Pre-med turned health-tech senior seeking opportunities in NYC & Boston

Hello!  I’ve always been on the pre-med track, but lately I’ve become interested in the health-tech industry.  I’m applying to jobs in that field in the New York and Boston areas.  I would love to hear from any alumni currently or previously working in health-tech, particularly if you started as pre-med too.  Thank you!

Name: Isaac Graber ’19
Majors: Business, pre-med
Home town: Memphis, TN
Email: igraber@brandeis.edu
See Isaac’s LinkedIn profile

Pre-med student seeking gap year and application advice

As an aspiring physician, I would like to seek any opportunities to explore the medical field and healthcare during my last year of college and gap year. I am a junior, majoring in Biology, and I intend to apply for medical school in the spring of 2019. Last summer, I shadowed several surgeons; currently, I volunteer at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and TA for Organic Chemistry Lab. I would also definitely like to explore and pursue clinical research and public health, as well as interacting with working professionals in these fields.

I would definitely appreciate any insight from Brandeis alumni on finding these opportunities and maximizing my time before I graduate. Additionally, I would be grateful for any guidance on navigating the process of applying for medical school and entering the medical field.

Name: Trevor Lee ’19
Email: trevorelee123@brandeis.edu
Major: Biology
Hometown: San Ramon, California
View Trevor’s LinkedIn profile.

To reply to this ad, email Trevor directly at trevorelee123@brandeis.edu and cc: wisdomwanted@brandeis.edu for tracking purposes.

Archived Ad: Advice on temporary jobs before med school

I’m a senior pre-med student majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I’ve always known that I want to be a doctor and my experiences during my years at Brandeis have only reinforced that desire. In the last 10 years or so, it has become clear that taking a year or two off between being an undergraduate student and enrolling in a medical school is a path that these institutions prefer to see their applicants take. Therefore, I have recently begun a job search for gap year opportunities in clinical research or public health service projects. However, I have found the process of searching for a job that I know I will likely only hold for a short period of time to be somewhat awkward and difficult to approach. It has been challenging to express my interest in potential jobs while being perfectly honest about my intended path in life because most employers don’t want to hire someone who they know is there temporarily. That being said, does anyone have advice for an appropriate way that pre-med students can earnestly express interest in jobs they plan on holding for only a year or two?

Name: Alex Landau ’17
Major: Biology
Hometown: Fairfield, CT

Archived Ad: Still undecided about med school

I am currently a sophomore on the pre-med track with an intended double major in biology and HSSP, and an interest in neuroscience. I am interested but still unsure about pursuing medical school, and would appreciate any advice from anyone who might have been in a similar position. I would love to gain insight on why you chose to go to medical school or pursue an alternative career in the health field. If you are a recent grad, I would love to learn about your post-graduate/current medical school experience.

Name: Maytal Babajanian ’19
Majors: Biology, HSSP
Hometown: Roslyn Heights, NY

Archived Ad: Gap year advice for graduating pre-med senior

I am a senior on the pre-med track, but before medical school I will be taking a gap year to enhance my academic and clinical experience. Since coming to Brandeis I have not had the chance to explore all of my interests in healthcare, and this is where I am seeking advice. I have a keen interest in public health, and specifically increasing access to mental health education in minority communities. Within my gap year, I would love to explore the public health sector but I am having some difficulty figuring out how to do that. I would be extremely appreciative if anyone could offer advice on their gap year before medical school and what opportunities there are for students like me. Thank you!

Name: Megan Boateng ’17
Majors: Neuroscience and Biology
Hometown: Worcester, MA

Archived Ad: International Medical Internship Advice Needed

Recently I became an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Turrigiano Lab and have discovered my interest in neuroscience and research alongside my pre-med track. I am looking into traveling abroad this summer and am currently searching for possible internships or volunteering opportunities in Europe within this field. This would be my first time abroad, so I would be very grateful for any advice and insight from your experience, specifically if you have done research or a medical internship abroad. Thank you!

Name: Hannah Lynch ’19
Majors: psychology, biology
Hometown: Longmont, Colorado

Archived Ad: Psychology Major Seeks Neuroscience Research Advice

I am a recent Brandeis alumna who is having difficulty finding work in research. Though as a pre-med student I have a strong science background, I majored in psychology (with a minor in computer science) rather than neuroscience (which I find far more satisfying and engaging). I am now looking to gain practical experience participating in neuroscience (or related biology) research before applying to graduate programs to gain a better understanding of the realities of a career as a researcher as well as to improve my scientific foundation and expand my research skill repertoire. I have found my major to be quite limiting–though I do have science coursework, I have struggled to find research positions because my major disqualifies me from the majority of lab positions I have come across and I worry I will not be able to get the experience I need to prepare me for graduate studies. I would love to be contacted by someone who can give me advice on how I can, having majored in psychology, reposition myself for a scientific career and make this transition– it would be extremely useful to speak to someone who has made this jump. I would especially love to be contacted by someone who can connect me with a potential employer or even an internship.

Name: Alice Gelman ’13
Majors: Psychology
Hometown: Boston, MA

Archived Ad: Pre-Health Advising Staff Seeks Brandeis Alumni for Mentor List

The Brandeis pre-health advising team is compiling a list of Brandeis alumni who are currently enrolled or have graduated from medical, dental or veterinary school to connect with current undergraduate and post-bac Brandeis students embarking on the application process. While pre-health staff members function as the primary advisors, we are looking to connect students with an additional resource in the health care field. If you are interested in serving as a mentor (primarily over email), please email phaalumni@brandeis.edu for more information.

Archived Ad: Recent grad seeks pre-med experiences

I am a recent Brandeis graduate where I was a triple major. I received a Bachelor of Science in Health: Science, Society and Policy, Biology and Hispanic Studies, with honors for my thesis. I am in the process of taking the MCAT and applying to medical schools, but I am first looking for clinical volunteer experience that enables me to interact with patients, shadowing opportunities where I will be able to interact with healthcare professionals and learn about their interactions with patients, and/or employment opportunities as a medical scribe, transcriptionist or secretary. I have office skills that I attained in my 2.5 years working in the office of The Arc of Massachusetts in Waltham, MA. I am able to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. I am proficient in Spanish. I also have prior experience in entering patient information into a database from my clinical work with Global Medical Brigades in rural Honduras. In the triage station, I took down patient history, vitals, and symptoms, and I was able to shadow physicians in the consultation station, assist in the OB/GYN station, lead the education station teaching about personal hygiene, and fill prescriptions in the pharmacy. Prior volunteer experience includes being a Hospital Helper at Newton-Wellesley, a classroom volunteer through Junior Brandeis Achievers at Stanley Elementary School, a Health and Wellness Intern at the Chill Zone, a middle school rec program in Waltham, and an Undergraduate Departmental Representative for Hispanic Studies (as well as serving on the UDR council). I am wondering how to go about looking for these types of positions (aside from websites like Careerbuilder) and how to go about networking with former alumni.

 

Archived Ad: Senior Seeking Advice on Gap Year Research

I’m a graduating senior majoring in Health: Science, Society, and Policy and Biology. Eventually I would like to go to med school but for the moment I’m interested in research positions in the South Florida area. If any alums have advice on how to make the most of research during a gap year or what I should try to look for during my search I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Archived Ad: Junior Looking to Integrate Medicine with Public Policy

Hello, my name is Shaoleen Khaled and I am hoping to seek advice about the medical profession and public policy profession because I hope to integrate my career in medicine and utilize it as a tool to create reforms in public policy. Any and all perspectives from alumni would be greatly appreciated.

 

Archived Ad: Pre-Med Senior Looking for Gap Year Recommendations

As a senior on the pre-med track, I am excited to pursue research opportunities in the medical field during my upcoming gap year. I am passionate about patient care, in particular the field of pediatrics. I have been looking for positions in the Philadelphia area, but am struggling to find opportunities appropriate for recent graduates. Ideally, I hope to build on my clinical and research experience before entering medical school. I would greatly appreciate any guidance or advice about how best to find a valuable experience for next year. Thank you!

Archived Ad: Aspiring Doctor/Researcher Seeks Advice

I am a Brandeis University senior. I have future plans to become a bio-medical researcher and doctor. I am hoping to find a position as a clinical research assistant or a related research assistant. I would also be interested in shadowing doctors of various specialties, as I have always enjoyed the atmosphere in a hospital. In a hospital, the atmosphere feels very supportive and hopeful even in the face of serious maladies. Any recommendations for places or people that may align with my interests would be greatly appreciated.

 

Archived Ad: Seeking Advice on MD/PhD Programs & Gaining Experience in Food Science

I have been interested in the science of nutrition and food since middle school and hope to incorporate those passions into my career. I have worked at Dr. Hayes’ diabetes lab for 1.5 years studying dietary influences of various foods and compounds on development and prevention of dyslipidemia and Type 2 Diabetes. It was the most rewarding and enjoyable job I have ever had, but was unable to return to work after studying abroad in Thailand. Originally, I was thinking of going into research, but now I am also considering medicine. An MD/PhD focusing on nutrition science and preventative medicine seems like the best of both worlds, but I don’t know if I’m qualified enough or if it is possible to do research and practice medicine because of grant competition. For those in medicine and research, do MD/PhD programs have any advantages over other degrees? What else should I consider when deciding on a post-graduate program? What should I do now to prepare? Are there any particular graduate programs I should consider – medical or research based? I have emailed many PIs at universities and hospitals for research positions and opportunities, but everyone said they were full. How can I get into a lab and gain more research experience?

Archived Ad: Pre-med Grad Seeks Gap Year Experience

I am currently applying to medical school, and looking for a gap year job (in research or a hospital setting) before I hopefully matriculate in Fall 2015. Do any alumni have suggestions as to where I could look for such a job? Thank you for your time and any thoughts!

Name: Elizabeth Allen ’14
Major(s): Biology, Classical Studies
Hometown: Norfolk, MA
View Elizabeth’s LinkedIn profile.

Archived Ad: Aspiring Nurse Practitioner Seeks Advice

I want to attend med school or nursing school (Nurse Practitioner) within the next 1-2 years. However, in the mean time, I need to fulfill certain prerequisites (like chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and anatomy). I will hopefully take classes a few days a week while working part-time. I paid my way through Brandeis, so getting a job that pays the bills and is also relevant to my future career path is very important. Any advice on pursuing this path is much appreciated!

Name: Luke Hayslip ’14
Major(s): HSSP & Sociology
Hometown: Flagler Beach, FL
View Luke’s LinkedIn profile.

Archived Ad: Future Nurse Practitioner Seeks Shadowing Opps

I am a graduating senior looking for a job in the healthcare field before heading to nursing school. I would prefer a job that deals with healthcare management or experience with patients. I would describe myself as a hard-working student, who appreciates the value built in to teamwork. I have experience with non-profits, which is another career avenue that I am looking to pursue. Finally, I would love to shadow a doctor or nurse. My final career aspiration is to be a neonatal nurse practitioner, but I require additional pre-reqs.

Name: Danielle Gross ’14
Major(s): HSSP & Sociology
Hometown: Manalapan, NJ
View Danielle’s LinkedIn profile.

Archived Ad: Future Veterinarian Seeks Advice

My name is Ariana Boltax, and I am very interested in science education at the University level. After Brandeis, I will be attending veterinary school at Cornell University. My goal is to obtain a DVM followed by a PhD and to integrate the health sciences through education. Veterinary science is a fascinating combination of disciplines in a medically relevant fashion, and I am excited by the contributions that veterinary science has to offer to other health sciences, particularly human medicine.

Name: Ariana Boltax ’14
Major(s): Chemistry, Biology
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
View Ariana’s LinkedIn profile.

Archived Ad: Sophomore Looking to Explore Careers in the Health Field

I am currently a sophomore with an undeclared major but am interested in pursuing a double-major in Neuroscience and HSSP (Health, Science, Society, and Policy). I am interested in learning what alumni have gone on to do with these majors. I am looking to form a career in the health field but due to its vastness, I would appreciate learning what variety of opportunities are out there. Any and all advice is appreciated! Thank you for your time!

Name: Sheetala Balasubramanian ’16
Major(s): Neuroscience, HSSP
Hometown: Orange, CT

Archived Ad: Neuro career advice in disease research & more

I graduated this May with a degree in Neuroscience. I am very passionate about researching and furthering the understanding of the brain and would like some advice on what you did after you graduated. Were you happy with your decisions and your path? What would you have changed? I have a goal and a passion for neuroscience especially in disease research, injury, and memory, but I am open to new opportunities and directions.

Name: Rosanna Veggeberg ’13
Major: Neuroscience
Hometown: Winchester, MA

Archived Ad: Driven first year seeks pre-med learning opps

I just finished my freshman year at Brandeis. I am on the pre-med path and plan on going to medical school. I would like to learn more about the opportunities available for me to explore the medical world, from clinical work to research. Also, I would like to talk to people who took the path to medical school to familiarize myself with what to expect and how I can approach medicine.

Name: Daniel Shor ’16
Major(s): Biology & Neuroscience
Hometown: Waltham, MA

Archived Ad: Chicago-based glide year suggestions for pre-med student

Neuroscience and technology double major on the pre-health track with interests in clinical research, especially having to do with neurobiological diseases. Planning to go to medical school but considering a glide year. I’m looking for possible ideas for the glide year, and I would ideally like to stay in the Chicago area to do so and would love to get some advice on paths to take!

Name: Elizabeth Zharovsky15
Major(s): Neuroscience, Biology
Hometown: Chicago, IL