2023 Grad
DO, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Academic Track: Career Changer
Undergraduate School: San José State University
Where did you get your undergraduate degree?
San José State University
Why did you choose to attend the SFSU Post-Bac Program?
After my first profound experience in medicine, which was being a pediatric brain surgery patient, I toyed with the idea of becoming a surgeon. Before becoming pre-med in college and in the post-bac, I decided to take some time and reflect on myself and my other passions before committing to such a daunting and time-consuming field. After high school, I worked several part-time jobs to have some financial freedom and to provide supportive income for my family. I attended 3 community colleges part-time for a total of five years, and during this time, I was provided glimpses into alternative fields, such as hospitality, finance, and even acting! I eventually transferred to my state university as a dance major before quickly transferring to the sociology department, given my reignited passion for medicine. Because of my non-traditional background, completing a post-bac was a must!
The SFSU Post-Bac was the only program that I applied to, given the fact that it was extremely open to non-traditional students. The CCT track is a testament of the program's commitment to making one's dreams of attending a health profession school a reality, and it was a supportive environment because of all the guidance you received. From the course offerings with passionate faculty to the one-on-one time you got with an educated advisor for interview prep, SFSU post-bac was the complete package. What sold me was the mission of the program, which was to foster collaboration. Applying to a health professional program is so competitive, but the collaborative nature of the cohort system ensured that we were all uplifting each other! Towards the end of my time in the program, I assisted on post-bac interviews to help continue the program's legacy. While any post-bac is difficult, the efforts of SFSU post-bac program ensure that you will thrive!
What is/was your favorite spot on the SFSU campus and why?
Unfortunately, my time with the program began in Summer 2020, which was when the emergency lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic was enacted. Therefore, all of my classes were held online.
Which SFSU Post-Bac class was your favorite and why?
I loved CHEM 349 with Dr. Elia Hefner! Biochemistry is a difficult subject, but Dr. Hefner made sure we mastered the subject since it is tested heavily on the MCAT. She constantly reminded us the applications of biochemistry to medicine and always held fruitful discussions about political and medical activism. I had no desire to pursue research as a pre-med, but her enthusiasm for the field persuaded me to look into research opportunities during my time in the post-bac!
What is/was your favorite thing to do in SF?
SF and the Bay Area as a whole provides rich experiences with regards to diversity. You will meet folks from all walks of life. SF may have a reputation for being relatively unsafe, I think this narrative has to be taken with a grain of salt.
Tell us something you learned as SFSU Post-Bac that is important to you.
The SFSU post-bac program strengthened my skills as a team player because I had ample opportunities to interact with many individuals. Medicine is ultimately a team sport, and the collaborative spirit in the program directly parallels what you will do once you are a healthcare professional. Take the time to help your classmates, as they may be helping you in your future career.
What advice would you give to incoming post-bac students?
Be a team player. If you need help, ask. Alternatively, if you see someone struggling, offer guidance! It does not take much to be a good person.
What resources have you used while a post-bac to help you reach your goals?
Anki, anki, anki!
Did you make meaningful friendships in the program? If so, tell us about them.
I continue to see my classmates thrive after graduating from post-bac, and we still message each other on Instagram to continue our support for one another.
If you are currently in the application cycle, have you received an admission decision? If so, have you decided where you will attend?
I'll be attending TUCOM in Vallejo, CA! Go Class of 2028!