AJ originally graduated from UMass Amherst in 2014 with a B.S. in Sport Management. He enrolled at Los Angeles Pierce College in 2017, when he realized his dream of becoming a veterinarian. At Pierce College AJ was awarded Dean’s Honor List, President’s Honors, and the Organic Biochemistry Award for his display of excellence in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is currently a veterinary student at UC Davis in the Class of 2024.
AJ has an interest in community medicine and wildlife rehabilitation. He has previously volunteered at the California Wildlife Center, the Costa Rica Rescue Center, and the California Raptor Center. He also worked as a veterinary technician in general practice at a Los Angeles clinic and spent last summer working at an emergency and critical care hospital in Sacramento. Additionally, he has experience working with large animals as a veterinary assistant in the livestock barn at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
Beyond the classroom, AJ has a strong interest in improving the veterinary profession through diversity, equity, and inclusion. At UC Davis, he is the President of the student organization Veterinarians as One Inclusive Community for Empowerment (VOICE) and serves as a student ambassador for the veterinary school. In June, he was awarded the “One Health Integration in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” grant for a research project that strives to identify and address inequities within Native American communities regarding emergency and disaster preparedness.
AJ’s interests and hobbies include hiking, camping, yoga, rock climbing, gardening, and playing sports. He loves going to the park with his dog Banjo and cuddling with his two bunnies Moose and Summer. Because of his unique and non-traditional path to veterinary school, AJ enjoys mentoring students on their own veterinary journey! He is eager to help students with all aspects of the veterinary admissions process.
Aaron Fox is a student at the UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine currently pursuing emergency medicine as a career. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology and wrote a full-length historical fiction novel during his time at the University of South Carolina. Aaron went on to medical school with a passion for addiction medicine, wilderness/disaster medicine, and medical education. In his time at UNC, Aaron has authored two chapters of a wound care textbook, compiled a research report used as expert testimony in a US Dept. of Justice lawsuit, held multiple jobs as a tutor/TA, and has somehow managed to squeeze in expeditions to Argentina and Costa Rica in the meantime. He is excited about the opportunity to help students realize their full potential by working with them to create a personalized, engaging study methodology that will guide students to success both inside and outside the classroom.
Aaron earned a BS in Animal Science from Montana State University and a DVM from Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine. He has since built a diverse career providing veterinary services in both rural and urban settings, and working with a wide range of animal species.
Aaron's passion for veterinary medicine was ignited during his undergraduate studies, where he had the opportunity to work with a hall of fame Thoroughbred racehorse trainer. This experience involved caring for high-profile horses at renowned racetracks, such as Churchill Downs, Saratoga, and Santa Anita. While in veterinary school, Aaron served as a SAVMA delegate and president of his student chapter of AAEP. Today, he continues to practice veterinary medicine in his home state of Montana.
Throughout his career, Aaron has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing high-quality care to animals in various settings, from mixed animal rural practices to relief veterinary services in Montana and Hawaii. He is currently establishing a mobile veterinary practice to bring essential services to smaller towns in Montana. Aaron has gained a wide array of veterinary experience and knowledge in many different species types. This has allowed him to form a broad and multifaceted network within the veterinary medicine profession.
As an admissions coach, Aaron is passionate about supporting students as they pursue their career and life goals. With extensive experience as a practicing veterinarian, he brings a unique perspective and an honest, “to the point” approach to his mentorship.
Having found his passion for medicine and biology early, he quickly got involved in a committed research position during his first week of undergrad at UC Davis where he soon become the Lead Undergraduate Researcher and supervised a group of other undergrads while studying the genetic associations of meiotic recombination in the murine model. He then progressed to a large multidisciplinary ocular research lab where he gained significant experience and connections. He also joined the Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity where a few years later he became the President of the chapter. The professional network he maintained and expanded upon during this time in the organization helped him get involved in various community service activities such as his time volunteering at several underserved clinics in the Sacramento area. During the latter half of his time at UC Davis, he also worked as a scribe for a vitreoretinal surgeon and as a Student Brand Ambassador for Kaplan Test Prep.
During his time at UC Davis, Abhishek also engaged in leadership through chair positions of the Student Health Insurance Plan Committee and Health Fee Oversight Committee, in which he guided decision making for the student body's needs regarding healthcare and insurance provided by the school. Upon graduating early in three instead of four years, he joined a health tech startup where he worked as an Operations Associate full time. To maintain his clinical experience and be more hands-on, he also worked part time as an Eye Recovery Technician where he independently surgically recovered corneas from organ donors in hospitals across the Bay Area. Before applying to medical school, he also worked as a Research Associate at biotech startups.
During his recently completed first year of medical school at Loyola, Abhishek has gotten heavily involved in many research projects in the fields of orthopaedic surgery and ophthalmology. He has also partaken in volunteering at ocular clinics for the undeserved and COVID-19 vaccination clinics. He has been awarded both the Summer Training in Approaches to Research scholarship for as well as the Zale Scholarship for his work in research and passion for ophthalmology.
Abhishek is currently pursuing his MD at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, having completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology at UC Davis. During his undergraduate years, Abhishek quickly discovered his passion for medicine and research, leading him to become the Lead Undergraduate Researcher in a dedicated research position and, eventually, the President of the Phi Delta Epsilon Pre-Medical Fraternity.
Through his various experiences, Abhishek gained significant experience in ocular research and worked with underserved communities in the Sacramento area. He also held leadership roles in the Student Health Insurance Plan Committee and Health Fee Oversight Committee, guiding decision-making for students' healthcare and insurance needs. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Abhishek worked as an Operations Associate for a health tech startup and as an Eye Recovery Technician, maintaining his clinical experience and hands-on approach to medicine.
As a medical student at Loyola, Abhishek is heavily involved in research projects in orthopedic surgery and ophthalmology. He also volunteers at ocular clinics for the underserved and participates in COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Abhishek has been awarded the Summer Training in Approaches to Research scholarship and the Zale Scholarship for his dedication to research and passion for ophthalmology. As an admissions coach, Abhishek brings his extensive research experience, passion for healthcare, and commitment to serving others to guide aspiring medical professionals.
Abigail is a medical student at Case Western Reserve University, pursuing a career in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. As a first-generation college student from the Metro Detroit area, she is passionate about mentorship and helping others reach their full potential.
During her undergraduate studies at Michigan State University, Abigail tutored first-generation students and those from underrepresented backgrounds. She has also been an instructor for figure skating since the age of 14, showcasing her dedication to teaching and coaching. Currently, Abigail facilitates small group "IQ" learning sessions for first and second-year medical students at Case Western while interviewing for residency programs.
Abigail has been actively involved in research since her freshman year at Michigan State, publishing three papers before starting medical school. Since then, she has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and abstracts. As an admissions coach, Abigail brings her extensive research experience and passion for mentorship to help students succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
Adam holds a BA in Politics (Pomona College) and is a first-year student at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. He is heavily involved in the American Student Dental Association and the Harvard dental admission process. He is interested in leveraging his ASDA connections and a non-traditional path to dentistry to help pre-dents at Inspira. Besides Harvard, Adam was also accepted by UPenn, UCLA, and UCSF with merit scholarships.
During his gap year, Adam worked full-time as a Jesse M. Unruh Fellow for the California State Assembly to analyze over 50 pieces of legislation that would expand healthcare access, provide COVID-19 relief, and broaden scopes of practice for medical and dental professionals in California. Currently, he is the legislative liaison and advocacy chair for ASDA at the Harvard Chapter and in District 1 (New England).
Adam is interested in working with all kinds of pre-dents, especially non-STEM majors with unique paths to dentistry and STEM majors struggling to find ways to distinguish themselves. With his background in research/analysis and his connections via ASDA, Adam loves to develop strategies to help pre-dents identify their target schools and stand out through their application essays and interviews. When Adam isn’t working, he enjoys traveling, watching hockey, and reading public policy and healthcare books.
Aditi is currently pursuing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her undergraduate studies at the same institution in just three years.
Throughout her undergraduate years, Aditi actively engaged in clinical and social research and worked as a veterinary assistant during her free time. She is passionate about helping underrepresented communities and assists at an Access to Care Clinic on weekends. As an admissions coach, Aditi is committed to helping students from diverse backgrounds achieve their educational goals. She takes the time to listen to each student, understand their individual needs, and instill confidence in their application process.
Aditi's strengths lie in her ability to identify and emphasize students’ unique stories and strengths, ensuring their applications reflect their capabilities. She is open-minded, understanding, and able to see the potential in everyone, making her an excellent mentor for students seeking admission to veterinary school.
Aditya is a current radiology resident at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He attended Duke University for undergrad, majoring in neuroscience, and attended the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine for medical school. He has had significant research experience, ranging from computational neuroscience in undergrad to artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and health services research in medical school.
Aditya has published extensively on these topics and continues to be academically productive in these areas. He has formally mentored several premedical and pre-physician assistant students through the admissions process and is also well-versed in residency applications.
Ahmed has a track record of excellence on standardized tests; he received the National Merit Finalist scholarship after scoring in the 99th percentile on the PSAT and scored a 521 on the MCAT.
During his studies at UCLA, Ahmed has achieved several accomplishments. He has a 3.7 GPA and worked as a Research Assistant for two years at a neuroimmunology lab at UCLA Resnick Psychiatric Hospital. There, he conducted several interviews and coordinated test trials to test the effects of immune system activation on depression in young women. Additionally, Ahmed has extensive training and experience in mental intervention as well as a deep passion for emotional and mental health. He has volunteered for the Crisis Textline, received training for over two years in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy through UCLA’s STAND program, and spread mental health awareness as the co-director of two committees at UCLA’s Active Minds chapter over two years.
In his free time, Ahmed enjoys reading through philosophy and Religious scriptures/theology ranging from Zoroastrianism and Taoism to Buddhism and modern Abrahamic Religions. The linguistic properties of the languages and the translation, interpretation, validation, verification, and contextualization of these ancient texts are of particular interest to him. His appetite for dissecting dense and archaic literature and philosophy makes him extra proficient on the CARS section of the MCAT. Other subjects that pique his interest include biochemistry, organic chemistry, and general chemistry.
Ahmed recognizes the importance of regulating emotional and physical health when studying for the MCAT. His study period was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and spanned a time of great personal hardship for him. It was only through patience, humility, discipline, consistency, and self-compassion that he was able to strike a balance between efficient work and rest. This balance was crucial to fostering the clarity and insight that allowed him to stay cool as he navigated the study process and the test itself.
Through tutoring, Ahmed has helped many satisfied students make significant point score improvements in a month and sometimes even a week, breakthrough long-time score plateaus, and achieve scores above and beyond their initial goals. Many students have excitedly reached out to him months later when they receive interviews at top MD schools.
Ajay Kolli is currently a resident physician in Ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco. He earned his MD degree from the University of Michigan and his MPH from Harvard University. With experience at various prestigious institutions across the country, Ajay is well-equipped to assist applicants interested in schools in any region.
During his time at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ajay achieved 100th percentile scores on the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 board exams, received the Charles and Phyllis Lowe Merit Scholarship, was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honors Society, and graduated with Distinction in Research Honors. He has conducted a wide array of research at both Michigan and Harvard, resulting in numerous publications and academic conference presentations in fields such as ophthalmology, epidemiology, and health economics. Ajay has also worked as a consultant in the biotechnology industry and co-founded The Lens, an educational resource for medical students interested in ophthalmology.
Ajay's strengths lie in his diverse academic interests and ability to help applicants from diverse backgrounds craft a cohesive narrative about their experiences. As an admissions coach, he is passionate about helping applicants tell their personal stories and guiding them through the application process.
Alan Shattuck is currently completing his clinical year as a PA student at South College in Atlanta, Georgia. His academic journey is built upon a robust foundation, including a major in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration, acquired from the University of the South. During his undergraduate tenure, he shone brightly in academics, graduating Cum Laude. He also exhibited prowess in sports as a three-year letterman on the football team and a two-year Academic All-Conference performer.
Prior to becoming a PA student, Alan served as an EMT for Metro Atlanta EMS and, later, as a credentialing specialist at LocumTenens.com, a healthcare staffing firm. His experience in emergency medical services and healthcare staffing equipped him with a unique perspective that he carries into his role as a counselor.
As an admissions coach, Alan has demonstrated a commitment to leadership and service. He was elected as the Chairman of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants at his school, displaying his capacity for effective and empathetic leadership. He also played a crucial role in influencing future PA students, leading numerous campus tours as part of the Student Leadership Committee.
Throughout his journey, Alan has maintained a commitment to academic excellence, holding a GPA of 3.75 during his time as a PA student. He brings his dedication to academic achievement into his counseling work, providing support and mentorship to prospective students looking to succeed in the medical field.
Alex is a medical student at Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan. He is originally from New Jersey but moved to Los Angeles to attend UCLA before transferring to Duke University as a sophomore. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and French, completing an honors thesis covering both fields during his senior year.
Alex has years of experience mentoring students and helping them attend their dream schools. Students Alex has recently coached have gotten accepted into several top-tier universities, including USC, Weill Cornell, Northwestern University, and Dartmouth College.
As a medical student, Alex aims to help students find the best program to match their career aspirations, individual needs, and interests. In addition to working with MD applicants, he has coached several students aspiring to attend DO and PA schools. He deeply values peer mentorship and looks forward to helping Advantage students succeed on their journey toward higher education.
As a future physician, Alex’s professional interests lie in obstetrics and gynecology and infertility care, especially for under-represented communities, including people of color and LGBTQ+ populations.
Alex is currently a student at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM). She graduated from UCLA for her undergraduate education in Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology and took a gap year in which she worked as a dental and surgical assistant in community clinics. She has a strong passion for community engagement and working in underserved populations, which she will take into her post-doc career as a National Health Service Corps Scholar. She was also a pre-dental mentor and Kaplan Student Ambassador at UCLA, and wants to use those experiences to help others achieve their goals of getting into dental school.
Alex earned a BS in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Medical Sociology from Duke University, and he is currently an MD candidate at UT Southwestern Medical School. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Alex conducted research in cardiovascular regeneration and participated in several study abroad programs throughout South America. He also worked at the renowned Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado, where he focused on molecular regeneration applied to musculoskeletal disease and injury. Alex has developed a passion for translational research across various disciplines during his time in medical school.
As an admissions coach, Alex has extensive experience mentoring students through the medical school application process, successfully securing their admission to top schools not only in Texas, but throughout the country. He is passionate about helping students curate and express their own “story” in their applications. By taking a detail-oriented and creative approach to crafting all aspects of the application, students often find this seemingly unbearable process to be not only manageable but fun and exciting!
Alexander Salinas is currently a critical care nurse and a past adjunct faculty in different schools of nursing. He holds a master's degree in nursing education from Penn State University and BSN in the Honors College at University at Buffalo. He is certified in critical care and holistic nursing. He is also currently a Ronald E. McNair Scholar and was one of the student presidents at his nursing school before graduating. He was awarded the SUNY Chancellor award during his undergraduate career.
As a nurse, Alex has experience in Medical, Surgical, and Coronary Intensive Care units. He has worked in magnet hospitals and worked in various settings in different states such as Nevada, New York, and California. Alex has taught nursing education classes both to new graduates and new onboarding staff; he hopes to bring that same expertise to Inspira. He has held leadership positions in the Men in Nursing New York Committee and participated in their mentorship program. He has traveled to Haiti and Guatemala for volunteer nursing. He has coauthored at nurse.com and has published articles relating to nursing care and education. He also holds yoga teacher training certification from the Baptiste Institute.
Alex was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. She attended UC Davis as an undergrad where she got her Bachelors of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology. After college, she spent three gap years as a research coordinator at a community hospital.
Throughout medical school, Alex has developed an interest in plastic surgery and has been involved in various leadership positions and research projects within numerous specialties. She decided to additionally pursue an MBA while in medical school after witnessing the evolving responsibilities in the role of a physician.
As the daughter of immigrants and the first person in her family to go to college, she found the medical school application process challenging and convoluted. She is passionate about making the process more accessible to students, and brought this passion into her role on the admissions committee at her medical school.
Alisha is a medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, earning her Bachelor's in Bioengineering.
During her undergrad, Alisha helped develop numerous medical device prototypes and applications, such as a novel prosthetic thumb and a low-cost EMR system for oncology clinics in Botswana, both of which have received multiple awards. She also worked for a healthcare startup company, where she assisted in developing affordable telemedicine platforms. Outside of class, Alisha led tennis and dance lessons for community members with autism and volunteered her time to conduct free kidney disease screenings for underserved populations in Philadelphia.
As an admissions interviewer and coach, she thoroughly understands the admissions process and what it takes to get into one's dream school. She knows the value of a strong pre-med portfolio and is passionate about guiding students through their application and setting Advantage students up for success.
Alisha has maintained her passion for innovation and engineering. She works closely with a team of clinicians to devise a vibrating needle to reduce postoperative injection pain and tissue damage. Alisha is also an instructor for Move4Health–an organization that provides free group exercise classes for individuals with chronic illnesses. In her spare time, she organizes fun science lessons for a kindergarten class in a local Philadelphia school!
Alisha is a medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, earning her Bachelor's in Bioengineering.
During her undergrad, Alisha helped develop numerous medical device prototypes and applications, such as a novel prosthetic thumb and a low-cost EMR system for oncology clinics in Botswana, both of which have received multiple awards. She also worked for a healthcare startup company, where she assisted in developing affordable telemedicine platforms. Outside of class, Alisha led tennis and dance lessons for community members with autism and volunteered her time to conduct free kidney disease screenings for underserved populations in Philadelphia.
Alisha has maintained her passion for innovation and engineering by working closely with a team of clinicians to devise a vibrating needle to reduce postoperative injection pain and tissue damage. Alisha is also an instructor for Move4Health–an organization that provides free group exercise classes for individuals with chronic illnesses. In her spare time, she organizes fun science lessons for a kindergarten class in a local Philadelphia school!
As an experienced MCAT tutor, Alisha thoroughly understands what it takes to reach one's goal MCAT score. She is passionate about guiding students through the process–crafting study plans to cater to each student's needs and strengths, setting Advantage students up for success.
Ally graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Science. She went on to earn her Master's in Physician Assistant studies at Stony Brook University. There, she served as the Physician Assistant Student Society Secretary and as a member of the admission committee interviewing prospective PA applicants. Recognized for her scholarly achievements, Ally was selected as a member of the Alpha Eta National Honor Society for Allied Health Professions and received the Henry and Marsha Laufer scholarship.
Before starting her PA studies, Ally acquired thousands of hours of clinical experience in family practice, OB/GYN, and home health care for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders. She has always been driven by a passion for community service. This is evident in her role as community service chair for her PA school class and her various leadership roles in the undergraduate service fraternity Epsilon Sigma Alpha. Ally is currently an active member of the New York State Society of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
As an admissions coach, Ally is particularly passionate about mentorship within the PA profession. She understands how challenging and selective the application process can be, and she enjoys sharing her experience to help future PAs. Her strengths as an admissions coach include highlighting applicants' strengths, breaking down the application process into manageable steps, and helping applicants shine during interviews.
Alyssa graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and a minor in Music Studies. Alyssa is a proud graduate of the Physician Assistant program at Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona.
During her undergraduate studies, Alyssa planned to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist in the hospital setting. However, a class in medical speech pathology ignited her interest in medicine and led her to change course. Over the next two years, she attended college year-round to complete the necessary prerequisites for PA school. Alyssa's dedication to time management and efficiency is something she hopes to impart to those she mentors as an admissions coach.
Alyssa and her husband faced the unique challenge of simultaneously applying to PA and medical school, hoping to be accepted in the same city. This experience provided Alyssa with extensive knowledge about various PA programs and medical schools nationwide. Fortunately, Alyssa was accepted into the PA program at Midwestern University, while her husband was accepted into medical school at the University of Arizona.
Alyssa is now a passionate Physician Assistant working in plastic surgery. She specializes in breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomies due to breast cancer. As an admissions coach, she serves as a guide, sounding board, and mentor, assisting applicants throughout their journey to becoming a PA. Alyssa is friendly, responsive, and committed to supporting her clients in achieving their goals.
Amam graduated from the University of Iowa in 2019 with a BS in Human Physiology. He is currently in his first year of Dental School at The University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry. Amam has a diverse background when it comes to involvement in areas such as research, internships, working background, and community service. Amam took a gap year after graduating from undergrad to work as a dental assistant and manage his family’s convenience store.
Amam was born in Barcelona, Spain, and immigrated to the U.S. in 2001 at the age of 4. He comes from a Pakistani family and has lived his life moving throughout the Midwest. Amam spent most of his life growing up in the rural community of Keokuk, Iowa.
Amam participated in MHIRT (Minority Health-Disparities International Research Training) Internship in the summer of 2018 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Amam’s research project consisted of recording the association between tobacco usage and dental malocclusion in the patient population.
Amam also participated in SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program) at the University of Iowa in 2017. In SHPEP, Amam gained clinical exposure and learned about the social determinants of health with a heightened emphasis on collaboration across health professions. Amam has been passionate about helping underrepresented students find their way to their respective programs. He has mentored students in orientation-based programs and held executive office positions in organizations that help students receive proper information on applying to medical, dental, and pharmacy programs.
In dental school, Amam held the position of president for his class and currently holds the position of communications chair in the Orthodontics Club at the College of Dentistry. Amam is currently starting his research project in craniofacial microsomia and cleft lip and palate genetics.
Amanda is a bilingual (English/Spanish) graduate of the University of Utah and the Tufts University School of Medicine PA Program. She is currently an emergency medicine PA at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is pursuing a Doctorate of Medical Science at Butler University. Her ultimate career goal is to become a PA educator.
Amanda gained extensive EMS and EMS education experience prior to PA school. She has worked in occupational medicine/urgent care, rural medicine, outpatient cardiology, inpatient pediatric psychiatry, and COVID-19 clinical research. Amanda's undergraduate degree is in Speech and Hearing Science, and she was originally planning to become a speech-language pathologist. Her plans changed during her junior year of college when she discovered (and immediately fell in love with) the PA profession.
On the Inspira team, Amanda is an excellent resource for students pursuing the PA profession. She is passionate about the PA field and helping young hopefuls achieve their academic goals. Amanda aims to use her experience to boost each aspect of her student’s applications, helping them get into their dream program!
Amanda is a NCCPA-certified Physician Assistant currently practicing in orthopaedics at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned her undergraduate degree in athletic training at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then pursued her passion for healthcare through physician assistant studies at Elon University in North Carolina. Her keen interest in orthopaedics led her to specialize in spine care at Emory Healthcare.
Throughout her time at Emory, Amanda has taken on significant roles such as developing a fracture liaison service, aimed at linking patients with recent insufficiency fractures to endocrinology for osteoporosis management. Meanwhile, Amanda is actively working on her Master of Public Health at Emory University, focusing on health policy and management. This aligns with her broader interests in healthcare, leading her to work actively with the Georgia Association of Physician Assistants (GAPA).
In her capacity as a coach, Amanda has represented GAPA at the annual American Association of Physician Associates House of Delegates meeting. She has also served as a mentor for prospective physician assistant students, providing shadowing opportunities, guidance on the PA school application process, and general advice about the profession. Amanda takes great pleasure in helping students identify their strengths and organizing the application process into manageable tasks.
Dr. Amanda is an experienced educator with extensive experience in testing preparation and career coaching. She has worked in various professional settings, including teaching health education at middle schools, facilitating professional development workshops, and serving as a professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Kean University. She has also developed test resources and study strategies for over 250 pre-service teachers.
Amanda is passionate about leadership and supporting students in their academic pursuits. She enjoys creating resources for test prep and finding innovative ways to motivate students to excel in their studies. Besides test prep, she also provides career coaching and goal setting to help students make informed decisions about their education and career paths.
Her tutoring is grounded on building positive relationships with each student. Amanda encourages engagement and creativity, fostering a culture of open dialogue and promoting a love for lifelong learning. She believes in building student self-efficacy and motivation, providing scaffolding to help students gain confidence in tackling challenging exams, projects, and research.
Amita Ghuman did a 6 year combined Bachelors/MD program at Howard University in Washington D.C and graduated with a Bachelor's in Biology and Doctorate in Medicine. She then went on to complete a 3 year pediatrics residency at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Amita's first job after residency was an oncology/bone marrow transplant hospitalist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. From there, she worked at a community hospital pediatric emergency room in Columbia, Maryland. Currently, she is employed at a pediatric urgent care in Northern Virginia where she has been. Throughout these work experiences, she has enjoyed teaching and mentoring medical students and residents. Amita has a few publications which include case reports, posters, and qualitative research on topics that range from colon cancer research, Alzheimer's and pediatric oncology. She has also won scholarship awards in medical school and residency and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha society in her fourth year of medical school.
Amy holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and an MBA from the Citadel. She completed her undergraduate studies at the College of Charleston, where she earned an accelerated Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
During her time at MUSC, Amy was actively engaged in leading the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) as its President. She was also nominated by her peers to join Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), the pharmacy leadership society, and selected for the Presidential Scholars Program, where she tackled pressing health care issues. Amy completed internships as the Science Communications and Marketing Intern at OneSkin and the Innovation Intern at Cetaphil, honing her skills in various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. She also served as a student ambassador, where she gave tours and answered questions from pre-pharmacy students.
As an admissions coach, Amy is passionate about helping pre-pharmacy students navigate the challenging, confusing, and often stressful admissions process. With her vast experience and knowledge, Amy is eager to support her clients in their pursuit of excellence throughout the application process, ensuring they reach their goal of being accepted into pharmacy school.
Ana is currently a PA student at Yale School of Medicine’s Physician Associate Program. She brings with her a robust educational background from the University of Maine, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in pre-medical studies and minors in Psychology and Neuroscience.
In addition to her academic pursuits, Ana's work extends beyond the classroom and into the community. As a member of Physician Associates for Latino Health (PALH), and the Student Academy representative for the class of 2023, she dedicates her time to improving medical access for those with limited resources. She volunteers at the student-run HAVEN clinic, providing care for uninsured individuals and those ineligible for Medicaid. She continues her efforts with the Neighborhood Health Project (NHP), where she provides glucose and blood pressure screens for people without housing.
Prior to PA school, Ana honed her patient care skills as a clinical trial coordinator at Boston Children’s Hospital and as a nursing assistant at Dirigo Pines retirement community. Through these experiences, she developed a strong foundation in patient care and a deep passion for health education.
Ana’s commitment to mentorship and education is evident in her diverse experiences, from intensive one-on-one sessions with prospective professional students to leading large group events to level the playing field in the admissions process. As a future PA from a rural Maine town with no immediate or extended family members in healthcare, she is excited to guide the next generation of physician assistant leaders in achieving their goals, no matter their background.
Andrea graduated valedictorian from the Marietta College Physician Assistant (PA) program.. During her time at Marietta College, she was a member of the student government and presented Grand Rounds at various clinical rotations. She was also responsible for interviewing and providing tours to applicants. Prior to PA school, she graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Biology from Franklin Pierce University while playing college ice hockey. She was accepted to multiple esteemed PA and MD/DO programs nationwide.
During her gap year, she was the Hiring Manager for ScribeAmerica for seven varying medical specialties and managed and mentored 45 employees, most of which were pre-med or pre-PA. As a pediatric neurosurgery PA transitioning to urology PA, she held several leadership roles in surgical safety research and child advocacy. She is currently APP lead at her employer hospital system and an active member of the North Central Section of the American Urologic Association. She has helped multiple scribes and pre-PA students get accepted into PA school as a mentor and friend, fostering an environment of encouragement and growth.
As a coach, Andrea is a firm believer that personal statements are the heart of an application. She prides herself on her ability to help students craft unique personal statements to make their applications stand out amongst the crowd. Another one of Andrea’s greatest strengths is mentoring students to develop effective interview skills to ensure they make a lasting impression on their interviewers.
Andrew is completing his medical studies at The Ohio State University while simultaneously participating in a prestigious year-long research fellowship at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. Andrew has a rich academic background with a degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Mathematics from Pomona College. While at Pomona, Andrew displayed his leadership skills as the captain of the varsity football and baseball teams. He also held various leadership positions on campus and participated in neuroscience research through the David Prober lab at Caltech.
Andrew's gap year after graduation saw him gain more clinical and research experience. He scribed in an emergency department and worked at start-ups within two medical specialties: radiology and ophthalmology. As a medical student, Andrew discovered a new passion for orthopedics and orthopedic research, leading him to serve as president of the OSU American Medical Association chapter, president of the Honors and Professionalism Council, and a peer tutor. His exemplary work made him a member of the Gold Humanism Honors Society.
As a coach, Andrew has successfully guided pre-med students through their application process. His strengths lie in his ability to communicate effectively, strategize, and provide objective feedback to applicants. He is passionate about sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years and hopes to continue doing so. Andrew looks forward to working with you and helping you achieve your dreams!
Andrew is a medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai pursuing a career in Anesthesiology. He has a startup valued at $12 million which focuses on providing affordable vision care across the US, has >20 peer-reviewed publications, and is looking to continue to help others in their medical careers.
Originally from the greater Pittsburgh area, Andrew went to public school all his life and attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he majored in computational chemistry with a focus in biology. He conducted research through the Department of Biomedical Informatics, where he published a paper in Scientific Reports on long non-coding RNA SNHG7 and its impact on breast cancer. He graduated in three years from Pitt and went straight to medical school at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. During his first year there, he joined multiple research labs focusing on large-data analysis and machine learning.
He also co-founded Retina Technologies Inc., a company aimed to disrupt vision care by leveraging virtual reality, retinal imaging, and machine learning onto a portable platform to provide affordable, accessible, and accurate vision screening across the country. He served as the CTO of the company, spearheading four clinical trials, submitting three provisional patents and one non-provisional PCT patent, and built both the hardware and software from the ground up. He has continued his involvement in both his research and the company throughout all four years of medical school and is applying to residency programs for Anesthesiology.
Dr. Angela discovered her passion for veterinary medicine at a young age, presenting her aspiration to become a veterinarian to her first-grade class. She pursued her interest at the University of Missouri, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences and a minor in Captive Wild Animal Management. Angela continued at her alma mater for her veterinary school, reflecting her deep roots in Missouri.
Over the years, Angela has gained a wealth of experience in various settings, from walk-in practices and small animal practices to shelter medicine. She currently serves as the medical director for a non-profit shelter, specializing in wellness and prevention, high-volume spay and neuter surgery, and animal welfare. A strong advocate for mentorship, Angela has guided numerous undergraduate students on their journey to veterinary school and provided invaluable clinical experience for current veterinary students.
Angela's approach to veterinary medicine blends her love for continuous learning, teaching others, and finding enjoyment in her work. As an admissions coach, she leverages her hands-on experience and passion to guide prospective veterinarians in their educational journey.
After finishing his undergraduate degree in computer science at UNC-Chapel Hill (Go Heels!), Anil attended the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Following dental school, he completed General Practice and Oral Medicine residencies. Afterward, he practiced in hospital, community health, and academic settings. Anil has served on the admissions committees at both Harvard and his residency program.
In addition to my dental training, Anil also completed a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and has technical certifications in Data Science and Business Analytics. In 2020, he transitioned out of teaching and patient care to pursue a career in Healthcare Analytics.
Anil feels that his experience applying to dental school was quite stressful and lonely, as he did not have any support in the form of a pre-dental advisor for guidance and advice. He looks forward to serving as a mentor, so students do not have to feel isolated during the application journey.
Anjali is currently pursuing a dual PA/MPH at Tufts University, bringing a unique perspective to the Inspira team as an admissions coach. She has a profound background in Neurobiology, with her undergraduate degree earned from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Anjali's initial career path led her to a healthcare media company where she coordinated educational conferences for hospital CEOs. She then transitioned to clinical work at Northwestern Medicine as a research coordinator in rheumatology. Her career took a turn towards the non-profit sector with MEDLIFE, where she led volunteers in mobile medical clinics in medically underserved communities in rural Cusco, Peru.
This experience fueled Anjali's passion and determined her career goal: working with grassroots organizations to enhance healthcare access and fairness whilst providing hands-on care for patients. These experiences led her back to the US to apply to PA/MPH dual degree programs. Anjali is now thrilled to use her valuable experience to help prospective PAs achieve their career goals. She is a firm believer in the PA profession's potential to increase healthcare access, advocating for increased diversity in the field.
Anjali is well-prepared to guide you through the complex and stress-inducing admissions process. She offers support and encouragement at every step of the way, from assisting with CASPA completion to celebrating your first acceptance!
Anjan holds a dual degree in Neuroscience and Music Composition from Northwestern University. He is currently pursuing his medical degree at Case Western Reserve University and intends to specialize in OB/GYN.
Anjan began his scientific journey as a high school student, conducting lab research during his summers within the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Feinberg School of Medicine. These experiences not only fostered his curiosity for medicine but also led to his involvement in various research publications. As a medical student at Case Western, Anjan continues to demonstrate his dedication to scientific discovery while also maintaining a strong commitment to education. His passion for both learning and teaching has led him to serve as a leader in Case Western’s Horizons Mentoring Program, where he mentors both undergraduate and high school students with interests in healthcare sciences.
Aside from his pursuits in the medicine field, Anjan's interests extend to the world of art and music, an area he has continually merged with his passion for healthcare. During his time at Northwestern University, he directed a documentary film that shed light on food insecurity amongst college students. He has also scored several films throughout college and medical school, collaborated with local Cleveland musicians, and released music on various streaming platforms. Perhaps most notably, he has founded an organization dedicated to teaching music production to children who have been victims of violent trauma, demonstrating the synthesis of his commitment to both healthcare and the arts.
As a counselor, Anjan's broad spectrum of experiences allows him to bring a unique perspective to his mentees. His diverse background in science, music, and mentoring equip him with the ability to guide aspiring healthcare professionals on their journey. He strives to ensure students not only excel academically but also develop their unique passions, just as he has.
Annie has always had a passion for mentoring and helping students. As an associate veterinarian, Inspira Advantage has been a perfect way for her to give back to the next generation of veterinarians and help young aspiring vets make their dreams come true.
At The University of Tampa, Annie studied marine biology and chemistry while working to mentor biology students and support incoming marine biology first years. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, she spent three years working with sea turtles and fisheries in Costa Rica as a marine conservationist. Knowing she wanted to return to school, she decided on veterinary school in order to meld her passions of conservation, marine animals, and animal health.
During veterinary school at Colorado State University, she was accepted into competitive programs to further her marine animal medical training, including AQUAVET and SeaVet. She also completed competitive externships such as the National Zoo, and did research with Colorado’s Parks and Wildlife fish health lab. Currently, she is an associate veterinarian working with marine animals in Hawaii and enjoys editing students’ personal statements and CVs to help them reach their dreams!
Cady is a board-certified physician assistant trained at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine with an additional Master of Health Science in Health Economics from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. She currently serves on the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants as a student director-at-large and sits on the board of Physician Assistants for Global Health.
Prior to her graduate studies, Cady was a Fulbright scholar in Kedah, Malaysia, funded by the United States Department of State. She also contributed her skills to notable institutions such as Partners in Health, based in Boston, as well as the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., while pursuing her Bachelor's degree at George Washington University.
Cady gained hands-on medical experience working as an EMT and Emergency Room Technician at a Level-One Trauma Center in Washington, D.C. During this time, she also served as a teaching assistant to GWU undergraduate students and as a research assistant to emergency medicine physicians and GWU School of Medicine faculty. Currently, she runs her own online tutoring business, offering assistance to students preparing for the NREMT-Basic exam and providing guidance on college and graduate-level essay writing.
With a solid track record of success and acceptance into several top-10 PA programs, Cady is passionate about mentoring students from diverse backgrounds. She firmly believes in helping students find their voice, tell their story, and compile a competitive application. Her coaching strategy combines her professional and academic experiences, offering valuable insight and guidance. Cady is dedicated to keeping students organized and is enthusiastic about helping students achieve academic success.
Archana earned a BA in Neuroscience from Cornell University and her MD from Harvard Medical School in the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology Program. She is currently an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Resident at the University of California San Diego.
During her time at Cornell, Archana conducted research in the Goldberg lab, studying neural mechanisms underlying motor control. She continued to develop neural interfaces as a summer research scholar at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and as an intern at Neuralink. Archana's passion for understanding the multiple dimensions of health and disease led her to work at a syringe exchange in Ithaca, New York, where she witnessed the mechanics of court-based drug rehabilitation. As an admissions counselor, she enjoys listening to students' stories and helping them communicate their interests genuinely and in alignment with their values.
At Harvard Medical School, Archana received numerous scholarships and awards for her work, which centered on developing technologies to improve patients' quality of life. She has been involved in various research projects, applying biotechnology, optical imaging, and machine learning methods to study surgical outcomes and improve patients' lives after head and neck surgery. As a coach, Archana is committed to guiding prospective students through the admissions process and sharing her passion for medicine and research.
Arjun is a medical student at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He attended undergraduate at the University of Southern California as part of the prestigious Resident Honors Program. This program allowed 20-30 high school juniors to attend college one year early with a partial tuition scholarship. Arjun graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and a minor in Business Finance. Arjun is currently one of the youngest students in his graduating medical school class.
During medical school, Arjun was president of an organization in charge of 150 premedical students and organized events to help guide them through the premedical process. He has personally guided several of his mentees through successful application cycles and is excited to continue his passion for mentorship through Inspira Advantage.
Arya is an MD-PhD student at Harvard Medical School and MIT, having earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Columbia University in Biochemistry and Computer Science. As an undergraduate student, Arya captained the Women's Water Polo Team, played saxophone, sang opera, worked as an EMT, and conducted scientific research.
Arya's passions and interests extend beyond her academic pursuits, as she was heavily involved in athletics, music, and emergency medical services during her undergraduate years. At Inspira, she is eager to help applicants reach their goals and discover their passions in medicine by drawing from her own multifaceted experiences.
Arya's strengths lie in her diverse background, which allows her to connect with a wide range of applicants and provide valuable insights into the medical school admissions process. As an admissions coach, she is dedicated to supporting her clients in realizing their full potential and achieving their dreams.
Aryaman Gupta, BSE is a merit scholar medical student at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He graduated with departmental distinction and Summa Cum Laude from Duke University in Biomedical Engineering. Aryaman worked as a bioengineer before coming to Johns Hopkins and continues to throughout medical school. He has co-founded 3 startup companies that focus on developing devices to fill technological gaps in interventional specialties.
Aryaman is an expert at carving a niche for applicants and highlighting their experiences to create a cohesive story. He has guided numerous students through the medical school application process and serves as an alumni interviewer for Duke. He has mentorship experience with students ranging from middle school to medical students. Outside of school, Aryaman loves his dog, dark chocolate Oreos (much superior to regular Oreos), watching sports, and grilling/baking.
Because of Aryaman’s own non-traditional interests and experiences in medicine, he is especially well suited to guide students with their own unique stories. Aryaman is eager to work with Inspira students to help achieve their medical school admission goals and find their personal journey in medicine!
Dr. Ashley Johnson has a BSN and a Master’s in Nursing from The University of Tennessee at Martin and a PhD in Nursing from the University of Kansas. She worked in the Neonatal ICU, Long-Term Care, and Dialysis throughout her nursing career. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International and has her Certified Nurse Educator Clinical Leader certification. In 2021, she was selected in the inaugural cohort for Tennessee's 40 under 40 Rising Leaders Program.
She is presently an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. She is the Remediator Coordinator and RN-BSN Coordinator for this program. Ashley is passionate about working one-on-one with students to help them achieve their goals.
Ashwin is a student at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He also had acceptances at Northwestern University School of Medicine and Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, waitlists at Washington University in St. Louis, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania, and interviews at Harvard, Yale, NYU, University of Chicago, Mount Sinai, and more. He is originally from Springfield, IL, and also attended Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate studies. He majored in Medicine, Health, and Society and minored in Business, and earned a 522 on his MCAT, which places him in the 99th percentile of test-takers. He finished his studies in 3.5 years with a 4.0 GPA with summa cum laude honors and was on the Dean's List every semester. He has experience as an MCAT tutor with Kaplan and worked at Varsity Tutors to help students aged from middle school to graduate students in STEM subjects. As a student at Vanderbilt, he was the president of multiple service organizations to help communities in Nashville and abroad. Additionally, he had vast research experience, including five first-author publications, seven total publications, a CDC internship, and awards from the American Society of Hematology, the International Society of Blood Transfusion, and Vanderbilt University.
Athena is a practicing physician assistant with extensive experience in behavioral medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies at Lafayette College and advanced on to the Physician Assistant Studies program at Marist College. During her time as a PA student, Athena not only excelled academically but also took on leadership roles. She actively engaged with prospective students, conducting tours of the PA facilities and worked with her peers and faculty to influence admission decisions.
Athena's passion for medicine and care extends beyond the confines of her professional life. She spent her school breaks building medical infrastructure in Peru and participating in medical missions in Costa Rica. After her graduation, Athena volunteered on the admissions team of her PA program, helping to conduct interviews and grade practical exams. For her exemplary work, she was inducted into the Alpha Phi Honors Society.
Athena's professional journey is diverse and rich in experience, having started her career at the Yale Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She later moved to the west coast, transitioning into orthopedics, before returning to the east coast to practice in behavioral medicine. Each of these experiences has given her insight into various fields of medicine and the unique challenges patients face.
As a counselor, Athena uses her experience and knowledge to provide valuable guidance to applicants. She understands the stress and pressure that comes with applying to PA school and has a unique perspective on what admissions teams look for in future students. Athena takes the time to truly understand each individual's aspirations and works diligently to help them achieve their PA goals.
Audra is a GMAT/GRE tutor based in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of experience teaching hundreds of students both one-on-one and in the classroom, Audra helps business school and graduate school applicants maximize their testing performance with personalized instruction focused on their areas of need. Audra has achieved a 98th-percentile score of 750 on the GMAT and a 335/340 on the GRE. She loves sharing her knowledge and helping each client reach their potential!
Audra received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2013. The degree is equivalent to a double major in Philosophy and the History of Mathematics and Science and a double minor in Classics and Comparative Literature. She is currently attending the online Master of Computer and Information Technology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Audra enjoys reading and performing with the sketch comedy group Punchline Loading... in New York City in her free time.
Austin Johnson graduated from the University of Denver Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Biological Sciences and minors in Leadership Studies, Medical Physics, Chemistry, and Psychology. He scored in the 99.9th percentile on the MCAT and utilized similar study strategies to achieve a 260+ USMLE Step 1 score. Austin is currently a medical student at the Stanford University School of Medicine pursuing a research year investigating novel topical treatments for Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS) and validating clinical severity scoring tools for future EBS interventional studies. His professional interests extend into health disparities and medical education both on campus and in the community.
Austin’s passion for mentorship has culminated in a diverse set of experiences ranging from intensive one-on-one sessions with prospective professional students to leading large group events designed to level the playing field in test-taking, research, and the admissions process as a member of the Leadership in Health Disparities and Stanford Clinical Summer Internship programs. As a future Dermatologist from a rural Colorado town with zero immediate or extended family members in healthcare, he is excited to guide the next generation of physician leaders in achieving their goals no matter their background. Outside of being a medical student, Austin loves partaking in athletics, lifting weights, becoming immersed in movies, and exploring new food spots with his future wife.
Ayush is an MD candidate at Harvard Medical School interested in a career as an ophthalmologist and healthcare disparities researcher. He graduated summa cum laude from Drexel University with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and minors in Art History and Business Administration.
Ayush has been directly involved in undergraduate and medical school admissions and tutoring and has gained recognition as a top tutor. With several years of professional experience in pre-medical tutoring and advising, he has helped applicants receive impressive scores on the MCAT and gain admission into top medical schools in the country. Personally, Ayush has scored in the 99th percentile on the MCAT and in the 96th percentile on the USMLE Step 1.
At Drexel and Harvard Medical School, Ayush has conducted a wide array of research leading to numerous publications and academic conference presentations in molecular biology, ophthalmology, ENT, telemedicine, and AI. He also co-founded the New Jersey chapter of a COVID-19 response organization that fills gaps in healthcare infrastructure with healthcare student volunteers.
Given these experiences, Ayush has a proven track record of success in helping various applicants achieve high test scores and medical school admission. In addition to MCAT tutoring, Ayush is passionate about mentoring Advantage students in crafting a cohesive and personal story to achieve their dreams of becoming a physician.
Bailey completed her undergraduate degrees in Biology and Spanish at Indiana University, earning High Distinction, General Honors Notation, and Phi Beta Kappa membership. She also has a DVM from Colorado State University's Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program.
Throughout her veterinary school journey, Bailey worked as a tour guide, admissions assistant, and student advisor, helping prospective and current applicants navigate the application process. In these roles, she honed her skills in connecting with applicants and guiding them through the rigorous application process.
She also held the position of President of Colorado State University's Student Chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), participated in the AAEP Retention Task Force, and received the Colorado State University Equine Surgical Service Award. She is currently a member of the AAEP Student Research and Education Committee, which helps organize and host student wet labs at the annual AAEP conference. Her clinical interests include emergency medicine, surgery, and client communication.
As an admissions coach, Bailey is well-versed in the requirements of the veterinary application process and enjoys guiding applicants through school selection and application strategies. She believes in identifying each applicant's unique traits and experiences and presenting them in the most competitive way possible. Additionally, Bailey helps students understand the human component of veterinary medicine, which is often overlooked but essential for success. Bailey looks forward to working with each applicant to showcase their attributes and to help them build the strongest application possible.
Becky is currently pursuing a PhD at Texas A&M University, researching mRNA-based therapeutics for equine infectious diseases. She had always wanted to be a veterinarian and graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a BS in Biomedical Engineering, focusing on bioelectrics and biosignals. While at WPI, work in Tanzania and at a NICU in Worcester drove her passion to design medical devices for infants, and she went into industry but after a year, was drawn back to veterinary medicine. She left for west Texas and attended Sul Ross State University, initially with the goal of finishing out pre-requisites, but ultimately developing a passion for horses, helping run the equine science program, and earning a MS in equine science. This was only made possible through the help of some fine teachers and mentors along the way.
She found her place at Kansas State Veterinary School. There, she fell in love with equine internal medicine by working in the hospital, with clinical pathology through the passion of a remarkable professor, and practical boots-on-the-ground research with a few hot summers with cattle. After weighing the decision to pursue a PhD in veterinary education and teaching simulators, she elected to follow her love of internal medicine and foals to a private practice internship, followed by internal medicine residency at Auburn University. It was there that she really dug into her passion for medicine and teaching, and found interesting cases, caring mentors, and family. Again, she was lucky to be taught by some of the very best and she wants to pay it forward. Following residency, she was lucky to find an opportunity to combine her favorite things-- biomedical research, internal medicine, and foals—into an exciting PhD program.
Becky has taken a winding path and has made connections throughout many different levels of veterinary medicine and the biomedical field. Through this journey, she has mentored pre-veterinary students for the past 15 years and been a teacher even longer. She is excited to help you develop a plan for success and work with you to achieve your dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
Born and raised in a suburb of Seattle, Ben pursued his passion for Neuroscience and Molecular Biology at Colorado State University. There, he honed his skills under the tutelage of his grandparents, who are both respected professors at the university. As an undergraduate student, Ben distinguished himself by majoring in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience and actively participating in four years of molecular biology lab research. His research primarily focused on Alzheimer's disease and rodent brain-slice culture, leading to a prestigious first-author publication during his junior year.
Ben's zest for life is not confined to the lab. As an active member of the college community, he served as Vice-President of the University Run Club and President of the Neuroscience Student Organization. Apart from academics and physical pursuits, Ben extended his empathy to communities abroad. He studied in Livingstone, Zambia, where he worked in local schools and health clinics and embarked on adventurous escapades including bungee-jumping off Victoria Falls and an overnight Safari in Botswana.
Ben's commendable achievements include two Goldwater Scholarship Honorable mentions, which is indicative of his academic strength and commitment to the field. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Ben applied to various MD and MD-PhD programs, accepting an offer from the University of Southern California for an MD-PhD program.
As a counselor at the University of Southern California, Ben leverages his deep expertise in neuroscience and molecular biology, mentoring undergraduates from the Colorado State University Neuroscience program. Moreover, he devotes one week each year to volunteering as a counselor at a summer camp for children with cancer, reflecting his enduring dedication to service.
Ben is an incoming resident physician in general surgery at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and will be pursuing Diagnostic Radiology after his intern year. He earned his medical degree from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and his Bachelors of Science in Microbiology and Psychology from the University of Georgia (UGA).
Throughout his educational journey, Ben was deeply involved in a variety of academic, leadership, and humanitarian initiatives. As an undergraduate at UGA, he displayed exceptional commitment to leadership and research, distinguishing himself as one of the top 1% of graduating students. He also showed an interest in international healthcare through various experiences in South Korea, Spain, and Vietnam. During his medical training at Vanderbilt, Ben continued to demonstrate leadership, particularly in improving patient care and mentoring fellow students. He also maintained a strong commitment to research, completing a dual research fellowship in Plastic Surgery and Hematology/Oncology, and contributing to several important international studies.
With a proven track record in academic excellence, leadership, and medical research, Ben is well-equipped to support pre-health applicants from various backgrounds. His robust knowledge of the medical field, and his firsthand experience with competitive applications, enable him to provide valuable guidance to those pursuing a career in healthcare.
Prior to joining Vanderbilt, Ben worked as a research coordinator at the Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute and served as a medical school admissions consultant for Atlantis. He has extensive experience in patient care, research, and admissions, which helps him guide prospective medical students.
Beverly earned her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and DVM from Texas A&M University. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Beverly grew her passion for education and mentorship through her role with the Partnerships in Environmental Education and Rural Health (PEER) program, developing interactive STEM curricula for rural and underrepresented students across Texas. Her hands-on experience extended to lab research, where she studied the effects of cardiac medications with swine, and to the local community as a veterinary technician in a small animal clinic in Dallas, Texas
During her doctoral studies, Beverly honed her skills in small animal medicine. She took on leadership roles as the Girl Scouts Coordinator for the annual Texas A&M Veterinary School Open House and the veterinary school delegate for the graduate student council. Her dedication to business management in the veterinary field led her to active involvement in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA).
Currently, Beverly is an associate veterinarian at a full-service, small animal hospital in Houston, Texas. With eight years of experience under her belt, she has helped the practice grow from three to six full-time veterinarians. Beverly values high-quality patient care and is highly invested in new-graduate mentorship and success. Beyond her clinical responsibilities, Beverly contributes to her community as a member and Secretary of the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF) Board of Trustees.
Beverly enjoys every aspect of veterinary work, having occupied roles from kennel assistant to technician to practicing veterinarian. Her unwavering passion for teaching and mentorship makes her an ideal counselor for Inspira Advantage. She looks forward to guiding clients in creating strong, personalized applications, nudging them closer to fulfilling careers in veterinary medicine.
Bradley is a PA student at the University of Southern California with an impressive background in mentoring pre-PAs. He currently serves on the Physician Assistant Student Society as the Health Fair Chair. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside with honors with a degree in Biology.
In addition to his academic achievements, Bradley has gained diverse patient care experiences through roles such as COPE Health Scholar, phlebotomist, dementia caregiver, and dermatology medical assistant. He is an active member of both the California Academy of Physician Assistants and the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Bradley's passion lies in helping students achieve their dreams of being admitted to physician assistant school. He understands the dedication and perseverance that’s required to succeed. As an admissions coach, Bradley excels at breaking down the application process into manageable steps, identifying students' strengths, and preparing them for interviews.
Bradley completed his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at Utah State University and is currently a medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester.
During his undergraduate years, Bradley was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including being a member of the university’s Cheer Squad, volunteering in hospitals, and leading youth humanitarian trips to the Kingdom of Tonga. Before attending medical school, he took on the role of a high school biology teacher for a year while applying to medical programs.
As a medical student, he is passionate about learning from and working with others, benefiting greatly from the guidance of older medical students and residents. Bradley has showcased his strengths by actively participating in clinical research, which has led to multiple first and middle author publications.
Bradley is enthusiastic about providing mentorship to future medical students as an admissions coach. He enjoys collaborating with others and is dedicated to contributing to advancements in the medical field.
Bradley completed his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at Utah State University and is currently a medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester. During his undergraduate years, Bradley was involved in a variety of extracurricular activities, including being a member of the university’s Cheer Squad, volunteering in hospitals, and leading youth humanitarian trips to the Kingdom of Tonga. Before attending medical school, he took on the role of a high school biology teacher for a year while applying to medical programs.
As a medical student, Bradley is passionate about learning from and working with others, benefiting greatly from the guidance of older medical students and residents. He has showcased his strengths by actively participating in clinical research, which has led to multiple first and middle-author publications. He enjoys collaborating with others and is dedicated to contributing to advancements in the medical field.
Bradley is enthusiastic about helping future medical students achieve their best MCAT scores. He has a wealth of experience as an MCAT tutor, privately tutoring students and leading group sessions. As a tutor, his strengths include science content and test-taking skills and strategies.
His tutoring has helped many students achieve medical school acceptance.
Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, where he played Division 1 Men's Volleyball and was selected as the President's Outstanding Senior of the Year. He went on to obtain a Dual Master's degree in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston before starting the MD program at the Texas Tech Health Science Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.
Brandon is a highly motivated medical student with years of experience successfully guiding students from traditional, non-traditional, and reapplication backgrounds through the medical school application process. As a coach, his greatest strength is building customized success plans based on a student's individual goals. He has a wide range of expertise, including personal statement and secondary essay brainstorming and editing, running activities writing workshops, navigating school selection processes, traditional and MMI mock interview prep for MD and DO medical schools, and CASPer success techniques.
Brandon uses a highly motivated spirit, resilient attitude, and constant communication to afford other students the opportunity of medical school acceptance. He is excited to work with students from all backgrounds and experiences to make medical school acceptance a reality.
Brandon earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. He played Division 1 Men's Volleyball during his undergraduate degree and was selected as the President's Outstanding Senior of the Year. He obtained a Dual Master's degree in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration from the University of Houston before starting the MD program at the Texas Tech Health Science Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.
Brandon is a highly motivated medical student with years of experience successfully guiding students from traditional, non-traditional, and reapplication backgrounds through the medical school application process. As a CASPer tutor, Brandon enjoys creating customized plans based on a student's individual goals. He excels at helping Advantage students implement CASPer success techniques, improving their performance and score.
Brandon uses a highly motivated spirit, resilient attitude, and constant communication to afford other students the opportunity of medical school acceptance. He is excited to work with students from all backgrounds and experiences to make medical school acceptance a reality.
Brandon is a dedicated Physician Assistant with a rich background encompassing both his academic pursuits and professional practice. Born and raised in Hawaii, Brandon earned his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology/Sports Medicine from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. His academic journey took him to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he completed his Physician Assistant program. Notably, during his undergraduate years, Brandon served in the Army Reserves as a Combat Medic, a role he continues today.
His professional journey has seen him work at top-notch institutions such as Columbia University-New York Presbyterian University's Neuro ICU and currently at Bellevue Hospital's Neurologic ICU under New York University. He has also lent his expertise to Psychiatry, where he pioneered and managed a clinic for Interventional Mental Health. Brandon's passion for mentoring and teaching has only grown over the years; his keen eye for identifying individual strengths and his exceptional writing skills have allowed him to guide others to reach their full potential.
Known for his ability to break down the application process into manageable objectives, Brandon excels at helping others create a narrative that truly highlights their unique strengths. He believes that effective mentoring can make a significant difference in shaping a student's future. His experience with young combat medics, medical students, and PA students has only solidified his dedication to teaching.
Breanna graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a B.S. in Animal Science and a minor in Global Disease Biology. She is currently at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she plans on tracking small animals.
During her undergraduate career, she was involved in a research lab involving horse genetics. She also was the President of The Wildlife Society, along with being the Founder and President of 27 Heartbeats at UC Davis. She traveled to Thailand and Australia to gain veterinary experience at wildlife sanctuaries and shelters. 27 Heartbeats was founded in order to provide veterinary supplies to animals at these sanctuaries around the world through Loop Abroad. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic throughout undergrad, along with volunteering at a cat sanctuary. Furthermore, she worked as a tutor at UC Davis in both Chemistry and Animal Biochemistry.
Currently, Breanna is the President of the Class of 2024 at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She is also the new President of the Specialties Club, which helps students gain more experience in various veterinary specialties. To continue, Breanna is a student ambassador for Royal Canin, a science-based pet food company. She also previously served as an Inventory Coordinator for Knights Landing One Health Clinic, a student-run service that provides veterinary care for lower income communities.
Breanna is particularly interested in specializing in dermatology after veterinary school through a residency program. After being a tutor in undergrad, she realized how much she loved helping others reach their goals. She knows how stressful the application process for veterinary school is and hopes to ease the minds of applicants by being a support system for them. Breanna is super excited to work with the next generation of amazing veterinarians!
Dr. Breanna Demaline is a small animal emergency veterinarian who graduated from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Before attending veterinary school, she was a first-generation student at Northern Michigan University, where she actively participated in various clubs, research, and community service opportunities.
Dr. Demaline's passion for veterinary medicine started with her involvement in the NMU Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club and her neuroscience research. Her research papers on animal behavior and fine motor coordination of mice have been published and featured in additional studies.
As an admissions coach, Dr. Demaline is dedicated to supporting pre-veterinary students and helping them navigate the application process. Her strengths include transparency, approachability, and flexibility. She is committed to guiding students towards their goals by encouraging them to embrace their unique experiences and diverse backgrounds as strengths. She strives to make the application process less stressful by facilitating personal growth and providing personalized support throughout the journey.
In addition to her dedication to veterinary medicine, Dr. Demaline has worked as a waitress, in the office of NMU Student Support, and at local veterinary clinics. She is a true example of resilience and determination, which she brings to her role as an admissions counselor.
Breanna is a proud graduate of the University of Nevada, where she received her BS with honors on a full-ride merit scholarship. During her undergraduate study, she held positions at both small and large animal hospitals and completed a summer animal care internship at the Oakland Zoo. She also completed an undergraduate thesis on the use of new analysis machinery on the detection of parvovirus in dogs, a research effort that won her an honors undergraduate research award.
Immediately after her undergrad, Breanna ventured to Washington State University to study veterinary medicine with a focus on mixed animal medicine. She has been greatly involved in the College of Veterinary Medicine's small ruminant club, earning a scholarship for students interested in becoming small ruminant practitioners and another for those interested in rural medicine. Her veterinary school journey also includes maintaining data quality for a small animal CPR study and holding a mixed animal externship in New York State.
Breanna is passionate about guiding students to articulate their unique individual viewpoints and experiences during the application cycle. She also thrives in working with applicants who may not often see themselves represented in a professional school context. Her strengths lie in breaking down the overwhelming application process into manageable tasks and providing robust feedback on personal statements.
Bretton is an MCAT expert who has helped over 500 students achieve their MCAT goals and has dedicated thousands of hours to understanding, mastering, and simplifying the test. He has received training from and provided MCAT expertise to the leading test-prep company, Kaplan. He has extensive practice providing online tutoring and curates a world-class experience for each student. Each lesson will be tailored to the individual's needs to make sure they reach their goals, he will respond to all communications within 24 hours (typically sooner), and stack the odds in your favor.
Bretton is based out of Minnesota, where he was educated on a full-ride scholarship at Concordia College in Minnesota. He pursued a triple science major in neuroscience, chemistry, and biology. He applies his multidisciplinary expertise to make difficult to understand MCAT topics into something easily understood. He has represented his college’s research output to the state of Minnesota and participated in Mayo Clinic’s exclusive Mayo Innovative Scholars Program on behalf of Concordia.
Bretton currently works part-time in a research laboratory where he conducts groundbreaking cancer and neuroscience research. He is part of the PhD program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the Cellular and Molecular Biology program. Bretton’s passion for science and dedication to his students makes him an ideal MCAT tutor for students at all levels.
Brian has had multiple experiences which have cultivated his passion for advising, mentoring, coaching, and encouraging students. He graduated from Louisiana State University, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences. At LSU, Brian was a four-year letterman of the Men’s Basketball Team, receiving Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll awards all four years. He also received the prestigious LSU Athletic Department Wally Pontiff Award in 2002 and 2003, given to upperclassmen who maintain the highest GPA among all student-athletes. Being a basketball team member afforded him many opportunities to encourage and coach young basketball players in their athletic and academic journeys. It also taught him the importance of teamwork and persevering through failure and adversity.
Even while studying and training as a physician, Brian found ways to further his experience as a teacher, advisor, and mentor to students outside of medicine. After being accepted to medical school, Brian took advantage of a free semester after graduating from LSU by taking a position teaching math to students at The Dunham School, the school from which he graduated as valedictorian. This allowed him to continue cultivating his style as a teacher and mentor, learning that he had a heart for encouraging and motivating students, especially those dealing with difficult circumstances. Several years later, he also used his spare time to fill in as a teacher at another local high school, where he also was able to learn a great deal about advising students in the college admissions process. His mother was the college counselor at this school, and she passed on her wealth of knowledge about advising students in the application process from her 20 years of experience in the field!
Brian graduated from the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – New Orleans Medical School and went on to complete a residency in Internal Medicine at Earl K. Long hospital in Baton Rouge. As a resident and while working as a hospitalist, Brian always enjoyed teaching, encouraging, and giving advice to medical students and residents pertaining to their medical education journey. After several years working as a hospitalist, he founded his own independent medical consulting LLC.
Brian’s approach to mentoring, advising, and teaching focuses on listening, encouraging, showing compassion, and fostering an open and honest dialogue with his students. He firmly believes that each student has unique experiences and talents, which can be highlighted optimally to foster their best chance for success.
Brian, originally from Massachusetts, attended the University of Notre Dame where he majored in Science Pre-professional Studies and had a minor in History. During this time, he conducted research in the Moral and Adolescent Psychology lab, volunteered St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and had a few internship opportunities like working for a Member of the UK Parliament. After graduating in 2021, he began conducting research in an Anesthesiology Lab at Mayo Clinic. Brian is currently a first-year medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester, MN, where he is pursuing his interest in surgery.
Brian is from Massachusetts and pursued his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Science Preprofessional Studies with a minor in History. He is currently a medical student at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Rochester, MN, with a keen interest in surgery.
During his undergraduate years, Brian conducted research in the Moral and Adolescent Psychology lab, volunteered at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, and gained valuable experience through internships, such as working for a member of the UK Parliament. Following graduation, Brian continued his research pursuits in an anesthesiology lab at Mayo Clinic before embarking on his medical school journey.
As an admissions coach, Brian is passionate about helping aspiring medical professionals navigate the complex application process. Drawing from his diverse experiences in research, volunteering, and internships, Brian is well-equipped to provide valuable insights and guidance to prospective students.
Britt is a current MSN student at Johns Hopkins University pursuing a career in public health nursing. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she went to the University of Washington, where she got an undergraduate degree in Medical Anthropology & Global Health while working within hospital systems across Seattle.
As a near graduate, Britt is a current academic tutor at Johns Hopkins, is involved with Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiatives, and works as a student nurse within the University of Maryland's Pediatric Emergency Department. Her academic interests span from public health to health policy to pediatric medicine. Having spent lots of time researching and applying to many nursing programs herself, Britt is excited to help fellow prospective nurses navigate the admissions process at Inspira!
Britt loves to be outside biking, hiking, or drinking coffee, preferably in the sun, in her free time.
Dr. Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Elmhurst University and later graduated from the University of Illinois - Urbana Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine. She initially worked in general practice with companion animals and exotic species.
During her early years in practice, Dr. Ludwig developed a passion for integrative medicine and pursued training in acupuncture, traditional Chinese veterinary medicine, spinal manipulation therapy, and massage and rehabilitation therapy. As a veterinarian, she now primarily focuses on integrative and rehabilitative therapies to provide the best possible care for her patients.
Dr. Ludwig's strengths lie in her vast knowledge of diverse treatment modalities and her dedication to staying current on the latest advances in veterinary medicine. This commitment to excellence serves her well as a counselor, where she can share her expertise and experience with aspiring veterinary professionals.
Bryan Luu is a medical student at Baylor College of Medicine currently pursuing a residency in Internal Medicine. Bryan grew up in Fremont, California before moving to Austin, Texas in high school. He attended The University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering with High Honors. At the University of Texas, Bryan was heavily involved in biomedical engineering research focused on improving delivery and bioavailability of chemotherapeutics through the development of nano-polymer systems. He was inducted into the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society during his junior year. During his gap year before medical school, Bryan worked as an editor and content developer for ExamKrackers, serving as a major contributor to MCAT question banks and prep books, as well as providing high-quality one-on-one MCAT tutoring.In medical school, Bryan has been extensively involved with all facets of the medical school admission process. He has served as an admissions ambassador at Baylor, and has guided dozens of premedical students through the medical school admissions process as an officer of several student-led mentorship organizations. He has also continued his passion for research, with a specific interest in the development of novel machine learning models that can be applied to the field of medicine. In recognition of academic excellence in medical school, Bryan was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society.
Caitlin is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and is currently a DVM candidate at the North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine (NCSU). She plans to specialize in small animals and exotics upon graduation. Despite her non-traditional background, Caitlin was admitted to her first-choice veterinary school on her first attempt and aims to help pre-vet candidates do the same.
Before joining the Inspira team, Caitlin discovered her passion for education when coaching pre-vet students. She holds an excellent acceptance track record with her students, helping multiple candidates get into their dream schools. Caitlin’s strengths as a coach include editing essays, preparing students for interviews, and inspiring the next generation of vets to keep pursuing their passion for veterinary medicine. She believes research and hard work go a long way toward acceptance and excels at keeping up to date with what vet schools are looking for.
Based on Caitlin’s personal experience, she feels that vet school is worth the hard work and encourages applicants to believe in themselves throughout the application process.
Having grown up in the rural Midwest, followed by attending the University of Iowa as an undergrad, Callie is now a student at Yale School of Medicine and will be pursuing a career in psychiatry. She has five years of tutoring experience and has been involved with curriculum reform and health justice advocacy. Her research interests include qualitative research on the lived experience of having mental illnesses and health disparities research. Along with Inspira, Callie is involved in Yale's first-generation low-income student group and the LGBTQ affinity group. She is passionate about helping prospective students with diverse backgrounds discuss these parts of their identities in their applications.
Carmel Mercado is a board-certified ophthalmologist in the Seattle area with expertise in pediatric ophthalmology and comprehensive ophthalmology.
She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she was awarded as 1 of 25 Burchard Scholars in her year for academic excellence in the arts, humanities, social sciences as well as in science and engineering. She was also inducted as an MIT Class of 2009 Community Catalyst Leader for her extensive involvement with mentoring, teaching, and developing advising workshops for freshmen.
Carmel obtained her medical degree at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. During her time in medical school, she completed a research year as an international fellow at the Keio University School of Medicine. Her research project looked at the history of traditional medicine in Japan and its integration into the modern Japanese medical system. This project was funded in part by the Johns’ Hopkins University School of Medicine Dean’s Grant and through scholarship from the International Chamber of Innovation, Commerce & Enterprise in Japan.
Carmel then completed her ophthalmology residency at Stanford University’s Byers Eye Institute in Palo Alto, California, where she was elected into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society for the Stanford Chapter. She completed her sub-specialty fellowship training in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus at the Casey Eye Institute of Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. Carmel has held roles such as Clinical Instructor for Ophthalmology at the Casey Eye Institute and Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Head of the Diversity Committee for the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Washington. She has had experience with medical school admissions as well as ophthalmology residency and fellowship interviews in these roles.
Outside of the clinic, Carmel has traveled to multiple countries around the world, including Myanmar, the Philippines, and Belize, to help with vision screenings and to teach eye surgery and the basics of pediatric eye care as invited faculty. She is also an accomplished artist and uses her art as a medium for health literacy education and empowerment.
Carmel is excited to share her expertise and experience with medical school and residency admissions with you!
Carmen studied at Yale School of Medicine. While pursuing human physiology and Hindi as a Boston University Kilachand Honors College student, Carmen pursued her passion for medicine and public health by working in underserved communities as an EMT, physical therapist assistant, and research assistant. These opportunities greatly influenced her to pursue her Masters of Public Health in biostatistics and epidemiology at Boston University, where she received training in SAS/RStudio coding as well as quantitative global health research.
During her medical school application cycle, Carmen ultimately was deciding between the University of Michigan’s full tuition Dean Scholarship, Baylor, Boston University, and Yale, finally choosing Yale for the research opportunities, Yale System, and desire to stay near family and friends. As the former premed liaison for the Yale Student National Medical Association/Latino Medical Student Association, Carmen has extensive mentoring experience through Yale’s Program to Advance Training in Health & Sciences (PATHS), where she helped organize the framework for the first PATHS cohort to receive mentorship from Yale medical students.
As Inspira, she has mentored dozens of premedical students, helping students obtain interviews and acceptances to medical schools such as Johns Hopkins, NYU, Yale, UTSW, University of Pittsburgh, University of Chicago, Brown, Dartmouth, Boston University, and more. As a seasoned mentor, Carmen brings her experience with AMCAS, AACOMAS, and TMDSAS applications and early assurance medical school programs to Inspira. Carmen’s strengths include helping students convey their unique strengths and narratives as well as helping students formulate a holistic, insightful application.
Caroline is a graduate of Iowa State University and is currently a PA student at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, one of the most rigorous PA programs in the country. Before returning to graduate school, Caroline had a full-fledged career as a pediatric Registered Dietitian at the Mayo Clinic and other regional hospitals and clinics. Caroline has worked in many areas of medicine, including Cystic Fibrosis, gastroenterology, NICU, and other pediatric subspecialties. While working at Mayo Clinic, she also had the opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary collaboration with research and quality improvement projects.
Caroline's passion for admissions coaching developed through both her formal and informal experiences coaching students. While training as a clinical dietitian at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, she was the only student chosen to sit on the board of faculty who reviewed personal statements, resumes, and cover letters to choose the future class. This was an intense process as the committee received hundreds of applicants, but she learned what characteristics and strengths students should highlight when applying to medical programs. She also has a special place in her heart for non-traditional students, as she considers herself one.
Outside of training, Caroline has helped several international medical students apply for medical residency and has aided them in interview preparation. This is her favorite part of the application process because she feels it's when the student really gets to shine and show their authentic personality. She enjoys sharing more about her background and experience with Inspira applicants and looks forward to getting to know them!
Catarina graduated magna cum laude from the University of California, Davis with a B.S. in Animal Science and minor in Italian. She is currently a student at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where she plans on tracking small animals. During her undergraduate career, she was involved in two research labs where she worked on correlating CRISPR knockout mouse model phenotypes to human associated diseases. During this project, she presented her research at an undergraduate research conference and completed a manuscript. She also led research on understanding how certain feed additives can mitigate greenhouse gasses produced by dairy cattle. Along with her research experience, she was heavily involved with a student run veterinary clinic that provided free service for the pets of the homeless and she co-founded a club with friends that served to collect veterinary medical supplies and then donate them to underprivileged clinics abroad. Moreover, she also earned more veterinary experience as a technician at a specialty hospital over the summers and got exposure to wildlife veterinary care in Australia during a summer internship.
Currently, Catarina is both the president of the Mercer Veterinary Clinic for Pets of the Homeless and the vice president for the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association for her veterinary school. This summer, she will be conducting orthopedic research on a specific breed of dog that suffers from a disorder called chondrodystrophy by analyzing their vertebrae geometry and disc mineralization.She is the recipient of the Students Training in Advanced Research (STAR) award which is a program for veterinary students to receive grants in order to conduct their own research project and become more involved in the research aspect of veterinary medicine. Throughout her undergraduate career, she was a tutor and mentor within the Italian department at her university as well as a mentor for younger students pursuing veterinary medicine. She is very passionate about helping the incoming generation of vetmed doctors and sharing her knowledge of the process. Having recently gone through the application process herself, she is dedicated to aiding others navigate the application process.
Celeste graduated cum laude from Carleton College (Northfield, MN) with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry in 2020. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research on hormonal inputs on bull snake fertility at Carleton, received the Kolenkow-Reitz Fellowship to tide-pool research at UC Irvine, served as the captain of Carleton's NCAA DIII volleyball team, and founded the school's first Pre-Veterinary Club.
During the summers, Celeste volunteered at a small animal clinic, equine rescue, and wildlife rehabilitation center to acquire a well-rounded experience in veterinary medicine. In addition, her job at Carleton's primate psychology lab exposed her to laboratory medicine. She is now in her 2nd year at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she plans on tracking small animal to specialize in small animal surgery post-grad.
Currently, Celeste serves as the Co-Director for the UC Davis Knights Landing One Health Clinic, whose mission is to bring the values of One Health to a disadvantaged community through free monthly veterinary clinics. In addition, she is on the board of the Canine Medicine Club, Behavior Medicine and Wellness Club and holds the role of IM Sports Chair for the class. She also serves as a Student Ambassador for the school through the Office of Outreach and Admissions.
This last summer, Celeste gained a wealth of knowledge as a veterinary technician at a specialty/emergency clinic in Orange County. When she is not studying for school, she hangs out with her cats and dog (Frank, Beans, and Milo), goes to the gym, lounges at the beach, or eats out at new restaurants with friends. Celeste remembers being confused and feeling alone during the process of applying to vet schools and wishing that a consulting program like Inspira existed.
Celeste loves helping people with a passion and can't wait to guide her clients through the process of achieving their dream of becoming a veterinarian.
Chana is currently a veterinary student at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University with Bachelor degrees in Evolutionary Anthropology and Chemistry. Chana has extensive research experience, including her time at Duke as a Bass Connections fellow, where she contributed to a study on dolphin metabolism that was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology.
Chana is passionate about emergency and critical care medicine, and has gained valuable experience working in various small animal veterinary clinics and emergency rooms. Between her second and third year of veterinary school, she completed a rotating externship at a large specialty and referral center in San Diego.
As an admissions coach, Chana is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with aspiring veterinary students. Her strengths include her strong academic background, research expertise, and hands-on experience in the field of veterinary medicine. Chana's diverse experiences make her an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and mentorship in their veterinary pursuits.
Dr. Chelsea is a dedicated veterinarian with a diverse background in small animal medicine. She currently works in small animal ER, urgent care, and primary care as a relief veterinarian. Chelsea attended Pensacola State University and the University of West Florida for her undergraduate studies before completing her DVM at the University of Tennessee.
Before entering veterinary school, Chelsea held various roles, including assisting in surgeon population studies on the James River and working as a veterinary assistant in internal medicine. With recent experience navigating the application process, she is passionate about supporting and guiding applicants in their journey. Dr. Hester had the opportunity to rely on veterinarian mentors throughout her own application process and is eager to give back to others as an admissions coach.
Chelsea has a special interest in mental health within the veterinary field and consistently strives to achieve a healthy work-life balance. Her strengths lie in her ability to navigate the complexities of the admissions process, provide insight and guidance, and her dedication to supporting the mental health of her clients and colleagues.
Chiamaka (Amaka) Okorie is a first-generation medical student at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She immigrated from Nigeria to the United States for college and graduated Summa cum laude with a B.Sc. in Biology from SUNY Geneseo. There she was chosen to represent Geneseo’s graduating class as the commencement speaker. Amaka has remained curious through medical school, participating in both clinical and translational research with peer-reviewed publications. She is a member of the Dartmouth medical school admissions committee, participating in the interview and candidate selection process. Amaka loves to teach and has mentored numerous students through the college and medical school application process, specifically in her role in the McGill Scholars program at Dartmouth College, working with the students of color collective at the Lebanon High School and Inspira. She was the public relations officer for the Dartmouth Student National Medical Association chapter and currently serves as the Vice President for the dermatology interest group. She also enjoys traveling, dancing, and spending time with family and friends.
Christina is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for dentistry and education. She completed her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Florida and then went on to earn her DDM degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She further pursued her Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency through NYU's Lutheran Medical Center's Satellite clinic in Baltimore, MD.
As an undergraduate student, Christina was fortunate to have the opportunity to work as a research assistant. This opportunity provided her with exceptional training as a leader and mentor, as many of her daily tasks included managing complex problems with imagination, flexibility, and impeccable attention to detail. Working as a research assistant guided her to critically assess research reports, conduct literature reviews, formulate research questions, collect and analyze data, and write reports and present research findings. Christina graduated at the top of her class in dental school and served as both a teaching assistant and predoctoral admissions committee representative.
In her experience as a resident and general and special needs dentist, she came to realize that her success was not based solely on clinical skills and knowledge, but rather on communication, integrity, and the ability to build trust with patients and staff. Throughout her journey as a dentist, she came to learn one of her greatest joys is her passion for teaching. With the continuous rotation of residents entering the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, there is never a shortage of questions and inquiries, and the dental literature and advancements continue to grow exponentially. It is her absolute pleasure to stay in the know with dentistry and find ways to improve her technique and increase her speed. She has enjoyed treating complex cases and developing personalized treatment plans. She has relished in seeing her residents improve and found fulfillment in providing them with the support they need to thrive.
With extensive knowledge in clinical research and experience across diverse settings, Dr. Robinson has demonstrated tremendous drive and potential. She is known for her excellent time management, organizational skills, and enthusiasm. She considers herself to be a confident woman who adheres to a high set of moral and ethical principles. She has also earned respect from both the patients she serves, and the professionals with whom she works and collaborates.
Christina is currently a PA student at the Christian Brothers University. Before being accepted into PA School, she gained over 2,000+ hours of patient care experience as a medical assistant at an OBGYN clinic and a lab tech/scribe/medical assistant at an Urgent Care center.
Drawing from her own experiences, Christina's passion for mentorship stems from wanting to help others navigate the applicatiopn process. After successfully undergoing the application process as a first-time applicant and participating in PA admission interviews, Christina has firsthand knowledge of what schools and interviewers look for in potential students.
Her strengths lie in understanding the requirements of the application process and assisting candidates in determining their strengths. Christina can guide candidates through the entire application cycle, from start to finish. Having passed her GRE on her first attempt with a score of 300, she is also able to help students develop an effective study schedule. Christina is characterized by her outgoing and energetic personality, always ready to provide encouragement and discuss the daily worries and processes of applying to PA school.
Christopher is a New York City native and a graduate of SUNY Binghamton, where he obtained a B.S. in Integrative Neuroscience with a minor in Health and Wellness Studies. As an active contributor to several Neuroscience and Nutrition-related research projects, he was invited to present his work at several academic conferences across the United States. Chris was also actively involved in campus life and held executive board positions for several social and academic student-run organizations.
Following graduation, Chris was hired as a research coordinator for Columbia University’s Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation. While working, he completed an M.S. in Health Systems Science from Binghamton University’s Watson School of Engineering. During this time, Chris applied to medical school and was accepted by several top programs, including the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
As a medical student, Chris continued his involvement with research and received several peer-reviewed publications. He served as a Chair of the Student High Value Care Committee, where he oversaw one of several student-run clinical quality improvement initiatives. He graduated from medical school in 2021 and remains at Mount Sinai as a resident within the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine.
Chris has a long history of working with students. During his junior year of college, he worked as a science tutor for Binghamton University’s athletic department. During his senior year, he took on the additional role of “At Risk Student Advisor.” Under this role, he was paired with student-athletes who were at risk of failing to meet the minimum academic standards required to compete. He met with these students regularly, holding sessions focused on topics such as time management, test-taking strategy, and career planning. Following his first year of medical school, Chris worked as an MCAT instructor for students enrolled in Mount Sinai’s Chapter of the North East Regional Alliance (NERA) for Medical Preparation. In addition to providing MCAT tutoring, he held regular one-on-one sessions focused on personal statement writing and application building. He has also held several work-shops focused on demystifying the medical school application process. Chris has a thorough understanding of the medical school admissions process and a passion for helping students reach their full potential.
Chris (he/him) is a medical student in the MD/PhD program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park on a full scholarship where he studied Psychology, Spanish, and Music Performance. After college, he worked as a teacher for three years before making the transition to medical school. Chris completed a yearlong Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Leticia, Colombia, and taught high school chemistry in New York City for two years. Teaching through a pandemic in the largest city in the United States reified the consequences of poor health delivery, and the policies that make these disparities possible. With this in mind, he decided to pursue medical training with an interest health policy and healthcare delivery.
Thus far, Chris has completed research rotations at the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health & Wellbeing, the Gender Pathways Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. He has published work with The Lighthouse Foundation - a Black queer-led justice collective - and he has attended multiple conferences including the 2022 American Medical Education Conference in Orlando, FL, and the 2022 AAMC Rise Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. He also serves as his medical school cohort's Class President, and is active in the process of meeting and recruiting MD and MD/PhD applicants to Feinberg. He is not sure of a speciality post-medical school, but he is currently interested in pulmonology/critical care, emergency medicine, infectious disease, and pediatrics.
Chris is a resident of Uptown, Chicago. In his free time he enjoys traveling, dancing, and cooking.
Cindy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Irvine. While there, she was placed on the Dean’s Honor Roll list multiple times and was actively involved in researching radiation oncology. She also had the opportunity to volunteer for a non-profit medical organization focused on heart surgeries, health clinics, and orphanages in Vietnam. This experience ingrained in Cindy a deep-seated passion for assisting underserved communities.
After her undergrad, Cindy accumulated professional experience in various fields including ophthalmology, pulmonology, general dentistry, and pain management. These diverse experiences provided a broad base of knowledge, equipping her to be a well-rounded PA student. With her impressive track record, Cindy received over ten interview invites, eventually choosing the University of Southern California Keck Primary Care Physician Assistant Program for her post-graduate studies.
As a PA student, Cindy continues to channel her passion for helping underserved communities locally and internationally. She also finds joy in mentoring PA students, sharing her experiences and guiding them through the application process. As part of her commitment to mentoring, she has volunteered to be on the interview panel for the upcoming application cycle. Cindy is particularly adept at helping students navigate the challenges she faced on her own journey getting into PA school.
Clara is a first-year dental student at the University of Michigan. Clara also obtained her Bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan, double majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology and French. She graduated Summa Cum Laude within three years, completing an Honors Thesis Research project with High Honors. During her undergraduate career, Clara was very involved with research and science outreach volunteering.
After obtaining her Bachelor's degree, Clara moved to Bethesda, Maryland, for a two-year fellowship pursuing translational research at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. During this time, she had success applying to dental schools: she received interviews at Michigan, UPenn, UCSF, McGill, Harvard, and UNC, leading to many acceptances and merit scholarship offers.
Outside of work and school, Clara is passionate about expanding access to dental care by getting involved with community dental clinics and patient education. Clara is also continuing her involvement in research by pursuing an independent project on oral squamous cell carcinoma.
As an independent tutor, Clara has helped many pre-dents build their applications, DAT test prep, and essay writing. Clara is excited to help future dental students achieve their dream of acceptance into their schools of choice at Inspira Advantage.
Dr. Clara holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Veterinary Animal Science from Iowa State University and a DVM from the same institution. As the first in her generation to receive a Doctorate, she has demonstrated a dedication to education and mentorship throughout her academic career. Clara is currently a PhD candidate at the University of California San Diego, studying immunology and infectious disease.
During her undergraduate studies, Clara enjoyed participating in student research and completed a research internship at Harvard University. Her veterinary education focused on small animal medicine, supplemented by externships at renowned institutions such as Stanford University and MIT. Clara also held numerous leadership positions, including President of the Iowa State Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association (SAVMA) and Student Senator for the Iowa State University's Student Government.
Clara's passion for mentorship extends beyond veterinary students, as she volunteers her time as a virtual science educator for students of diverse backgrounds and ages. In her current PhD studies, she aims to understand the immunological mechanisms that enable animals to evade virulent viruses and ultimately improve global health by studying zoonotic diseases.
As an advocate for the veterinary profession, Clara participates in organized veterinary medicine both locally and nationally. She recently attended the AVMA "fly-in" in Washington to discuss legislation pertinent to the veterinary profession and continues this work as an AVMA Ambassador. Clara is excited to empower aspiring veterinarians by making the veterinary school application process manageable, transparent, and accessible for all.
Colleen was born and raised in Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology at Sacred Heart University. She is currently completing an equine rotating internship in the Northeast and has plans to complete a large animal surgical residency. As a veterinary student at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, Colleen has received the Dean's Achievement Award three years in a row.
During and after her undergraduate studies, Colleen worked as a surgery and anesthesia technician at a small animal referral hospital, where she enjoyed watching and scrubbing in for orthopedic surgeries. Before veterinary school, Colleen completed a summer externship at a private zoological conservation center and spent countless hours riding in the equine ambulatory truck.
Colleen's clinical interests include equine surgery, sports medicine, and anesthesia. As an admissions coach, she looks forward to streamlining the application process. She is also excited to be there to support and mentor students through their veterinary school applications. Her strengths include crafting the quintessential personal statement and developing the communication skills necessary to prepare candidates for any interview question that may come their way.
Collin earned a Magna Cum Laude BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester before receiving a Master's in Radiation Biology from the University of Oxford. He is currently an MD candidate at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Throughout his academic journey, Collin has held various roles in admissions, worked as a neurology tutor for the preclinical curriculum, and has over 20 research publications and abstracts in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, and radiology. He also received a highly competitive offer to work in medical consulting at Boston Consulting Group between his third and fourth years of medical school and will be applying to radiology during his fourth year.
Collin is passionate about helping others become the best version of themselves while achieving their dream of becoming a physician. As an admissions coach, he brings his extensive experience and dedication to supporting students in reaching their goals.
Costner McKenzie is currently a dermatology resident physician at NYU. Prior to residency, Costner graduated from Stanford University with a B.A. in Human Biology. While at Stanford, Costner was elected Class President, participated in several clinical trials, and counseled pre-med students as a Student Advisor.
After graduating from Stanford University, Costner took a gap year and worked at 23andMe as a Research Associate. During his gap year, Costner developed studies that empowered patients to better understand the impact of genetics on their disease.
Following his gap year, Costner enrolled at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine. While in medical school, Costner actively participated in the Office of Admissions. He served as a Senior Student Interviewer, Ambassador for the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and member of the Queers & Allies Association. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics including health disparities, sun protection, and atopic dermatitis. Costner graduated at the top of his class and was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honors Society and Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society.
Costner has years of experience assisting students as they seek scholarship opportunities and pursue careers in medicine and he hopes to take experience to Inspira. He is an enthusiastic member of the Inspira Team and looks forward to working with future mentees.
Cristina is a first-generation veterinary student at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She has an exceptional, diverse background in the field, having worked extensively in small animal emergency, general practice, and wildlife rehabilitation. Currently, Cristina is actively involved with a clinical pathology lab, focusing on her interest in small animal medicine, particularly urgent care cases. Her unwavering dedication and commitment have earned her certifications in fear-free practices, shelter medicine, and she proudly ranks among the top 10 students in her class.
Outside of her academic achievements, Cristina's passion lies in assisting aspiring candidates through the challenging and time-consuming application process. Having walked this path herself, Cristina is acutely aware of the difficulties faced by applicants and is committed to supporting them in every possible way. As a counselor, Cristina's excellent time management skills enable her to guide applicants efficiently, ensuring they maximize their resources.
Furthermore, Cristina excels at being a supportive guide, discerning and enhancing their unique strengths to present the best version of themselves to admissions committees. Her diverse experiences, coupled with her empathetic and supportive coaching approach, make her an invaluable resource for candidates aspiring to excel in the veterinary field.
Curtis is currently an MD candidate at the Ross University School of Medicine, having completed his USMLE Step 1 and now progressing through his core rotations in his home state of Ohio. As an accomplished student, Curtis has made the Dean's List Honor Roll for every semester during his initial two years of medical school. Prior to entering medical school, Curtis completed his undergraduate studies at Kent State University, earning a Magna Cum Laude distinction in Exercise Science with a minor in Chemistry.
In line with his academic prowess, Curtis has an established background in tutoring his peers. During his second year at Ross University School of Medicine, he guided first-year students, imparting his knowledge and experience. He also held the position of President for the Neurology Student Interest Group, demonstrating his excellent leadership skills.
Curtis has shown a passion for international medical experiences, having participated in a student doctor Fellowship Program in Merida, Spain. Here, he observed various specialties and surgeries, further expanding his medical knowledge and cultural awareness. Curtis's interest in research was evident when he collaborated with a college professor in a project examining the impact of aerobic exercises on Parkinson's Disease symptoms.
His specialty interests include neurosurgery, neurology, emergency medicine, trauma surgery, and vascular surgery, showcasing a broad spectrum of medical fields. Before his medical journey, Curtis honed his skills as a certified pharmacy technician, and later as a Senior Certified Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens Pharmacy.
Dr. Daniel Savson is dual-licensed in the states of New York and California. He is currently a Laboratory Animal Veterinarian at the University of California-Berkeley, where he oversees clinical care for a diverse range of research and wildlife species. Dr. Savson honed his expertise in veterinary medicine at Grinnell College, earning a Bachelor's degree in Biology, and furthered his education at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. His love for animals and research led him to a three-year Laboratory Animal Medicine residency at Cornell University.
As a lifelong animal lover, Dr. Savson began his journey by volunteering at various small animal general practice and shelter facilities in high school. He found himself drawn to the field of laboratory animal medicine, particularly during his undergraduate years when he led numerous projects at some of the nation's top institutions. This includes a neuroendocrine study in dragonflies at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute—Janelia Farm Research Campus and several entomology projects at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His love for research and animals extends to his current position at the University of California, where he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with his team and clients.
Dr. Savson's professional strength lies in his diverse experience in clinical care for numerous species, ranging from traditional research animals like rodents, fish, and non-human primates, to less common wildlife such as birds, reptiles, and amphibians. His work has garnered recognition at state and national conferences, leading to multiple awards at the Annual National AALAS meeting. He's also an active participant in the academic community, having published his work in the peer-reviewed journal, Comparative Medicine, and as well as other non-peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Savson continues to give back to the veterinary community by providing direct clinical and career mentorship to students and research staff interested in pursuing advanced degrees in veterinary medicine. With a focus on tailor-made mentorship, he finds joy in guiding individuals from diverse backgrounds towards an exciting career in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Daniela, a zoological medicine resident at the Oklahoma City Zoo, began her journey by majoring in Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her passion for animals and wildlife conservation was ignited during her childhood in San Francisco, and further developed through various volunteering and research experiences.
During her time at MIT, Daniela volunteered at the Oakland Zoo, the Boston Science Museum, and a wildlife rehabilitation center. She also conducted research in Israel, exploring the reproductive patterns of the elusive Golden Spiny mouse. After completing her undergraduate studies, Daniela attended UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, where she was actively involved in several clubs, leadership classes, and mentorship programs.
As an admissions coach, Daniela is enthusiastic about sharing her extensive knowledge of the veterinary field, and guiding prospective veterinarians towards a fulfilling career. Her previous research projects have included investigating copper hepatopathy in sugar gliders, tramadol pharmacokinetics in Galapagos tortoises, causes of mortality in Kirk's dik-diks, and blood gas values in ferrets.
With her diverse experiences and dedication to mentorship, Daniela is excited to help others embark on their journey as veterinarians.
Originally from Staten Island, New York, Danny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he graduated with Cum Laude honors and pursued minors in Chemistry and Psychology. He also earned his Master of Biomedical Science from Rutgers University School of Graduate Studies. Currently, Danny is a DVM graduate from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Throughout his academic journey, Danny has been actively involved in research, culminating in a two-year project on metabolic rate depression in aestivating frogs, which won the first-place prize at the 10th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. He has worked as an unlicensed veterinary technician, an education animal care and nutrition intern at the Staten Island Zoo, and also held leadership positions in numerous clubs and societies. Danny's clinical interests include small and exotic animal emergency medicine, oncology, dermatology, soft-tissue surgery, and education.
As an admissions coach, Danny excels in helping aspiring veterinary professionals refine their applications and build their resumes. He is passionate about sharing his experiences and knowledge to help others achieve their goals in the veterinary field.
In the summer of 2023, Danny will complete his internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at a large referral hospital in North New Jersey before beginning his new position as an emergency veterinarian at the same practice.
Dave is currently an Emergency Medicine physician in his second year of residency at the MGH/Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency. He is passionate about global health, healthcare technology, and entrepreneurship. He also enjoys a good breakfast burrito and getting outside as much as possible.
Before medical school, Dave co-founded an agricultural social enterprise in Uganda, which has improved the incomes of many small-holder farmers and strengthened food security in East Africa. He completed an MD-MBA at Dartmouth, where he was elected to the A.O.A. Honor Society and nominated by his peers to the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
During medical school, Dave evaluated the effectiveness of new vaccine introductions in Rwanda as a Healthcare Policy Fellow at the Rwandan Ministry of Health. He also received the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Award to develop an after-school mentoring program for at-risk youth. Drawn to the potential for technology to improve access to care and healthcare quality, Dave began consulting for digital health and tech-enabled healthcare delivery companies during his MBA and continues still today. He has also worked in healthcare venture capital and impact investing.
In residency, Dave has continued to pursue his interest in leveraging innovation to improve health. He teaches a workshop on healthcare start-up formation and early-stage fundraising, in addition to researching how machine learning can improve ED operations. He has kept his global health interests alive by serving on the organizing committee of the American College of Emergency Physicians’ (ACEP) International Emergency annual conference and conducting research to improve the integration of humanitarian disaster responses with longer-term development objectives.
Dave has served in both formal and informal advisory roles to medical school applicants, healthcare entrepreneurs, and residency applicants. He enjoys meeting new people bent on improving healthcare and helping them accomplish their goals.
David is currently a neurosurgeon in his seventh year of residency at Vanderbilt University. David graduated from UCLA as a Regent’s Scholar with a B.S. in Neuroscience. Subsequently, he attended the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine on a full-ride, merit-based scholarship. At The University of Chicago, David was awarded a two-year Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) research grant, and at Vanderbilt University, David was awarded a two-year NIH/F32 NRSA research grant to study the molecular biology of GBM, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer.
During his time at The Pritzker School of Medicine, David was heavily involved with the medical school admissions process. Throughout his first five years, he interviewed hundreds of medical school applicants, and in his final year of medical school, he was selected by the faculty to be one of three students to serve as a voting member on the admissions committee. During his time at Pritzker, David reviewed 500+ applications, interviewed over 750+ applicants, and worked closely with the Office of Admissions to coordinate interview days, organize revisit weekends, and fine-tune the application process.
Since graduating from The University of Chicago, David has mentored 60+ students throughout their medical school admissions process. His knowledge and experience go beyond simple application and essay completion. David helps applicants perfect their interview skills, create strategic medical school application lists, obtain the highest quality letters of recommendation, navigate waitlists and multiple admission offers, and helps applicants construct application stories that truly highlight their best and most appealing attributes. Simply put, David has the insider knowledge and mentoring experience to help applicants put together their best application package.
David is currently a student at Harvard Medical School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Harvard College, where he graduated magna cum laude with a major in History of Science and a minor in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
As an admissions coach, David brings extensive experience in tutoring and mentoring medical students. During his time at Harvard College, he served as a Non-Resident Tutor at Kirkland House, helping students with mock interviews, writing committee letters, and primary applications. David is also a talented writer and poet, having been recognized as a 2015 National Student Poet, the nation's highest honor for youth poets. Many of his creative works have been published in prestigious journals, such as JAMA and Palliative & Supportive Care.
David's passion for writing extends into his role as a Doximity Op-Med Fellow, where he shares his narrative work with the national medical community. As a counselor, he leverages his writing skills to help students craft compelling and authentic personal statements and application materials.
Deanna is a general surgery resident at New York-Presbyterian Queens - Weill Cornell Medicine. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. After her undergraduate education, she attended medical school at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus. Deanna is originally from the Northeast and made her way back by matching at NYPQ for general surgery residency. Within her residency program, she was nominated as a member of the Residency Council, responsible for acting as a liaison between the residents and administration to improve resident life. While in medical school, she acted as a mentor to first-year medical students. She would help them with time management, study tips, and tutoring in the anatomy lab. Before medical school, Deanna worked in a high school as a special education inclusion aid, helping students keep up in class by hosting small group teaching sessions and individualizing approaches to meet the students' personal needs for success. Deanna is approachable and ready to help you achieve your dreams.
Derek is a medical student at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He received the Klara and Larry Silverstein Merit Scholarship and was admitted to NYU's Accelerated Three-Year MD Pathway for Neurosurgery. Before medical school, Derek attended Georgia Tech as a Stamps President's Scholar, studying neuroscience and graduating with the highest honors. While there, he conducted memory research and pursued neurodegenerative disease research at the NIH, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Since starting at NYU, Derek has taken on various leadership roles, including President of the NYU Chapter of the Student National Medical Association, Co-President of the NYU Chapter of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and Research Chair of NYU Mission Brain. He also serves as an Admissions Ambassador at NYU, assisting with recruiting and retaining applicants and facilitating multiple mini-interviews.
Derek had a highly successful medical school admissions cycle. After applying to 23 of the nation’s top medical schools, he received 22 interview invitations, attended 18 interviews, and received 17 acceptances. These 17 acceptances include 14 of the top 20 medical schools. He also received total cost of attendance merit scholarships at five top 20 medical schools and received full-tuition merit scholarships at four top 20 medical schools.
As an admissions counselor, Derek is excited to share the knowledge he gained from his own thriving medical school admissions cycle and his experience counseling others. He is confident in providing exceptional guidance in every aspect of the admissions process, including personal statements, secondary essays, activity descriptions, building school lists, interview prep, and exhibiting fit with a school's mission.
Dhruv is a highly accomplished tutor with a focus on MCAT preparation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a concentration in Statistics from Columbia University, excelling academically with a cumulative GPA of 3.95 and a science GPA of 3.98. As he prepares to embark on his medical journey at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Dhruv brings to the table an impressive background in both tutoring and standardized test preparation.
Dhruv's passion for education is evident in his past tutoring experiences. He has spent many hours working with students at both the high school and collegiate levels, specializing in disciplines such as Biology, Mathematics, and Statistics. His extensive test prep experience includes working with students to significantly improve their SAT, ACT, and MCAT scores. His MCAT score of 521 showcases his strength in the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems and Psychology and Sociology sections, which he is eager to pass on to his students.
Dhruv's tutoring philosophy revolves around strategic problem-solving and tailored study plans. He believes in helping students minimize errors, maximize their chances of finding the correct answer, and effectively tackle areas they may be struggling with. His approachable and friendly demeanor makes the learning process more enjoyable and less stressful for students.
Diane has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCLA, where she graduated summa cum laude and was named one of the Seniors of the Year upon graduating. After graduating college, she decided to pursue anesthesiology research at Stanford University. She is currently an MD candidate at the Yale School of Medicine, planning on pursuing a joint degree in MD/MBA.
As a consultant and mentor, Diane aims to help students get into the best school suitable for their personal goals and needs. She believes strongly in helping them express their individuality in their application and everyday life to support their journey to becoming fantastic physicians.
Diane chose Yale School of Medicine for her need to design and take reign of her own education. The Yale System allowed her the most freedom to pursue her interests in medicine and hobbies for the ideal work-life balance as a medical student. At Yale, she serves as the class co-president and is interested in health equity work, health policy and management, and health technology.