Dr. Monica S.

Dr. Santos earned a Bachelor of Science in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Connecticut. She served as a mentor in the University of Connecticut’s First Year Experience Program and received the John T. Szarlan Student Mentor Award. Following graduation, she spent four years working in diverse healthcare environments that broadened her clinical exposure. She served as a medical scribe at CityMD West 23rd Urgent Care in Manhattan and Montefiore Nyack Hospital, where she developed strong skills in medical documentation, triage, and patient–physician communication. She also worked as a physical therapy aide at Excel Physical Therapy, gaining valuable experience in rehabilitation medicine.

During medical school, Dr. Santos held multiple teaching and leadership roles, including working as a teaching assistant for Physical Diagnosis I & II, Physiology II, and Introduction to Pharmacology. In these positions, she provided one-on-one tutoring, developed review materials, held weekly office hours, supported mock OSCEs, and worked closely with faculty to mentor junior medical students. Dr. Santos also co-founded the Creative Arts in Medicine Club and served as Community Liaison, promoting wellness and creative stress relief among students. 

Dr. Santos’ work has been recognized through honors including the Medical Student of the Year Award, selected among 130 medical students at Garnet Health Medical Center, and induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. She has also contributed extensively to academic research, with peer-reviewed publications in the American Journal of Case Reports and the Journal of Surgical Case Reports, multiple submitted and developing manuscripts, and an invited presentation as a presenting author at the 71st Annual Meeting of the Plastic Surgery Research Council. She has also presented at Nuvance Health Vassar Brothers Medical Center and the Crozer-Chester Medical Center. Her clinical and academic interests include general surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, burn surgery, and trauma and acute care surgery. 

Dr. Santos understands the academic demands, application pressures, and uncertainties that pre-med students often encounter. As such, she has remained actively involved in mentoring pre-medical and medical students as they progress through the next stages of their training. Dr. Santos is committed to providing thoughtful mentorship, practical guidance, and honest feedback. Her enthusiastic and pragmatic approach emphasizes academic preparation, application strategy, and developing of confidence, professionalism, and resilience. She has helped students earn admission to Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. Santos is especially passionate about helping applicants make sense of complex application decisions and present their experiences in a compelling, authentic way. Drawing on her years of mentorship, clinical training, and admissions committee experience, she understands the pressures and possibilities that come with applying to medical school and residency.