews."

She was accepted into her first choice graduate school, Northern Arizona University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the Flagstaff campus. She started in fall of 2018.

Anjali Agrawal is a health sciences (pre-professional) major. She hopes to become a compassionate and competent physician who provides care to the underserved as well as pediatric patients.

While at Arizona State University, she was president of the AMSA/Pre-Health Club and worked as a medical scribe for a local hand surgeon.

Agrawal's advice to current pre-health students: "Be patient and trust yourself throughout the process. Get involved with undergraduate clubs; they exposed me to many different fields within medicine and helped guide my decision to apply to osteopathic medical schools."

Agrawal received offers from all five medical schools she… Read more

Ana is a nutrition major with a concentration in human nutrition. She chose ASU to be part of an institution that offered numerous scholarship opportunities, had a strong science faculty and a diverse student body.

While at ASU, Ana volunteered weekly at a plastic surgeon's office in downtown Phoenix. She worked as a tutor for anatomy and physiology students specializing in a creative approach to learning, using visual models, games and the formulation of mnemonics. She also participated in the Student Nutrition Council (SNC), which enages in a variety of activities such as a partnership with The House of Refuge, which allows students like Ana to teach underprivileged children to make healthy food choices.

When asked what her advice to other students would be, Ana said: "… Read more

Mma, an exercise and wellness major, was impressed by how applicable the courses in her major are to the workplace and everyday life. Barrett, The Honors College also attracted her because she wanted the best of both worlds: a highly intellectual honors experience and a school filled with endless scholastic and extracurricular opportunities.

While at ASU, Mma volunteered as a Health Devil, a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS), a Relay for Life team captain and a member of the Barrett Club at the Polytechnic campus.

Her advice to current pre-health students? "Get involved. Join clubs that interest you and  join an e-mail list-serve to learn about things such as guest speakers, test… Read more

Cameron is a double major in molecular biosciences/biotechnology and psychology. After visiting and taking a campus tour, he knew that ASU was a school that would let him shape his college experience to be exactly what I wanted it to be.

While an undergraduate, Cameron at a research position at the Biodesign Institute working in an oncology lab. Through the SOLUR program, he was paid for an experience that was practically applicable to his life and beneficial when applying to medical schools.

He also volunteered at Good News Community Health Center in Portland, Oregan, and for St. Vincent de Paul in downtown Phoenix mentoring middle school students. He participated in ASU's health preprofessional honor society Alpha Epsilon Delate, an Honors Devil through Barrett, The… Read more

Aaron is a nutrition major with a concentration in human nutrition. Though he originally chose ASU because it was close to home, he had great experiences with the students, professions, and advisors.

He volunteers weekly at Phoenix Children's Hospital spending time with patients and their families in one of the playrooms. He also is an ASU Health Devil, a group of upperclassman who represent the Health Professions Advising Office through peer mentoring. Aaron is starting a pre-medical internship with Maricopa Integrated Health Systems through a class offered at ASU, BIO 390. The internship offers clinical experience throughout the semester along with preparation for applying to the professional school of your choice.

Aaron's advice for pre-health students: "Open up and get… Read more