Your Expert, Guide, Cheerleader, Friend

With a particular interest in small animal emergency medicine and critical care, Riley brings six years of hands-on experience in the veterinary field, having worked as both an assistant and technician, including working for over three years at Pittsfield Veterinary Hospital. Currently, she is furthering her practical skills as a technician in the ICU of the Tufts Foster Hospital for Small Animals, gaining experience in a high-stakes medical environment.

At Tufts, Riley continued to demonstrate her leadership abilities and passion for veterinary medicine through her involvement on the board of the Surgery Club. This role allowed her to explore and promote a vital aspect of veterinary practice while networking with peers and professionals in the field.

As a successful VMCAS applicant, Riley possesses firsthand knowledge of the vet school admissions process. This experience, combined with her passion for helping others, enables her to provide targeted advice regarding time management during the application process, school selection, and strategies for highlighting personal strengths.

Riley's commitment to helping pre-veterinary students achieve their goals is evident in her approach to mentorship. She understands the importance of tailoring advice to each individual's circumstances and aspirations, ensuring that every applicant can present their best self to veterinary school admissions committees. With a focus on clear communication and thoughtful reflection, Riley empowers applicants to showcase their unique strengths and experiences as they work toward their goal of becoming veterinary professionals. She is always excited to connect with applicants and provide support as they embark on their own paths to success.

Before her PA studies, Rita earned her Bachelor of Science in allied medicine, with a focus on athletic training, from The Ohio State University. Her academic excellence was recognized with a national academic scholarship, and she served her fellow AT students as the President of the AT Club. Additionally, Rita was awarded the prestigious Billy Hill Memorial Scholarship for her outstanding combination of academic achievement and service.

After graduating with her Bachelor's degree, Rita worked as a certified athletic trainer and medical assistant in both outpatient settings and area high schools, camps, and athletic tournaments. Her combined student years and professional work provided her with the opportunity to care for not only the local community but also high-profile teams and athletes, including Stanley Cup winners, Olympians, professional ballet companies, NCAA Champions, and NFL players.

On a personal level, Rita's diverse experiences and commitment to service are further enriched by her bilingual abilities and volunteer work with multiple non-profits. She has also mentored women and youth in her church community, demonstrating her dedication to empowering others and fostering personal growth.

Rita's husband is a small business owner/operator, providing her with a special perspective on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. As a former competitive gymnast until her sophomore year in college, Rita carries the same drive and commitment to hard work into her professional life, pouring her energy and passion into nurturing the future Physician Assistant community.

During his three years at Cornell, Robert served as a teaching assistant for General Physics I and II, and took on the role of lead TA for auto-tutorial biochemistry. His commitment to the medical field was evident in his involvement as Secretary of the Surgical Society. Robert also honed his leadership abilities as Chairman of the Student Union Board.

As a Hunter R. Rawlings III Presidential Research Scholar, Robert conducted groundbreaking undergraduate research on calcific aortic valve disease in the Butcher Lab. His outstanding academic performance earned him recognition as a Merrill Presidential Scholar, and he received the CALS Academic Excellence Award for the biological sciences major.

At Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Robert continued to excel academically while taking on leadership roles. He served as the Treasurer of the Business and Practice Management Club, demonstrating his interest in the practical aspects of running a dental practice. As a Peer Advising Liaison, he supported his fellow students, and his participation in the Endodontic Journal Club showed his commitment to staying current with the latest developments in dental research.

Robert's passion for teaching and mentoring stems from his experiences as a TA and online private tutor. He discovered his love for guiding peers towards a better understanding of STEM subjects, a skill that translates well into his role as an admissions coach.

What sets Robert apart as a mentor is his individualized approach to each student. He believes in getting to know students personally—understanding their personality, work style, and specific challenges—before tailoring his guidance to their needs. This personalized approach ensures that each student receives the most effective support possible.

Robin graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a BS in human biology and society. After college, she worked as an ophthalmic technician at UCLA Health and medical assistant at Pacific Skin Dermatology Inc., gaining the necessary healthcare and patient care experience to position her as a strong PA candidate. At Stony Brook, she was a member of the Alpha Eta Honor Society.

Robin's interests in medicine span multiple specialties, including oncology, surgery, and internal medicine. Her professional experience includes oncology pharma consulting and medical assisting in ophthalmology and dermatology, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of various healthcare settings.

As a mentor, Robin has extensive experience helping her peers navigate the PA school application process. For over two years, she has been editing personal statements and conducting mock interviews to help students excel in the PA admissions process. Her passion for mentorship and her ability to provide personalized guidance make her an invaluable resource for aspiring PAs.

Originally from San Francisco, CA, Robin is excited to share her knowledge and experience with others. She is committed to helping students kick-start their journey to becoming physician assistants, ensuring they present their best selves throughout the application process.

Rohil was born and brought up in the city of Kolkata in eastern India. He knew he wanted to be a physician at an early age, but his academic interests were in math and engineering. To get the opportunity to marry these interests together, Rohil took a leap of faith and moved to the US to study Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins. After this, he chose to attend medical school at Yale, where he did a dedicated year of research on the applications of machine learning in radiology.

Currently, Rohil is finishing up medical school and applying for residency programs in diagnostic and interventional radiology. Throughout this journey, he feels lucky enough to be mentored by many and has been fortunate to pass this on to others. Rohil finds mentoring others (in HS, college, and now medical school) very gratifying, and he hopes to continue these experiences at Inspira! He hopes to work with ambitious pre-meds/medical students and guide them on their journey to the next steps.

Ruchi is an MD/PhD candidate at the Yale School of Medicine. Ruchi is originally from Houston and graduated from Rice University with a degree in Chemistry with Distinction in Research and Creative Works. During her time at Rice, Ruchi was awarded several scholarships, research fellowships, and the highest recognition of undergraduate academic achievement by the Chemistry department. She served as the Editor in Chief of the Catalyst Undergraduate Research Journal, the President of Pancakes for Parkinson’s, and founded and led Rice’s chapter of the American Physician Scientists Association. She was actively involved in research at both McGovern Medical School and Rice University, and her work has culminated in multiple publications and poster presentations at national conferences.

Ruchi was accepted into many MD, 5 year MD, and MD/PhD programs, and ultimately was deciding between a full ride scholarship to UT Southwestern, a full ride scholarship to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner School of Medicine, or the Yale MSTP program. She chose Yale because of the flexibility afforded by the Yale System, the renowned immunology department, and the warmth and kindness of the student body and faculty. In medical school, Ruchi has led the Women in Medicine and Cancer Student Interest Groups and has worked for two years with the Yale Health Professions department as a personal statement reviewer and mock interviewer.

Working closely with dozens of students at all stages of the application cycle has given Ruchi significant insight into the medical school admissions process for both MD and MD/PhD applicants. She is passionate about helping students convey their unique stories and personalize their life experiences, and has extensive experience with building a strong school list, essay editing, and preparing for interviews. Ruchi is very excited to join the incredible team at Inspira, and her biggest goal is helping other students get into their dream medical school.

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Following his dreams of working with animals from a young age, Dr. Ryan completed his DVM at Colorado State University. As a Nebraska native, his passion for animals sparked from idolizing the diverse fauna at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo. Ryan’s education background includes a degree from the University of South Dakota, where he studied Animal Diversity and Evolution, and the University of Nebraska, where he studied Aquatic Toxicology and earned a Master's degree in Biology. His hands-on experience includes internships at the Omaha zoo and a wildlife rehab center in Belize.

Ryan takes immense pride and joy in his profession; he views his role in general practice medicine as a vocation rather than a career. His favorite aspect of his job is forming connections with coworkers, families, and, most importantly, the animals. He is always eager to learn from every patient to enhance his skills as a practitioner. His professional interests include preventative medicine and expanding his repertoire of surgical skills. His zeal for providing the best quality of life possible for animals extends to his care for sick patients, whom he treats with utmost dedication and compassion.

In addition to his role as a veterinarian, Ryan excels as a counselor. His passion lies in guiding others to reach their veterinary goals. Having transitioned to veterinary medicine after years in the biological research field, Ryan is particularly invested in helping those with non-traditional backgrounds. He has honed his teaching skills through his experience as a tutor during his veterinary school years. His willingness to share knowledge is evident in his regular Q&A sessions with fourth-year veterinary students on the brink of graduation. Ryan is enthusiastic about helping others at every stage of their veterinary journey, starting with the application process.

Originally from Los Angeles, Sabiha went to UCLA as an undergraduate and pursued a degree in psychology. She was hoping to eventually apply to medical school and become a psychiatrist. She was involved in multiple extracurriculars, one of which included volunteer work at St. Mary's Medical Center. While doing prerequisite coursework, Sabiha began to research job outlook and satisfaction for healthcare professionals. She also asked physicians and nurse practitioners at the hospital about their own personal experiences. The response she got was mixed. Many of the physicians reported their satisfaction to be either just "ok" or "I wish I had chosen something else," with the occasional " I love it." The NPs, on the other hand, were more likely to report happiness, job satisfaction, and opportunities for growth. 

Sabiha then decided to apply to nurse practitioner school. Today, she is one semester shy of graduating from a DNP program at UMASS. She can honestly say this was the best career decision she could have made. She hopes to be an inspiration to upcoming candidates in helping them decide what the best fit for their professional careers is.

Samantha's journey in healthcare began at the University of Connecticut, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in allied health sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she demonstrated her research capabilities by authoring a systematic review on perceived posttraumatic growth in cardiac patients, published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress. 

To gain valuable patient care experience, Samantha worked as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at UMass Memorial Medical Center. She further expanded her research experience by working as a research assistant at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Medical Center. These experiences provided her with a well-rounded understanding of patient care and medical research.

One of Samantha's most notable achievements is being a recipient of the NHSC Scholarship. This prestigious award funded her education and also aligned with her passion for serving underserved communities. Samantha's dedication to this cause extends beyond her own career; she has successfully helped multiple classmates secure NHSC funding for their education in exchange for their commitment to work as primary care providers in underserved areas across the United States.

As an admissions consultant, Samantha brings experience and insights into the PA school application process. Her success in securing the NHSC Scholarship and her ability to guide others through this process makes her an invaluable resource for aspiring PAs.

Samantha's approach to mentoring is characterized by her enthusiasm and genuine desire to help others achieve their goals in healthcare. She looks forward to working with pre-PA students who share her passion for becoming future healthcare providers. 

As an honors graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, holder of a Bachelor of Science in psychology, an honors distinction in the College of Liberal Arts, and a pre-health certificate, Sana has a strong academic foundation that has prepared her for success in dentistry.

During her time at UT, Sana demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to serving others. She served as the president of two long-standing pre-health organizations, volunteered for over 350 hours at Dell Children's Hospital, conducted research at a cognitive science lab, interned at the Mayo Clinic, and accumulated more than 250 shadowing hours in various dental specialties. During college, Sana was awarded the Patricia M. Kirkpatrick Memorial Endowed Scholarship in Liberal Arts and a CoLA Merit Scholarship. Before starting dental school, she worked as a Behavioral Health Technician at Seton Healthcare Family.

Sana has always had a passion for mentorship, exemplified by her experiences teaching elementary school children abroad in Karachi, Pakistan, and being a teaching assistant for Austin Independent School District students through the UTeach program. She has also served as the Admissions Chair, President of the University of Texas Health Career Mentorship program, and the ADEA representative at UTHealth School of Dentistry.

Sana understands that every student has a journey to dental school and is dedicated to going above and beyond to help them achieve their goals. When she applied, she personally received 10+ dental school acceptance letters, giving her insider knowledge on what admissions officers are looking for. Students Sana has coached have been accepted to dental schools at A.T. Still University, Boston University, Case Western Reserve University, the University of Southern California, Texas Tech University, and others.

Sana's approach to admissions counseling focuses on identifying and highlighting each student's strengths and potential. She tailors her guidance to help them shine in their applications, from perfecting essays to preparing for interviews. Her goal is to ensure that each student presents the best version of themselves and succeeds in gaining acceptance to their desired programs. Through her extensive network and mentorship experience, Sana has guided many applicants to their target dental schools.

Sandy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Missouri Columbia. She is currently a medical student at the American University School of Medicine Aruba and applying for residency training in Internal Medicine.

Before starting medical school, Sandy conducted research on the effects of hormones on breast cancer and enjoyed presenting her findings at multiple national scientific meetings. Throughout her graduate studies, Sandy discovered a passion for teaching. She has since tutored numerous medical students preparing for the USMLE Step 1 exam and currently serves as an adjunct instructor for Anatomy and Physiology at Georgia State University.

Sandy is well-acquainted with test anxiety and the overwhelming feelings that can accompany the vast amount of information tested on the USMLE Step 1 exam. However, by implementing learning strategies tailored to her style, Sandy scored within the 86th percentile and is now dedicated to helping others master this crucial exam. Her goal for test day is for students to approach each question confidently, drawing from a solid knowledge base.

Sara is a graduate of Northwestern University's Physician Assistant Program, where she held several leadership positions, including External Affairs Committee Chair for the PA Student Society and PA Representative for the Feinberg Student Senate. She was also granted the Student Leadership Award for her efforts. Prior to attending Northwestern, Sara worked in clinical research for eight years, focusing on gastroenterology and infectious disease, and earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington.

Throughout her career, Sara has demonstrated a strong interest in PA academics and mentorship. She has experience in tutoring and pre-medical advising for both high school and undergraduate students, and has a special passion for supporting non-traditional, reapplicant, and underrepresented candidates. As a counselor, Sara's greatest strengths lie in helping students navigate the often overwhelming process of applying to PA school, mastering the art of the interview, and polishing personal statements to make them truly shine.

Sarah is an acute care nurse practitioner currently working in oncology at Harvard/BIDMC in Boston. She took a circuitous route to become an NP. After completing her MPH at the Boston University School of Public Health and working on a clinical trial, she missed working directly with patients. She went on to pursue her MSN at the Yale School of Nursing.

She has research experience and interests in oncology, clinical trials, and public health. One of her favorite activities in school includes volunteering for a multidisciplinary free clinic, during which she got to provide care for some of the most vulnerable populations as well as to help younger medical, nursing, and PA students hone in on their skills. She also served as a teaching assistant at YSN after being inspired by some of the incredible TAs that coached her. She has helped guide students through the application cycles of various programs, including nursing, physician assistant, and public health.

Sarah's academic journey began at Florida State University, where she graduated with a BS in biological sciences. During her undergraduate studies, she was actively involved in the pre-PA club, contributed to multiple research studies on generational behavioral changes due to drug abuse, and directed recruitment and marketing for her college sorority.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Sarah pursued an MS at the University of South Florida. Concurrently, she gained hands-on experience as a certified nursing assistant and medical assistant in primary care and specialty vein care. Her dedication to helping others extended beyond her local community, as she participated in a medical mission trip to Peru, assisting indigenous populations with primary and urgent complaints.

Sarah continued to demonstrate her passion for helping others as a PA student at the University of Florida. She volunteered for the Equal Access Clinic Network, providing free medical care to the Gainesville community. Additionally, she presented her undergraduate research in course lectures and volunteered at pre-PA meetings.

As a mentor, Sarah is passionate about guiding aspiring physician assistant students through the application process. She has been committed to helping individuals become the best possible applicants, ultimately leading them to become the best patient advocates they can be. Her approach is punctual, encouraging, thoughtful, and tailored to each student's needs, ensuring they receive the support necessary to succeed in their pursuit of becoming a PA. Sarah takes a structured, step-by-step approach to coaching, helping students stay organized and focused throughout the process. She is also highly hands-on, working closely with each student to navigate challenges, refine application materials, and build confidence.

Sarah earned her nursing degree from Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University. Her exceptional skills and dedication to patient care have not gone unnoticed. She was honored as a recipient of the Daisy Award, a prestigious recognition in the nursing community. Her passion for nursing education and her commitment to helping students succeed in their nursing school applications are evident in her extensive experience as both a clinical practitioner and an educator. Specializing in pathophysiology and complex adult care, Sarah imparts her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of nursing professionals.

In addition to her academic and teaching roles, Sarah remains actively engaged in clinical practice. She currently serves as an emergency department registered nurse within a large healthcare system, where she continues to provide high-quality care to patients in critical situations. Her previous experiences as a nurse supervisor of free-standing urgent care, bedside care provider in the department of labor and delivery, and surgical nurse in a plastic surgery office and surgical center have shaped her into a well-rounded healthcare professional with a deep understanding of patient care across diverse settings.

Sarah's dedication to tutoring and mentoring aspiring nurses stems from her deep understanding of the challenges students face during the admissions process. Her goal is to help students highlight their strengths and navigate the complex application process with confidence.

As a counselor, Sarah focuses on creating a personalized experience for each student. She takes the time to understand their individual goals, strengths, and areas for improvement, tailoring her approach to best support their needs. Her comprehensive understanding of the admissions committee's expectations, coupled with her ability to identify and highlight each student's qualities, allows her to provide expert guidance throughout the application process.

Sarah Zilberzweig is currently completing her PA program at Wagner College, where she also obtained her undergraduate degree. She is a dedicated and hardworking individual with a rich background in the field. Sarah has been an integral part of the interview process, giving her first-hand knowledge of the steps necessary for admission into PA school. 

Her passion lies in coaching applicants and breaking down the application process into manageable steps. She is particularly proficient in reviewing essays and conducting mock interviews, preparing candidates for their journey to success. Sarah views the accomplishments of her mentees as her own, which drives her to go the extra mile to ensure their success. 

Sarah's strength as a coach is her ability to help candidates identify their skills and use them to their advantage during the application process. Her dedication to her work, coupled with her personal experience, makes her an excellent mentor for prospective PA school applicants.

Savannah is a pharmacist who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mercer University College of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. She hails from Nashville, Tennessee, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology from Lipscomb University. Savannah has over eight years of experience working at Walgreens pharmacy and several independent pharmacies.

While in pharmacy school, Savannah was a Mercer ambassador, conducting admissions interviews and actively participating in professional pharmacy associations. She held elected leadership positions in organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA), and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). Savannah's dedication to her profession was recognized as she became a finalist for the Next Generation Future Pharmacist of the Year award and earned the title of a Tylenol Future Cares Scholar.

Savannah's strengths lie in her extensive knowledge of the pharmacy field and her ability to guide students through the admissions process. She is an accomplished writer, having published numerous articles and scholarly research papers, as well as attending various professional conferences.

As a counselor, Savannah is excited to share her expertise and passion for pharmacy with students seeking guidance in their admissions journey. Her dedication to her field, combined with her wealth of experience, make her an invaluable resource for aspiring pharmacists.

Following college, Savannah worked as a patient care technician at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she received the Technician of Excellence Award for her exceptional work with renal, diabetic, and wound care patients. This experience, combined with her academic achievements, laid a strong foundation for her PA career.

Savannah has been actively mentoring pre-PA students for years, helping them prepare for the application process and PA school life. Her passion for mentorship led her to join Plexus, an association at the University of Southern Florida that pairs undergraduate students with current graduate students. While a PA student, she served on the Plexus Leadership Board as a Module Coordinator, responsible for editing and updating the modules used by mentors. She worked one-on-one with pre-PA students to discuss the specifics of PA school and provide advice on curating competitive applications.

Savannah excels in providing writing assistance for personal statements and essays for both primary and secondary applications. Her interview preparation style includes providing resources, prompts, and conducting mock interviews with detailed feedback. She strives to make students feel comfortable and confident while challenging them to ensure they are thoroughly prepared.

Savannah is excited to work with aspiring PA students, help them navigate the application process, build competitive applications, and ultimately achieve their goal of becoming certified physician assistants. Her approach is characterized by empathy, practical advice, and a genuine desire to see the success of each student. She finds great reward in watching students begin their journey toward a fulfilling PA career. 

Scott is currently an internal medicine intern completing his preliminary year of medicine in New York City. After the completion of his intern year, he will continue to live in NYC and pursue a residency in Dermatology. Scott completed his medical education in Miami but prior to matriculating to medical school, he chose a non-traditional path to physician-ship: he worked as an English teacher in Madrid, Spain. Living abroad provided Scott with a strong foundation in cultural competency, empathy, and confidence. Scott's medical education in Miami was further supplemented by the addition of a Master's in Public Health. Each day, Scott implements the knowledge he acquired as public health physician to address the concerns of his patients from a multidisciplinary approach. When Scott isn't working at the hospital, he enjoys exploring NYC with his partner and practicing yoga. He finds peace in moments of silence and hopes to further integrate his passion for mindfulness and meditation in his practice of medicine.

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Through a series of influential experiences, considerable exposure in the clinical setting, and an innate passion for innovating the dental field, Sean has set his long-term goal of becoming a dental clinician attending the University of California, San Francisco’s Advanced Dual-Degree DDS/Ph.D. program and is set to graduate in 2024. As a clinician scientist, his motivation is to develop more efficacious alternative drug and gene therapies that focus on patients who suffer from more advanced forms of periodontal disease and oral cancers. He is particularly interested in better understanding oral microbial-host interactions and how these events lead to the progression of oral cancers and chronic infections by dysregulating cellular and tissue processes at the transcriptional and epigenetic levels.

Sean has published numerous reviews and a book chapter focused on the pathogenesis and treatment of oral cancers within the context of antimicrobial-based therapeutics, gene regulatory networks, and multi-omic analyses. He has also published original basic science articles as first author in established journals such as PLOS pathogens.

Throughout his academic journey, Sean has garnered considerable experience counseling and mentoring students within the pre-health domain. During his time at CSUSB, Sean worked in The Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC) as a pre-health counselor doing personal statement editing, mock interview prep, and numerous presentations reviewing the application process for various professional programs. He was also a founding member of the “Annual Pre-Medical and Pre-Health Conference,” which seeks to prepare underrepresented students who aspire to go into healthcare through workshops, keynote speakers, panel discussions, exhibition fairs, and more. Since starting at UCSF, Sean has sat on the admissions application committees in the graduate division and school of dentistry, interviewed a myriad of pre-dental and graduate applicants, and directly mentored an array of pre-dental students through the Student National Dental Association (SNDA).

As a non-traditional professional and graduate student, Sean is excited to be part of the Inspira team and brings a wealth of knowledge as an admissions counselor and expert.