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Alumni Testimonials
  • Eden Patton

    Eden Patton

    UCLA RAP Program Alumni
    David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
    PRIME

    "I am currently in medical school at UCLA in the CDU/PRIME joint program. Though my journey to medical school started in undergrad, it was solidified with my experience within the RAP Program. I majored in Political Science with a minor in Biology, and had an interest in health policy and community-based healthcare. As a non-science major, when it came time to apply to medical school, I always felt like I was a step behind and I needed more information about how to make myself the best applicant possible. I also felt that with my non-traditional background for medicine, I was looking for extra support and mentorship to confirm that this path into medicine was the right path for me. It turns out having an unsuccessful first attempt at medical school was just what I needed, because it led me right to UCLA’s RAP Program. The RAP Program is a powerful post-bacc because of the individualized mentorship that is tailored to your strengths and personal goals. In addition to academic support, participating in the RAP Program is an immersive experience because of the abundant opportunity to be surrounded by innovative minds in healthcare, public health, and healthcare policy. This was instrumental in honing in on my passions, and future goals for medical school and beyond. In the end, medical school and the subsequent training is a rewarding, yet long and oftentimes challenging path. What I appreciate most about the RAP Program was helping develop the strong foundation that I stand on now to build the rewarding career I know is to come."

  • Helena Stevenson

    Helena Stevenson

    UC Irvine Program Alumni
    LEAD-ABC
    UC Irvine School of Medicine

    "I was part of the UCI Postbaccalaureate Program from 2018-2019 and am matriculating into the UCI School of Medicine class of 2024 this fall. My time in the Postbaccalaureate program was one of the most fulfilling years I have had. I did not expect the amount of support I had in the program, from time management and application workshops to fully subsidized MCAT prep. The support I had within the program encouraged me to work my hardest and made me believe that any goal was achievable. I came out of the program fully prepared for medical school and with a strong support system to help me overcome any obstacles in the future."

  • Iman Kazah

    Iman Kazah

    UC Davis Program Alumni
    Future MD Student

    "I came out of this program with a sense of confidence and reassurance that I am committed to this lifelong journey of learning and to be a part of the medical community. It was not until I was in the program that I realized what support really meant, especially in an academic setting. I am grateful to have met, grown, and continue to connect with my mentors and peers in the cohort. The experiences and memories I gained here will not be forgotten."

  • Karina Fing Castro

    Karina Fing Castro

    UC San Francisco Program Alumna

    "Participating in the UCSF Post Baccalaureate program was truly transformative and exactly the support I needed to take the next step toward my career goals. After encountering academic pitfalls throughout my undergraduate experience, I lacked guidance and self-assurance to reach my goals. The program not only equipped me with the tools and guided preparation to apply to medical school but also prepared me for success as a medical student and advocate. The leadership team is genuinely dedicated to supporting their students every step of the way. Their advocacy, guidance, and mentorship are invaluable; they helped me reach my full potential, academically and personally. I gained a support system through my peers and a continued determination to bridge health disparities to improve the well-being of underserved communities. With newfound confidence, I applied to medical school with conviction, and I now feel fully prepared to enter medical school."

  • Kenneth Robertson-Brown

    Kenneth Robertson-Brown

    UC Irvine Program Alumni
    PRIME-LC
    UC Irvine School of Medicine

    "I am genuinely grateful for my wonderful and supportive cohort, counselors, and mentors I met during my time in the Postbaccalaureate Program at UC Irvine. The program gave me the tools to succeed and become a more confident individual in my study and test-taking skills, which I struggled with as an undergraduate. I was surrounded by a strong and loving community, which played a huge factor in my success and instilled in me the qualities of being both a mentor and a leader. Without the UCI Postbaccalaureate Program, I would not be in the position I am now."

  • Leonida Radford

    Leonida Radford

    UC San Francisco Program Alumni
    University of Washington Medical School

    “Growing up in San Francisco, I was fortunate to have educators and mentors who supported my dreams of becoming a doctor. As I proceeded through college, I, unfortunately, experienced multiple hardships and my academics suffered because of this. After I graduated, I questioned if I was capable of applying to and being successful in medical school. During my time in the post-bac program, I was able to focus solely on my academics and gained the confidence that I needed to apply and attend medical school. Not only did it increase my academic confidence, but it also gave me a community of peers with a shared interest to mitigate health disparities and increase diversity in the medical profession. As I begin my journey in medicine, I am constantly reflecting on the lessons that the post-bac taught me and am certain that they will continue to guide me throughout my career."

  • Semaj Hornbuckle

    Semaj Hornbuckle

    UC Davis Program Alumni
    UC Davis School of Medicine

    "My postbacc year was one of the most challenging yet rewarding opportunities I’ve been blessed to participate in. I was challenged academically and was allowed to for the first time focus solely on the course curriculum. I became more informed on various topics surrounding the field of medicine through our seminars. And throughout a global pandemic, they provided me and my classmates with support to keep us persevering through this difficult time. This program also provided me guidance and mentorship from my cohort and program faculty. Without their assistance, I wouldn’t be a medical student who now has the opportunity to pay it forward to the future physicians proceeding me and the communities that need their service."

  • Dr. Veronica Velasquez

    Veronica Velasquez M.D.

    UC Davis Postbaccalaureate Alumna

    "Being in the postbacc program was instrumental in getting focused, strengthening my application, believing in myself and gaining further insight on all the valuable qualities. I had to contribute to the medical community as a future physician."

    "After attending medical school, I have been practicing family medicine at various county clinics in Sacramento taking care of the medically indigent/uninsured patient population."

  • Yensy Zetino

    Yensy Zetino

    UC San Francisco Program Alumni
    UC San Francisco PRIME US

    “The UCSF Post Baccalaureate leadership team goes above and beyond to help their students. They worked one-on-one with me through the medical school application process, playing a big role in helping me achieve my goals. The program provided more than a chance to improve my medical school candidacy. I had an opportunity to continue my self-growth, find a new familia through my peers and strengthen my dedication to underserved communities. I never felt as prepared as I do now to begin the next step of my career - attending the UCSF School of Medicine Program in Medical Education for the Urban Underserved (PRIME-US).”