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Dr. Ceder serves as the Director for Premedical and Health Career Advising and Associate Director of Career Services at Harvard University's Mignone Center for Career Success. She has held the Director position since September 2012, following two years as Assistant Director. Her long tenure at Harvard includes roles as a Resident Dean, Lecturer, and Research Associate at Harvard Business School. Dr. Ceder holds an A.B. in Government from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Political Science from Stanford University.
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| Dr. Ceder earns the top spot thanks to her remarkable leadership tenure and how deeply she's woven into Harvard's fabric, both academically and in student support. Guiding students across a wide spectrum of health careers, from medicine to veterinary science and public health, takes incredible skill. Her previous experience as a Resident Dean is particularly valuable, offering firsthand insight into the real-world needs and pressures undergraduates face. Add to that her background in research, teaching, and significant project work at HBS, and you see a leader with sharp analytical skills and a true commitment to the university. It's this mix of direct student empathy, proven program leadership, and a strong academic foundation that makes her so effective in helping Harvard students navigate their paths to successful health careers. |
Chester is the Associate Director & Program Coordinator for Pre-Professions Advising at the A Center at the University of Arizona. He holds a B.S. in Health Education and Promotion and an M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University. Mr. White possesses over twenty years of experience in academic advising, including more than ten years in leadership roles.
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| Chester secures the #2 ranking because of his depth of relevant experience in guiding students. Two decades dedicated to academic advising, including ten years leading advising efforts, translates into a deep well of expertise. His Master's degree in College Student Personnel signifies specialized training in understanding the student journey and how best to support it. Perhaps most telling is his professional motivation: he strives “to see others succeed," a statement that speaks volumes about his student-first philosophy. His long-term dedication, specialized knowledge, and a clear passion for student success firmly establish him as a leading figure in pre-health advising. |
Dr. Simmons is the Director of Pre-Health Professions Advising at Brandeis University. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Boston College, along with graduate degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Tufts University. With prior advising experience at Brown and URI, he brings decades of leadership in pre-health advising and student development.
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| Dr. Simmons lands at #3 because of his leadership at Brandeis, a school celebrated for its rigorous academics. As Director, he's the go-to guide for students navigating the challenging and ever-shifting requirements for health professional schools. What makes Mr. Simmons particularly noteworthy is his innovative work around the "glide year." Understanding that a majority of successful medical school applicants take time off, he has developed programming to help students make this period exceptionally productive and strategic. Furthermore, his dedication to personal connection is clear: at Brandeis, juniors, seniors, and alumni preparing for health careers have direct access to him, offering a level of tailored guidance that's increasingly rare. |
Dr. Dobranski is the Deputy Director of Academic Success and Director of Specialized Advising at Georgia Tech, overseeing support for students pursuing graduate school, health professional school, and prestigious fellowships. An educator at Georgia Tech since 1996, she previously held roles including Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies for the School of Literature, Media, and Communication and Director of the Center for Academic Success. Dr. Dobranski earned her Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Texas at Austin.
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| Dr. Dobranski is recognized for transforming pre-health advising at Georgia Tech with her visionary leadership, especially in preparing STEM-focused students for healthcare. Having been part of the Georgia Tech community for nearly three decades, she brings invaluable institutional knowledge. Her real genius shines in how she blends Georgia Tech's engineering and tech strengths with extensive pre-health preparation. She's moved beyond traditional pre-med tracks, creating pathways for students to leverage their technical skills in healthcare innovation. This strategy positions Georgia Tech grads as highly competitive candidates equipped for the evolving intersection of technology and medicine. Her engagement with professional groups like NACADA and NAAHP also highlights her commitment to staying at the forefront of advising excellence. |
Caroline is the Program Director for Careers in Healthcare at the University of Chicago's Career Advancement office. Before joining UChicago, she served as a pre-health advisor at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Wilky holds a BA in history from the University of Texas at Austin and a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame, where she also advised students pursuing fellowships and undergraduate research.
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| Dr. Wilky makes our list for her clear commitment to student empowerment and the expert perspective she brings from advising at multiple top-tier universities. Her time at Penn gives her direct insight into the ambitions and challenges faced by highly driven pre-health students. What truly comes across is her enthusiasm for "empowering compassionate and driven individuals," suggesting an advising style that is both supportive and motivating. Furthermore, her background advising on fellowships and research at Notre Dame highlights her ability to offer holistic guidance, helping students build comprehensive profiles that extend beyond pre-health coursework. This mix of elite institutional experience and a genuine focus on empowering students makes her a powerful advocate for those pursuing healthcare careers at UChicago. |
Brennan serves as the Assistant Director of Pre-Health Advising at the University of Virginia's Career Center. Brennan holds both a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in College Student Development from Appalachian State University. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with friends and family, and reading mystery/thriller books.
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| Brennan has established herself as a vital resource for UVA's pre-health community through her innovative approach to student support. She has been instrumental in developing UVA's comprehensive Pre-Health Advising Resource Library, which provides students with specialized video and PDF resources created specifically for "Pre-Health Hoos." Her implementation of the "Pre-Health Pillars" candidacy assessment framework has transformed how students evaluate their readiness for health professional programs, focusing on three essential components of preparation. Gourley's development of multi-year planning resources that accommodate various timelines (including bridge year options) demonstrates her understanding of the diverse needs and circumstances of pre-health students. |
Jennifer serves as the Senior Pre-Health Professions Advisor at the University of Pittsburgh's Pre-Health Resource Center, a role she has held since November 2020. She grew up in Connecticut and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Gettysburg College, followed by an EdM in School Counseling from Boston University.
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| Jennifer is a valuable asset to the University of Pittsburgh's pre-health community. What makes her particularly effective is her diverse background in both sociology/anthropology and school counseling, providing her with an excellent perspective that combines an understanding of social factors affecting healthcare with strong student support skills. Her experience working with both traditional undergraduates and post-baccalaureate students is especially valuable, as it gives her insight into the needs of diverse student populations at different stages of their pre-health journeys. As a former advisor for Alpha Epsilon Delta at Boston University, Jennifer demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting pre-health student organizations and creating communities where students can find mentorship and guidance. |
Rachael joined Cornell University in June 2022 as the Director of Health Professions Advising, where she oversees the expansion of pre-health advising services on campus. She earned her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Keuka College, where she was a two-time captain of the varsity women's volleyball team, and a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration from Binghamton University.
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| As the Director of Cornell's Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC), she has built a comprehensive advising infrastructure from the ground up, establishing HPAC as the central pre-health office for undergraduate students and alumni across all colleges and schools at Cornell. Her experience shaping Binghamton School of Pharmacy's holistic review process and guiding their admissions committee has directly informed her approach at Cornell, where she's implemented best practices to prepare competitive applicants. Her commitment to inclusive advising is reflected in HPAC's stated values of creating "an inclusive space of respect and compassionate understanding, where every member of our campus community and alumni networks may feel seen, accepted, safe, and celebrated". |
Jessica was recently appointed as the Director of the Health Professions Advisory Office (HPAO) at Vanderbilt University. She previously served as the director of Pre-Professional Health & Law Support Services at Oklahoma State University. Priddy brings 16 years of experience working at five comprehensive universities, providing her with extensive knowledge of pre-health advising practices across different institutional contexts.
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| Jessica stands out for her visionary approach to pre-health advising. What distinguishes her philosophy is her emphasis on viewing pre-health education as more than just preparation for professional school; she sees it as preparation for addressing real-world healthcare challenges. In her own words, Priddy explains: "It is not just that we're looking for an intelligent individual in healthcare. We need individuals who can be innovative, help shift the industry, and improve services to help our communities and, at the end of the day, people's lives." This forward-thinking perspective has led her to focus on helping students understand the interdisciplinary nature of healthcare, emphasizing that future professionals need to comprehend the entire healthcare team, not just their specific role. Priddy has quickly implemented innovative solutions like peer-to-peer health professional advisory hours, discussion boards for common questions, and streamlined processes for letters of recommendation. |
Dr. Larochelle serves as the Chair of the Prehealth Advisory Committee and Professor of Biology at Clark University. He joined Clark's biology faculty in 1997 and became an associate professor in 2003. Dr. Larochelle earned his Ph.D. in 1991 from the Department of Biological Sciences at Stanford University, following a master's degree (1985) and bachelor's degree (1983) from the Department of Zoology at the University of New Hampshire.
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| Dr. Larochelle is an exceptional pre-health advisor through his dual expertise as both a practicing scientist and a dedicated mentor. What distinguishes him is his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to advising, which focuses on three essential qualities for successful medical school applicants: the ability to "do the work," passion (not necessarily related to medicine), and excellence in some area (again, not necessarily medicine-related). Dr. Larochelle advises students to visit him or any member of the Prehealth Advisory Committee for more in-depth and personal discussions about their hopes and plans for the future. This student-centered approach, combined with his scientific expertise and clear guidance philosophy, makes him a particularly effective pre-health advisor who helps students develop into strong candidates for medical and other health professional schools. |
Rachel serves as the Assistant Director of Professional School Advising at Texas A&M University. She advises U3/U4/former pre-medical students and serves as the advisor for several student organizations, including the Pre-Med Society, the Executive Council of Health Organizations (ECHO), Future Aggie Physician Assistants (FAPA), and Pre-Law Society. Rachel holds an M.Ed. from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Hagan has advised pre-health students and alumni at the University of Pennsylvania since 2008. She also advises students pursuing graduate degrees in humanities, social science, and business. Dr. Hagan earned a Ph.D. from Penn in art history and has engaged with students as a lecturer and writing instructor. She earned a B.A. in English and art history from Wesleyan University.
Dr. Trombley is a Senior Lecturer in Biological Sciences and serves as the Senior Pre-Health Professions Faculty Advisor at Butler University. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Indiana University School of Medicine in 2015. Dr. Trombley completed his undergraduate education at Butler University in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology and a Chemistry minor. He teaches courses in immunology, pathogenic microbiology, and genetics.
Dr. Lorenzon is the Director of Pre-Health Education & Advising and a Teaching Professor at the University of Denver. She received her Ph.D. in Anatomy and Neurobiology from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and her B.S. in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University. Dr. Lorenzon teaches courses related to cell biology, neuroscience, ion channels, human disease, and medical ethics.
Dr. Lamoureux is the Associate Dean Director of the Pre-Health Program and a Distinguished Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College. He earned his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Duke University in 1998. Dr. Lamoureux teaches courses in psychopharmacology, learning and motivation, and neurobiology of learning and memory.
Kristin is the Director of Advanced Degree Applications & STEM Career Advising at Yale University. She advises students interested in graduate and professional school, with a focus on pre-health and STEM fields. Specific details about her educational background were not provided in the search results.
Dr. D'Antonio serves as the Director of the Health Professions Program within the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and has extensive experience in both research and academic advising, focusing on preparing students for careers in the health professions.
Pamela is the Director of Pre-Health Advising at Southern Methodist University's University Advising Center. She earned a B.S. in Medical Technology with a minor in Chemistry from Northeast Louisiana University and completed a clinical internship at Baylor University Medical Center. Board-certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, she has experience in Clinical Chemistry, Toxicology, and Immunohematology. Pamela also holds an M.S. in Higher Education with a minor in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce and has served in various academic advising roles at SMU.
Jen is the Associate Director for Pre-Professional Advising at the Newnan Academic Advising Center, University of Michigan. She provides comprehensive advising to pre-health students, drawing on her background in academic counseling and student development. Jen is committed to supporting students through their academic journeys toward health professions.
Doyen currently serves as the Director of the Health Professions Advising Center at UT Dallas. A UT Dallas alumnus, he holds degrees in Literature and Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Since joining HPAC in 2007, he has become a nationally recognized leader in health professions advising and has presented at numerous state and national conferences.
Sarah is the Assistant Dean of Pre-Health Advising at Dartmouth College. She provides individualized guidance on academic planning, extracurricular development, and graduate school applications, and oversees key initiatives like the Pre-Health Mentor Corps and Pathways to Medicine Program.
Kate is the Assistant Director of Human Biology and Pre-Health Advising at Michigan State University. She earned both her Bachelor's in English and Master’s in College Student Affairs Leadership from Grand Valley State University. Since 2016, she has supported MSU’s pre-health students through one-on-one advising, workshops, and mentorship of student organizations.
Dr. Connell is the Associate Dean and Director of Pre-Health Advising at Georgetown University. She earned her B.A. in English from Notre Dame, completed a post-bac at Bryn Mawr, and received her M.D. from Georgetown, later practicing at INOVA Fairfax Hospital. Since 1993, she has served Georgetown in various leadership roles and now oversees pre-health advising and the university’s Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Program.
Dr. Arneson is the Premedical Programs Coordinator in the Department of Biology at American University. She earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology from the University of Chicago and has taught at AU since 2001. In addition to her advising work, she played a key role in developing the university’s undergraduate Public Health Program.
Maureen is the Assistant Dean in the Office of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Notre Dame, where she directs the Pre-Health Supplementary Major. She holds a B.S. in Biology, an M.A. in French, and a Ph.D. in French Literature, and has held advising and teaching roles at NYU, Smith, Creighton, and UNMC. Her experience bridges both academic instruction and student advising in the health professions.
Tricia is the Director of the Pre-Health Student Resource Center at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She previously worked in public health, where she focused on leadership development and diversifying the field. Her background informs her current work helping undergraduates explore and prepare for careers in the health professions.
Daveena is the Director of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising at Johns Hopkins University. She earned both her B.A. and Ed.M. in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University and previously advised pre-health students at Columbia University. Her career in higher education spans roles in admissions, student programming, and academic advising.
Pam is a Senior Academic Advisor for Pre-Health Advising at George Washington University. She holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Virginia and is pursuing an M.A. in Educational Technology Leadership at GW. Before joining GW in 2023, she spent over 16 years as a teacher, tutor, and coach for pre-health students in the private sector.
Megan is the Director of Pre-Health Advising at Syracuse University. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and English from Virginia Tech and an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from North Carolina State University. Her background includes advising roles at Moravian University, VCU, and UVA, as well as work in staff development and residential life.
Dr. Camara is a Clinical Associate Professor of Chemistry and Director of Pre-Health Advising at Yeshiva University. He earned his B.S. from the University of Rochester and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois. His academic career includes extensive research in organometallic chemistry and catalysis, alongside advising students pursuing health professions.
Courtney is the Director of Health Professions Advising at Loyola Marymount University. She holds a master’s in Counseling from CSU Northridge and a B.A. in English from UC Santa Barbara. Prior to LMU, she spent over 15 years at UCLA in advising and career development roles, including positions at the David Geffen School of Medicine and the Fielding School of Public Health.
Kim is the Director of Pre-Health Advising at Emory University. She holds a B.A. and M.A. in Psychology and Counseling from The College of New Jersey and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Georgia. Since joining Emory in 2004, she has supported students in academic and career advising roles and now leads the pre-health advising team while maintaining strong connections with healthcare professionals and admissions representatives.
Grozdena is the Deputy Chair of Biology and Director of Pre-Health Advising at the College of Staten Island. A licensed physician assistant, she chairs the Pre-Med/Pre-Health Advising Committee and supports students pursuing a range of healthcare careers. She is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and a dedicated mentor and advisor.
Dr. Gaines serves as Assistant Provost for Pre-Health Advising and Mentoring at the University of Miami. He leads initiatives to support underrepresented students in biomedical research through programs funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and NIH. His work focuses on expanding access to research careers and facilitating academic transitions for minority students in the sciences.
Carolyn is the Associate Dean of Advising and Director of the Pre-Health Program at Washington University in St. Louis. She teaches chemistry, advises for the Prison Education Program, and supports students through multiple mentoring roles. Her work focuses on guiding pre-health students and fostering inclusive academic communities.
Harolynn serves as the Director of Pre-Professional Health Advising at Clemson University. She oversees advising for students pursuing various healthcare fields, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health programs. Her work focuses on personalized guidance through course planning, interview prep, and application support.
Dr. Lamb is the Assistant Dean of Preprofessional Advising at NYU, where she leads efforts to prepare students for graduate and professional education. She holds a Ph.D. and brings over a decade of research experience in genomic integrity and gene regulation, with a strong focus on STEM mentoring and diversity.
Wendy is the Assistant Dean and Director of the Health Professions Advising Office at the University of Maryland. She has been with UMD since 1996 and has led the HPAO since 2006, following prior roles in orientation and new student programs. She holds an M.A. from Columbia University and has held leadership positions in multiple national and regional health advising organizations.
Misty is the Director of Pre-Professional Advising at the University of Illinois, Chicago. She has extensive experience in academic advising and admissions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, with a strong focus on supporting diverse and underrepresented student populations. Her work centers on pre-health advising and advancing equity in higher education and healthcare fields.
Ciara is the Director of the PreMed and PreHealth Advising Program at Northeastern University. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.Ed. in Guidance & Counseling from Providence College and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. at Northeastern. Since 2018, she has led major program growth and admissions success through her background in hospital administration, higher education, and student advising.
Michelle is the Director of Pre-Health Programs & Advising at Boston University, where she also co-directs the MMEDIC and SMED early assurance programs. She holds an MBA from Northeastern University and has worked at BU since 2009, supporting pre-health students and alumni through advising, mentorship, and national leadership roles in the health advising community.
Dr. Sanker is the Senior Director of Prehealth Programs and Undergraduate Research at Baylor University. He holds a B.S. and B.A., as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in Education from Saint Louis University. He oversees all aspects of prehealth programming and advising, supporting students as they prepare for careers in the health professions.
Alexis is the Associate Director for Healthcare Careers at Case Western Reserve University. She holds a Master’s in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of Kansas, where she previously served as Senior Pre-Medical Advisor. Since joining CWRU in 2019, she has provided holistic pre-health advising focused on personal growth and professional readiness.
Marie is the Director of Pre-Health Professions Advising at the University of San Francisco. She earned her M.S.Ed. in Higher Education Management from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara. Since 2018, she has supported USF students pursuing healthcare careers through advising and mentorship.
Kate is the Director of Health Professions Advising at Princeton University. She earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from UC Davis and an M.S. in College Student Personnel from Miami University of Ohio. With a background in academic advising and student support services, she specializes in guiding pre-health students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Amanda is the Coordinator of Prehealth Advising and a Senior Academic Advisor at the University at Buffalo. She holds a B.A. in Math Education from SUNY Geneseo, an MSW from UB, and an M.S. in Student Personnel Administration from Buffalo State College. Her background in education and social work informs her student-centered approach to prehealth advising.
Marian is the Manager of Health Professions Advising at the University of Alabama. She earned a B.S. in Health Sciences from Oakwood University and an M.A. in Public Health from A.T. Still University. Since joining UA in 2012, she has led pre-health advising efforts, supporting students through academic planning and professional preparation.
Dr. Ojo is the Director of Pre-Health Advising and adjunct faculty at Pepperdine University. With over a decade of experience in advising, teaching, and program development, she has previously held roles at Charles R. Drew University and MICI-AHEC. Her work centers on holistic advising and supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds in achieving their healthcare career goals.
Dr. Tomlinson is an Associate Teaching Professor and Director of Health Professions at Wake Forest University. He earned his B.A. from The College of Wooster and his Ph.D. from Wake Forest. His background includes research in chemical separations and a strong focus on science education and advising students pursuing health careers.
Dr. Carlsen-Bryan is the Associate Director of Prehealth Advising & CAPD Program Assessment & Evaluation at MIT. She holds a Ph.D. in Health Professions Education from Simmons University, along with an M.A. in School Counseling and a B.A. in Biology. With over 12 years of experience in student advising and career development, she leads MIT’s prehealth advising initiatives and manages program evaluation efforts.
We used a multi-step approach in our ranking methodology, which involved the following steps:
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