Dr. Max H.

Additionally, Dr. Hunter acted as a resource for administrators and faculty outside the PPHS program. He chaired the committee that selected students for PPHS scholarships and led both external and internal advisory committees. He also recruited and trained faculty and students regarding the program's mission and culture. As a professor and program director, Dr. Hunter established a bioethics and medical humanities curriculum to improve his students' understanding of health disparities and the essential social determinants of health.

Dr. Hunter began his higher education journey at the University of Washington, earning an Honors Bachelor’s degree before attending Harvard Divinity School and obtaining an MA in history and philosophy of science and technology. He then attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education, earning an MEd in urban education and leadership and an MA in history of science. He then obtained a PhD in philosophy from the University of Washington before graduating from the UW School of Medicine with a degree in bioethics and medical ethics.

His influence extends to the pre-health advising community, where he has served as a liaison to the American Medical College Association committee, leading the development of a groundbreaking model for holistic medical education. Dr. Hunter's commitment to improving his community is evident through his board membership, where he played a pivotal role in launching non-profit mental health and pediatric clinics that emphasize an integrated health model.

Furthermore, Dr. Hunter taught a humanities-based course focused on health equity through structural competency in healthcare. He collaborated with stakeholders on campus, in the city, and across the state to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Additionally, he partnered with local and national leaders on pipeline programs.

Previously, Dr. Hunter served as Community Co-Lead and Program Manager at the Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, where he developed strategic initiatives, established governance structures, and fostered partnerships with community organizations. Before that, he was Assistant Director & Teaching Fellow at the John Perkins Center at Seattle Pacific University, focusing on diversity and equity education. He also worked as an admissions officer and Wilcox Fellow at Concord Academy, emphasizing diversity in applicant interviews and teaching, and as a Program Manager at Boston Public Schools.

Dr. Hunter has received several prestigious awards, including the Gordon C. Lee Outstanding Dissertation Award from the University of Washington, the McNair Fellowship from the University of Washington, and the Graduate Prize Fellowship from Harvard University. His PhD thesis was titled "Ambivalence and Transformation in Black Male Literacy Narratives: Grounds for Reaching Out to Black Males."

Dr. Hunter is currently the Executive Director of Seattle Narrative-Based Coaching and Consulting, where he implements innovative coaching approaches to improve client engagement and business development. He is also President of the Harvard Black Alumni Society Seattle Chapter and a Board Member of the Martin Family Charitable Foundation. He previously served on the boards of The Epiphany School and the Center for Diversity and Health Equity Community Taskforce at Seattle Children's Hospital. 

In his advising sessions, Dr. Hunter emphasizes seven factors that medical school admissions committees consider in their holistic evaluations. The first pillar is academic competence, including grades and test scores. He also stresses the importance of collegiality, volunteer work, and job experience, encouraging students to view their preparation as not just academic but also relational. He helps students identify suitable community service opportunities that foster their moral and professional development.

Another factor involves narrative medicine, highlighting the significance of personal statements and secondary essays as tools for reflection. Medical observation or shadowing is another pillar of his approach; admissions committees value the proactive exploration of the medical field. Building relationships with physicians is crucial, as these contacts can provide valuable letters of evaluation.

Dr. Hunter helps students engage in vocational discernment, reflecting on their fit for a medical career with input from faculty, friends, and mentors. These experiences ultimately help them write thoughtful personal statements and prepare for interviews, clarifying the essential areas of their applications. 

Students Dr. Hunter has coached have been accepted to numerous medical programs, including Columbia, University of Washington, Washington University, Wake Forest, Loma Linda, Creighton, UCSD, UC Davis, NYU, Hawaii, Emory, OHSU, University of Chicago, Northwestern, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and many others. With a blend of warmth, humor, and a wealth of experience, Dr. Hunter is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their goals and navigate their unique paths to success.