Your Expert, Guide, Cheerleader, Friend

Throughout her career, Dr. Zimmerman has founded a successful mobile practice, served as a technical services veterinarian with Zoetis, and created educational content as a consultant for Pet360.com. She later became a certified veterinary acupuncturist and attended the University of Tennessee to complete a canine physical therapy program. Today, Dr. Zimmerman provides in-home veterinary services to her clients. 

Dr. Zimmerman has mentored multiple prospective veterinary students,  writing recommendation letters, guiding them through the admissions process, and celebrating their successes. As an admissions coach, Dr. Zimmerman brings both insider knowledge of the veterinary admissions process and a caring, empathetic approach. She is known as a true cheerleader for student success, helping applicants showcase their strengths, build confidence, and find the right program fit. 

Dr. Zimmerman is especially passionate about helping students explore career opportunities in small animal practice and diversified roles within the veterinary industry, empowering them to see the wide range of possibilities in veterinary medicine. She takes great joy in helping aspiring veterinarians achieve their dreams.

During college, Dr. Caruso served as an academic tutor and peer mentor in the Life Long Learning Center. Before graduating summa cum laude with a degree in biochemistry, Dr. Caruso was featured in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and was inducted into Phi Lambda Upsilon and Delta Epsilon Iota.

Dr. Caruso’s blend of academic excellence, research authorship, and service-based leadership informs his highly personalized and strategic coaching style. His achievements span academics, research, authorship, and leadership. During medical school, he received multiple notable distinctions, including the Gordon Davis Jr., MD & Francis S. Davis Scholarship Endowment Fund and the AHEC Scholarship for his dedication to community-focused medicine. He also served as President of the Salvation Army Student Chapter and the Emergency Medicine Interest Group at the Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. Caruso’s scholarly contributions include authoring a peer-reviewed publication in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and writing a book chapter on perioperative approaches for gender-affirming surgery in Interventional Management of Pelvic Pain. He also founded the Pre-Med Community, a mentorship platform that has supported aspiring medical students through educational resources and outreach. 

Dr. Caruso brings extensive strengths as a counselor, combining his admissions experience with a deep understanding of the competitive medical school landscape. As a coach, he excels at helping students develop compelling personal statements and activity narratives, improve their interviewing skills, build strategic school lists, and navigate gap-year planning and reinvention pathways. His approach is empathetic, encouraging, and tailored to helping students articulate their authentic strengths. Students describe his mentorship as supportive, motivating, and transformative, particularly those who are first-generation, non-traditional, or facing self-doubt.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Caruso is a dedicated writer and medical content strategist, specializing in translating complex scientific topics into accessible material. He has authored more than 60 health education articles and built an online platform that has reached more than 100,000 readers. He is passionate about supporting students from all backgrounds as they pursue purpose-driven careers in medicine.

Before attending medical school, Dr. Li graduated summa cum laude from Emory University with a degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology and a second major in music performance. During undergrad, Dr. Li was a member of the Emory Scholars Program, inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and received multiple research awards. 

While working toward his MD and PhD, Dr. Li worked as a doctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital for nearly seven years. His graduate work revolved around evaluating single neuronal responses during complex social decision-making in mice. He has also been awarded multiple fellowships from many organizations, such as the Autism Science Foundation, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Society of Biological Psychiatry.

Throughout his career, Dr. Li has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Michael L. J. Apuzzo Prize for Creativity and Innovation, the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, and the Detre Award for Translational Research. His research achievements have been celebrated with awards from organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and the International Society for Neuroethology.

While completing his MD/PhD training, Dr. Li served on the Boston University School of Medicine admissions committee. He has also tutored and mentored students since his undergraduate years and continues to support aspiring physicians and physician-scientists through structured mentorship programs at Yale University. His mentees have gone on to earn summa cum laude honors, complete competitive theses, and successfully matriculate into top-tier medical and graduate programs. Students Dr. Li has coached have been accepted to Harvard, Stanford, BU, Columbia, UCSD, UCLA, NYU, Mt. Sinai, UPenn, Emory, UConn, UMass, UChicago, Northwestern, Georgetown, and UNC, among others. 

Dr. Li’s approach to admissions coaching is rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and storytelling. He is particularly skilled at helping students craft personal narratives that communicate their academic excellence, resilience, leadership, and humanism. Drawing from his background in social neuroscience and psychiatry, Dr. Li guides applicants in reflecting deeply on their motivations and experiences in a way that resonates with admissions committees.

What sets Dr. Li apart as a consultant is his breadth of insight across traditional MD, MD/PhD, and non-traditional applicant pathways. He has mentored students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, taking pride in building relationships that foster personal and professional growth. His coaching style is collaborative and strategic, helping students set goals, create timelines, and identify their unique differentiators while offering honest, compassionate feedback every step.

Dr. Rice brings a robust background in medical education and admissions to his role as an admissions counselor. He began his academic journey at Prairie View A&M University, where he earned a degree in biology. During his undergraduate years, he was recognized as part of the Honors Program and Undergraduate Medical Academy. His academic excellence earned him numerous prestigious scholarships, including the Regent Merit Scholar, Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholar, Tom Joyner Foundation Hercules Scholar, and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc International Scholar of the Year, and 9th District Scholar of the Year.

Dr. Rice continued his education at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where he earned his MD and was awarded the Evelyn S. Cowles Scholarship and the Gold Humanism Award. He spent two years serving on the admissions committee, where he evaluated applications, interviewed candidates, and contributed to the decision-making process, providing him with insights into the qualities that top medical programs seek in applicants. After graduation, he completed a transitional year at John Peter Smith Hospital before beginning his dermatology residency at Washington University in St. Louis.

Dr. Rice has served on the admissions committee throughout his residency training, including his tenure as Chief Resident. His responsibilities have grown to include not only applicant evaluation but also mentoring and strategic planning, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of medical school and beyond.

With six years of coaching and mentorship experience, Dr. Rice has guided many students through the medical school and residency application process. Students Dr. Rice has coached have gained acceptance to numerous prestigious institutions, including Meharry Medical College, the University of Texas Medical Branch, McGovern Medical School, Austin Dell Medical School, the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, and several other schools.

Dr. Rice's approach to admissions consulting is characterized by a personalized mentoring style, where he works closely with each candidate to enhance their unique strengths. He understands that the success of medical school applications relies on much more than just test scores. His comprehensive understanding of the medical admissions process, combined with a genuine passion for educational equity, makes him a pivotal ally to students navigating the competitive landscape of medical and residency admissions, particularly for AMCAS and TMDSAS applications.

As Dr. Rice prepares for the upcoming admissions cycle, he remains committed to empowering students from diverse backgrounds, helping them to realize their potential and achieve their dreams in medicine.

Dr. Pirooz has consistently demonstrated her commitment to excellence throughout her academic journey, starting with a degree in human biology from the University of Virginia. At HSDM, she graduated magna cum laude. She was awarded the Silver Medal for Scholastic Excellence, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Predoctoral Student Award for promise in pediatric dentistry, and was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a prestigious dental honor society. 

Additionally, she received several academic and performance scholarships, highlighting her exceptional abilities and dedication to dentistry. She has also volunteered as an Oral Health Educator at Boston's Children's Hospital and the University of Rwanda. Her research at Harvard focused on special needs dentistry, global health, and dental trauma. She even spent one semester living in Rwanda, where she helped establish the country’s first dental school.

After earning her DMD from HSDM, Dr. Pirooz completed a pediatric dental residency at Columbia University’s New York-Presbyterian Hospital, her top choice. This experience, combined with her current practice as a board-certified pediatric dentist, has given her a specialized perspective on the skills and qualities necessary for success in dentistry. She is an associate dentist at Bright Healthy Smiles and Pediatric Dentistry of Brooklyn.

What sets Dr. Pirooz apart as a counselor is her passion for teaching and mentoring, which began during her two years as a post-undergrad physics and biology high school teacher. This experience led her to work with students throughout dental school, residency, and beyond. For nearly a decade, she has been advising pre-dental students on dental school admissions and providing expert guidance as a DAT tutor.

Dr. Pirooz's strengths lie in her ability to guide each candidate in crafting their most distinguished and compelling application, setting them up for success in securing admission to their desired dental schools. She understands the challenges and complexities of the dental school admissions process and works closely with students to help them showcase their strengths, experiences, and passion for the field.

Dr. Berry's impressive academic and professional achievements, coupled with his dedication to teaching, make him an invaluable resource for aspiring dental students. He attended Rhodes College in Memphis, majoring in biology while excelling as a four-year starter on the soccer team. 

Dr. Berry's passion for teaching and mentoring stems from his own experiences as a top-performing resident at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, where he was invited to stay on as a part-time instructor following his General Practice Residency. This opportunity allowed him to share his knowledge and skills with the next generation of dental professionals.

As an admissions consultant, Dr. Berry brings a no-nonsense, goal-oriented approach to helping students navigate the often complex dental school admissions process. He emphasizes the importance of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Timeline) goals to help students focus on what's essential for getting into dental school and launching a promising career.

Having read hundreds of school applications to residencies and participated in multiple interviews, Dr. Berry possesses refined insights into what admissions committees are looking for in candidates. He is eager to share this knowledge with students, helping them highlight their strengths, cut through the noise, and efficiently work towards achieving their dreams of becoming successful dental professionals.

Originally from Larkspur, Colorado, Dr. Crockett's educational journey began at the University of Florida, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in applied physiology and kinesiology. He then pursued his medical education at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City before completing his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard/Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston.

Throughout his career, Dr. Crockett has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentoring and helping others. His passion for mentorship extends beyond the academic setting, as evidenced by his founding of an organization called "A Reason to Give," which provides meals for individuals with insecure housing needs.

As a mentor, Dr. Crockett firmly believes that every individual has their own strengths and a compelling story to tell. He focuses on helping his students identify and showcase their strengths, guiding them in building an authentic narrative that resonates with admissions committees. His approach to mentoring is centered on empowering his students to present their best selves and communicate their passion for medicine effectively.

Dr. Crockett helps students recognize their strengths through self-analysis. He encourages students to reflect on their past successes and explore how these strengths can translate to a successful career in medicine. Dr. Crockett believes that every individual possesses a combination of innate and developed strengths that can give them a competitive edge in the medical school admissions process. By asking thought-provoking questions, he helps students identify these strengths and understand how they can be leveraged to create a compelling application.

Dr. Deutsch earned her bachelor's degree in animal science from Cornell University before completing her DVM at Washington State University. During her time in veterinary school, she was actively involved in the theriogenology department, the International Veterinary Students Association, and the Zoo Exotics and Wildlife Club. Her dedication also extended to externships in various conservation medicine programs, including the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute. Following graduation, Zarah continued her involvement with WSU by serving as an alumni application reviewer, gaining invaluable insights into the admissions process.

Dr. Deutsch also worked at a small animal general practice in Brooklyn, NY, for several years after graduating. However, her passion for teaching and her desire to explore the diverse career opportunities in veterinary medicine drew her back to academia. She embarked on a PhD and residency program at UC Davis, focusing on fish welfare.

Dr. Deutsch is deeply enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring students, eagerly helping them pursue their veterinary aspirations. She finds the extensive range of career paths available to DVM holders particularly inspiring, especially those in non-traditional fields.

As a coach, Dr. Deutsch excels at building meaningful connections with students. She approaches each interaction with the care and patience she would give to a younger sibling, sharing her wealth of knowledge about the admissions process to ensure that students stay organized and focused throughout every step of the journey.

During her undergraduate years, Elle's leadership skills shone through her involvement in various organizations. Her commitment to community service was recognized with the President's Volunteer Service Award for her home healthcare work in Durham, NC. Elle's passion for research was evident in her contributions to projects in global health, psychology, and cancer biology.

Before starting her medical education, Elle dedicated time to serving her community as a college adviser at a rural NC high school. She also coached the school's basketball and volleyball teams, demonstrating her commitment to mentorship and youth development. At Duke University School of Medicine, Elle developed a particular interest in neurosurgery and general surgery and was involved in brain tumor research.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Elle maintains an active lifestyle and continues her passion for mentoring younger students. Her background in college advising has equipped her with valuable skills in guiding students through important educational decisions.

Elle's excitement about helping medical school applicants stems from her genuine interest in hearing the stories of future doctors. She is passionate about assisting students in crafting applications that highlight their strengths and demonstrate their potential as future medical professionals. With her combination of academic excellence, athletic experience, research involvement, and commitment to community service, Elle brings a well-rounded perspective to her role as a mentor. 

Prior to PA school, Ellen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Florida, where she graduated summa cum laude. She was a medical assistant to attain her patient care experience. She is a first generation college student and blazed her own trail to PA school. This challenging experience has inspired her to give back. At her practice, she is the founder and provider liaison for the MA Internship Program for Pre-Health Professionals to help her medical and surgical assistants achieve their career goals in medicine. 

Ellen attended her dream PA school at the University of Florida, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She was inducted into the Pi Alpha (PA) national honors society and was awarded “Outstanding Academic Student” and “The Award of Academic and Clinical Excellence in Physician Assistant Studies.”  During her didactic year, she was the Disability Resource Notetaker for her classmates with learning disabilities. During her clinical year, she was a tutor for the didactic UF PA students while completing due to her academic success. 

Beyond that, she has experience as a guest group interviewer at the University of Florida School of PA Studies. Her husband is the Senior Director of Human Resources at a large company, so she knows a thing or two about interview preparation.

Ellen knows what it takes to be successful in PA school, but beyond that, she knows what kind of applicants schools are looking for. She takes a down-to-earth, genuine approach to coaching and is very passionate about focusing on what makes her students unique and stand out. She truly cares about her students and takes pride in organizing, preparing, and mentoring them every step of the way. 

Building on her understanding of admissions policies and strategies, Ellen served as Assistant Dean of Students at Columbia University's Postbaccalaureate Premedical/Prehealth Program for eight years, where she advised hundreds of non-traditional students seeking admissions to health professions programs. In addition to her advising duties, she organized the annual medical school fair, building strong relationships with professional school admissions deans across the country.

For 11 years, Ellen was Assistant Dean for Prehealth Advising at Fordham University. Working closely with students and alumni, she built the prehealth program to be one of the strongest in the tri-state area. Throughout all her roles, she has been committed to helping aspiring dentists achieve their goals.

As a member of NAAPH and NEAAHP, Ellen has been both a participant and moderator on many advising panels, and delivered presentations on topics such as Various Pathways to Professional School Admissions; When to Apply? Traditional vs. Non-traditional Applicants; and Rejected from Medical School: Options and Strategies. She is also the co-author of a book chapter on The Imposter Syndrome.

Ellen’s strength as a counselor is backed by her years of experience as an admissions committee member. She has screened and evaluated thousands of applications for interviews and met with hundreds of candidates both in person and across the US during recruiting trips. Ellen enjoys guiding students through the ever-changing landscape of health profession admissions.

Emily Taylor is a Registered Nurse with over seven years of experience. She began her nursing journey in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Georgia Southern University (GSU). During her time at GSU, she most notably served as the President of the Student Nurses’ Association and earned the Em Olivia Bevis Spirit of Nursing Award upon graduation. She commissioned into the United States Army and started her nursing career as an active-duty Army Officer. Emily gained experience as a Medical-Surgical nurse, then in the Emergency Department, and is now well versed in both. During her time in the Army, she attended courses such as the Combat Casualty Care Course, where she earned her Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) certification, and the Medical Effects of Ionized Radiation. After completing her time in the Army, her most recent experience in nursing was in a Pre-Operative setting. Emily began the pursuit of her Master of Science in Nursing Education through the University of Texas at Arlington and has completed half of the credits towards finishing this degree. Education is her passion, and she loves to help people work towards their goals and dreams! In her personal life, Emily is married to an active-duty Air Force pilot and has two sweet, rambunctious boys. They currently reside in San Antonio, Texas but have lived in many states throughout the southern United States. She is excited to be a part of the Inspira Advantage team and looks forward to helping you work towards achieving your goal of becoming a nurse!

Emily is an esteemed MCAT tutor renowned for her academic excellence and teaching prowess. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wake Forest University, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a minor in Religious Studies and graduating Summa Cum Laude. At Wake Forest, Emily excelled as a tutor at the university's learning assistance center, a supplemental instructor for Organic Chemistry 2, and a chemistry center tutor. Her academic journey led her to UT Southwestern Medical School, where she continues to distinguish herself. 

Emily is passionate about teaching and tutoring, with a particular emphasis on MCAT preparation. Her comprehensive understanding of the MCAT is evidenced by her impressive score in the 97th percentile. Emily's tutoring is characterized by her adaptable and student-centered approach, focusing on individualized study plans and teaching styles tailored to each student's needs. Her experience as a private MCAT tutor is noteworthy, with all her students successfully gaining admission to medical schools. 

Beyond tutoring, Emily's academic journey includes conducting genetics research on obesity and studying chemoresistance in Triple Negative Breast Cancer at the Baylor College of Medicine Breast Center. 

During her tenure at Tufts University School of Medicine, Emily played a critical role in developing several new academic programs, such as the Physician Assistant and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. She also oversaw the onboarding and implementation of new admissions processes and systems, ensuring a smooth and efficient application experience for prospective students. In addition to these programs, Emily administered admissions for Tufts MBS and worked with students applying to the Medical School's MD/MBA and MD/MPH, among other programs.

Through her work with MD applicants, Emily gained a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities that aspiring medical students face. She recognizes that with dedication and hard work, medical school can be a possibility for many students, and she is passionate about helping them navigate the often nerve-racking application process. With her extensive experience and compassionate approach, Emily is well-equipped to provide guidance and support to students as they work towards their goal of attending medical school.

As an active member of professional associations, including NAAHP, NEAAHP, AACRAO, and NAGAP, Emily has presented on topics related to the admissions process and the admissions field at national and regional conferences. Her commitment to staying informed about the latest trends and best practices in admissions allows her to provide up-to-date and relevant advice to her students.

Emily's educational background includes a Master's degree from Emmanuel College and a Bachelor's degree from Stonehill College. With her combination of professional experience, educational qualifications, and a genuine passion for helping students succeed, Emily is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking guidance on their path to medical school.

Emma obtained her undergraduate degree in Movement Science and Public Health from the University of Michigan before completing her Physician Assistant program at Weill Cornell Medicine. She is passionate about dermatology and plastic and reconstructive surgery and plans to start her career in these specialties.

Emma has always felt a strong connection to the medical field, growing up in a family deeply rooted in medicine. Her passion for patient care was further ignited during her undergraduate studies, where she developed a particular interest in hands-on patient care. This led her to gain comprehensive clinical experience in inpatient hematology/oncology and outpatient dermatology prior to undertaking her PA program.

Upon moving to New York City for her PA program, Emma became an active member of the Weill Cornell Medicine community. She served as a student volunteer for the admissions committee, became the PA student society president, and even provided peer tutoring in various didactic subjects. Her academic excellence was recognized when she graduated in the top 10% of her class and was the recipient of the academic excellence award for outstanding performance during the clinical phase.

With over five years of experience mentoring undergraduate and physician assistant applicants, Emma is well-versed in the admissions process and the commitment it requires. As an admissions coach, she focuses on identifying students' strengths, guiding them through every step of the admissions process, and instilling them with confidence in their abilities. With Emma as your counselor, you will benefit from her extensive knowledge and experience, ensuring a smooth and successful admissions journey.

During her undergraduate studies, Emma served as the captain of the cross-country, indoor, and outdoor track teams, and conducted research on the effects of phytoestrogens on osteoblast differentiation. Prior to vet school, Emma worked as a veterinary technician assistant at a small animal general practice hospital for five years and on a therapeutic farm, where she cared for goats, sheep, horses, and chickens. She is passionate about emergency medicine, shelter medicine, and affordable and accessible veterinary care. 

Emma is also passionate about tutoring and mentoring; she focuses on helping applicants brainstorm creative essay topics and execute well-structured essays. She brings her experience as an accomplished writer to guide students through the application process, offering support in long-term planning and time management. Additionally, she excels in interview preparation and conducts mock interviews to ensure students feel confident and prepared. Emma's personalized approach ensures that each applicant's experiences and skills are highlighted effectively, making their applications stand out.

As a coach, Emma's strengths lie in her ability to connect with vet school hopefuls on a personal level, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. She hopes to create a friendship with each applicant, making the process easier and more enjoyable. By understanding each applicant’s experiences and skills, Emma provides tailored guidance that helps students present their best selves confidently.

Emma's journey from the University of Florida, where she majored in nutritional sciences, to her studies at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring dental students. Her genuine passion for connecting with applicants stems from her own experiences, allowing her to both sympathize and empathize with their struggles and offer expert advice.

Emma's direct involvement with the admissions committee has given her practical knowledge of what top dental schools seek in applicants. Students Emma has coached have been accepted to dental schools at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida, University of Tennessee, the University of Maryland, and others. 

She excels at simplifying the application process by breaking down its complexities into manageable steps, offering applicants a structured approach that eases their journey. Emma brings an expert perspective on what to consider when applying to different schools, particularly regarding curriculum and hands-on clinical experiences. She is readily accessible to address questions and concerns, ensuring that students feel supported throughout their preparation. 

Emma recognizes and accommodates students' varying needs, actively working to improve their strengths and address their weaknesses. She takes a flexible, hands-on approach, adapting quickly when needed while guiding students through each step of the application process. Her approachable demeanor and genuine enthusiasm foster a relaxed, conversational atmosphere that puts applicants at ease.  Dedicated to helping others achieve their goals, Emma eagerly shares her knowledge and experiences to support applicants on their journey to dental school.

During his undergraduate studies, Ephraim pursued neuroscience and African & African American studies as a John B. Ervin Scholar and University Scholar in Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, earning honors including the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, BP-ENDURE Scholarship, and recognition as a regional finalist for the Rhodes Scholarship.

Born in Nigeria and raised in South Florida, Ephraim developed a special perspective from growing up in a multicultural environment. During his time at WashU, he demonstrated leadership and commitment to service through various roles, including interfaith fellow, president of the Minority Association of Premed Students, Alzheimer's researcher, and resident advisor. Additionally, he was a MARC USTAR research fellow, receiving funding for a two-year academic fellowship for minority students pursuing biomedical research.

His academic excellence and well-rounded profile led to his acceptance at all the medical schools he applied to, including top institutions such as UPenn, Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Yale, WashU, NYU, USF, and Northwestern.

As an admissions coach, Ephraim brings a wealth of personal experience and a deep appreciation of education and mentorship. His approach is characterized by patience, encouragement, and personalized strategies. He breaks down the application process into manageable steps, helps students identify their strengths, and provides consistent support and motivation. 

One of his greatest strengths is helping candidates identify and articulate their most impactful stories, highlighting what makes them unique. Ephraim provides structured, tailored support for crafting compelling personal statements, preparing for interviews, and strategically selecting best-fit schools. Ephraim has guided students through the medical school admissions cycle for three years, using his approach to help numerous students achieve their dreams and present their best selves in the competitive admissions process.

At Colorado State University, Erik served as the President of the Veterinary Business Management Association (VMBA) and Co-Founder of the Veterinary Innovation and Technology Club. His veterinary training encompasses emergency medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and neurology, with a focus on his ultimate career goal. Through VMBA and a partnership with Merck Animal Health, Erik and his team contributed to the development of a learning tool for veterinary students that simulates running their own vet clinic for five years. 

Beyond clinical care, Erik has held roles in various areas, including hospital operations, innovation strategy, and the development of educational content. He has collaborated with organizations such as Modern Animal, Veterinary Emergency Group, and Colorado State’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital to improve practice efficiency, develop clinical training tools, and foster sustainable leadership in veterinary medicine. He has contributed to canine neuroscience research on aging and cognition, completed advanced imaging studies, and worked alongside neurology specialists at leading academic and private hospitals.

As a coach and consultant, Erik is known for his warmth, precision, and ability to help students find the narrative thread that ties their lives together. Whether assisting reapplicants to find new confidence or guiding first-time applicants on how to stand out, he meets each student where they are, supporting them with empathy, strategic insight, and honest feedback.

What sets Erik apart is his commitment to helping students grow not only as applicants but as future leaders in the profession. He believes that great veterinarians aren’t just made in classrooms. They’re built through perseverance, curiosity, and purpose. Erik sees a student’s whole story, challenges them to rise, and helps them shine in the admissions process.

As a non-traditional student with a background in chemical engineering, corporate finance, and start-up ventures, Erik understands that there is no single path to a career in veterinary medicine. He now uses that experience to guide students of all backgrounds in crafting powerful, authentic applications that stand out.

At UChicago, Esther’s academic excellence was recognized through her induction into Phi Beta Kappa and the Maroon Key Society. After graduating, Esther matriculated at the Pritzker School of Medicine, bringing a strong academic background and a passion for mentorship to her role. Esther’s time at UChicago shaped her career aspirations and solidified her interest in medicine. 

She divided her extracurricular activities into three areas: volunteering/student organizations, research, and shadowing. Through her experiences and exploration of opportunities available to her, Esther realized the importance of curating and structuring her experiences during college to tell a compelling story. 

For over three years, she served as an interviewer, gaining insights into the medical school application process. This experience has given her a strong grasp of what medical schools are looking for in candidates, making her an incredible source of knowledge for aspiring medical students.

In her free time, Esther continues to help pre-meds find their own stories to lay out in their medical school applications. She listens to all aspects of their experiences and carefully curates a storyline that makes their personal statement an asset to their application. Esther loves helping pre-meds take the next steps in their medical education journeys and is excited to work with her future colleagues.