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Dr. Wells L.
Director of Advising
Admissions Experience
University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado General Surgery Residency
Undergrad
Education
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Med School
Dental School
Vet School
PA School
Residency
Years of Tutoring Experience
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Dr. LaRivière is an accomplished Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) alumnus and general surgery resident at the University of Colorado. He has 15+ years of coaching and admissions experience, including serving on the University of Colorado’s MSTP admissions committee and working as an applicant reviewer for his residency program.

Dr. LaRivière attended both Reed College and the University of Connecticut, earning a BA in political science from Reed and a BS in molecular/cell biology from UConn. He successfully navigated the competitive MD/PhD admissions process, matriculating to the University of Colorado MSTP and completing his dual degree. During his eight years in the MSTP program, he was extensively involved in admissions and mentoring junior students. 

Dr. LaRivière has worked with individuals from various backgrounds, including students from the Reed College alumni network and the Mayo Clinic post-baccalaureate program, guiding them to acceptance at MD and MD-PhD programs. Students he has worked with have been accepted to top medical programs at the University of Minnesota (MD/PhD program), Columbia University, UT Health Sciences Center, Michigan State University, and the University of Washington (MD/PhD program).

Dr. LaRivière has received numerous prestigious awards, including the NHLBI Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA (F31), the CU School of Medicine Clinical Professionalism Award, the American Transplant Foundation Steve Farber Award, and the Alden Harken Clinical Science in Surgery Award. He is also a prolific researcher with 14 peer-reviewed publications and 10 published abstracts.

Dr. LaRivière's diverse educational background, which includes a PhD in pharmacology as part of his doctoral education, has given him a specialized perspective on the challenges faced by aspiring medical professionals from non-scientific backgrounds. He is passionate about helping others from diverse backgrounds find their dreams in a career in medicine. 

As a coach, Dr. LaRivière excels in guiding students through the application cycle in a stepwise, manageable fashion, ensuring they remain focused and organized throughout the process. He also has a keen ability to help applicants find their inner voice, enabling them to craft compelling narratives that showcase their strengths and experiences.