Ghadeer Al Asadi is the President of Pre-Health Society at Texas A&M University, San Antonio.
Can you tell us what's unique about your pre-health society and your role as president?
Our Pre-Health Society stands out for its strong sense of collaboration and support among students pursuing different healthcare careers, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and more. We’ve built an inclusive community that focuses on academic preparation, leadership, and professional growth. We host guest speakers, service projects, and workshops designed to help members explore healthcare fields and build confidence in their career paths.
As president, I guide our officer team in planning events and initiatives that align with members’ goals. I also ensure that our organization connects students with valuable academic and professional resources, while fostering a sense of belonging within the pre-health community on campus.
What advice would you give to a first-year student just beginning their pre-med journey?
Take things one step at a time and don’t be too hard on yourself. The pre-med journey can feel overwhelming at first, but remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building strong study habits, getting involved in meaningful activities, and finding mentors who can guide you along the way.
Don’t compare your path to others; everyone’s journey is different. Stay curious, stay consistent, and don’t lose sight of why you chose this path in the first place. A little balance and self-care will go a long way.
How do members of your society typically prepare for the MCAT, and what strategies or resources have been most effective?
Our members prepare for the MCAT and other entrance exams (like the DAT and GRE) through a variety of structured and supportive methods. We’re fortunate to have a designated study space for pre-health students on campus, which is equipped with MCAT, DAT, GRE, and other preparatory books available for students to use. The space also includes monitors for students who prefer a quiet, focused environment where they can review material or attend virtual study sessions.
Additionally, we organize group study sessions, where students preparing for the MCAT or other exams come together to review content, share resources, and hold each other accountable. These sessions foster collaboration and allow students to learn different approaches to tackling challenging topics.
Our officer team also plays a key role in helping members succeed, some of our officers have already taken the MCAT, and they are always open to offering advice, sharing their study schedules, and providing tips and tricks for effective test preparation. We also bring in guest speakers who have successfully completed their exams to share what worked for them. Overall, our approach emphasizes community-based learning and consistent support throughout the preparation process.
What do you think are the skills students can gain from joining an organization like yours?
Students who join our Pre-Health Society gain far more than just academic enrichment, they develop the leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills that are essential in healthcare. My goal as president is to connect members with resources that will help them build their resumes and strengthen their applications through real-world experiences.
We actively help members find volunteering, shadowing, and clinical opportunities, and we connect them with healthcare professionals and mentors who can guide them on their journeys. Members also gain experience in teamwork, time management, and networking, all of which are crucial for success in any healthcare field.
Furthermore, by getting involved in planning events or taking on leadership positions within the organization, students grow in confidence and learn how to take initiative, skills that will serve them not only in their professional lives but also in their personal development.
What's one thing you've learned about yourself through leading a group of aspiring healthcare professionals?
Leading the Pre-Health Society has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my college journey. One of the biggest things I’ve learned about myself is how much I value mentorship and collective growth. Working with such driven and passionate students has taught me the importance of empathy, adaptability, and leading by example.
I’ve realized that effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about listening, understanding different perspectives, and empowering others to succeed. Each member has their own story, challenges, and ambitions, and learning to support them individually while also uniting them under shared goals has strengthened my ability to communicate and collaborate.
This experience has also deepened my appreciation for teamwork and service, two qualities that are so important in healthcare. It’s rewarding to watch our members grow in confidence and take steps closer to their goals, knowing that I played even a small part in their journey. It has reaffirmed my passion for helping others and reminded me why I want to pursue a career dedicated to care and compassion.
Inspira Advantage is proud to interview experts like Ghadeer Al Asadi to help pre-medical students understand the advantages of extracurricular involvement in college. Learn more about how our medical school admissions consultants can help you get into medical school today.
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