Dr. Li is a research-track psychiatry resident at Yale University with 10+ years of mentorship experience. He earned his MD and PhD from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine (BUSM) and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was a Dean’s Scholar and recipient of numerous national research and teaching awards. He also served as a BUSM admissions committee member and interviewer for over two years, contributing to the decision-making process.
Before attending medical school, Dr. Li graduated summa cum laude from Emory University with a degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology and a second major in music performance. During undergrad, Dr. Li was a member of the Emory Scholars Program, inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, and received multiple research awards.
While working toward his MD and PhD, Dr. Li worked as a doctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital for nearly seven years. His graduate work revolved around evaluating single neuronal responses during complex social decision-making in mice. He has also been awarded multiple fellowships from many organizations, such as the Autism Science Foundation, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, and the Society of Biological Psychiatry.
Throughout his career, Dr. Li has been recognized with prestigious honors, including the Michael L. J. Apuzzo Prize for Creativity and Innovation, the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award, and the Detre Award for Translational Research. His research achievements have been celebrated with awards from organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and the International Society for Neuroethology.
While completing his MD/PhD training, Dr. Li served on the Boston University School of Medicine admissions committee. He has also tutored and mentored students since his undergraduate years and continues to support aspiring physicians and physician-scientists through structured mentorship programs at Yale University. His mentees have gone on to earn summa cum laude honors, complete competitive theses, and successfully matriculate into top-tier medical and graduate programs. Students Dr. Li has coached have been accepted to Harvard, Stanford, BU, Columbia, UCSD, UCLA, NYU, Mt. Sinai, UPenn, Emory, UConn, UMass, UChicago, Northwestern, Georgetown, and UNC, among others.
Dr. Li’s approach to admissions coaching is rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and storytelling. He is particularly skilled at helping students craft personal narratives that communicate their academic excellence, resilience, leadership, and humanism. Drawing from his background in social neuroscience and psychiatry, Dr. Li guides applicants in reflecting deeply on their motivations and experiences in a way that resonates with admissions committees.
What sets Dr. Li apart as a consultant is his breadth of insight across traditional MD, MD/PhD, and non-traditional applicant pathways. He has mentored students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, taking pride in building relationships that foster personal and professional growth. His coaching style is collaborative and strategic, helping students set goals, create timelines, and identify their unique differentiators while offering honest, compassionate feedback every step.
.svg)
