Health Professions Advising

UTA's HEALTH PROFESSIONS OFFICE

Our office offers guidance and many resources for students interested in graduate level health professional programs such as medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and veterinary programs. Appointment options are listed near the bottom of this page. Prior to making an appointment, please visit the FAQ Page. Quick questions are always welcome via email -haylei.dishinger@uta.edu or sandy.hobart@uta.edu! 

Students interested in NURSING, KINESIOLOGY or PUBLIC HEALTH are advised by the College of Nursing and Health Innovation

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MEET YOUR PRE-HEALTH TEAM

Sandy Hobart, MA, CPhT

Program Director of Health Professions

Pre-Medical Preceptorship Coordinator and Instructor

HPAC Chair

Sandy Hobart

Email: sandy.hobart@uta.edu

Office: Life Science Building, Room 107A

Haylei Dishinger

Health Professions Advisor

Email: haylei.dishinger@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-3292

Office: Life Sciences Building, Room 107F

Greg Hale, Ph.D.

Director, UTeach Arlington

Professor of Instruction

JAMP Faculty Director

Greg Hale

Email: greghale@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-3807

Office: Science Hall, Room 224

Steven Gellman, M.D., MFA, FAAFP

Pre-Med Consultant

Co-Director, Minor Medical Humanities & Bioethics

Steven Gellman

Email: steven.gellman@uta.edu

Phone #: 817-272-3843

Office: Life Sciences Building, Room 107G

UTA STUDENT PEER MENTORS

1-1 appointments: Choose the Peer Mentoring option in the booking options below (Except for UTA Alumni- see contact info in Bio)

Hey everyone! I’m Jeremiah Joseph, a senior inSTEM scholar and Archer Alumni at UTA. I’m pursuing a triple honors degree in kinesiology, Political Science, and interdisciplinary biology and philosophy, with a minor in biochemistry and leadership honors.

My passion for health equity and policy systems has driven me to explore medicine, teaching, community service, and research. I’ve served as a university-level teacher, medical assistant, and assistant administrator in home health and hospice, and I’ve used videography to support underserved communities.

I started as a research assistant in The Neurovascular Physiology Lab, transitioned to health informatics, and now focus on health policy and public health research in reproductive and maternal health under Dr. Kyrah Brown.

Currently, I lead as president of the Rotaract Club of Arlington and Co-President of the Maverick Health Policy & Advocacy Club, while also serving as Archer Alumni Ambassador.

After graduation, I plan to pursue an MD-PhD or MD-JD. I look forward to connecting with you and supporting your journey as a pre-health student.

 

"Hey everyone! My name is Phi (pronounced like "fee"). I am a junior majoring in exercise science in the clinical and applied physiology (CAP) track. My goal is to get into physical therapy school and ultimately work as a physical therapist one day. I worked as a physical therapy technician at an outpatient clinic for about a year. As it is getting closer for me to begin applying to physical therapy schools, I am working on gathering shadowing hours in different settings and studying for the GRE. I am in various clubs including FSA, SOKS, and VSA. In my free time, I enjoy working out, playing sports, listening to music, and hanging out with family/friends. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or if you just want someone to talk/hang out with (I promise I'm a pretty chill guy). I look forward to meeting y'all!"

Hello everyone! My name is Nanthida Inthalangsy but I go by my middle name Mandi. I received my Associates of Science degree from Tarrant County College before transferring to UTA in 2022 where I am currently a senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Medical Humanities and Bioethics. As a transfer, first generation, and pre-dental student, I understand how challenging it can be to find opportunities to shadow dentists, volunteer, and navigate through the journey to dental school without clear guidance. Currently, I am shadowing a general dentist, volunteering with various organizations such as Mission Arlington and Dental Health Arlington, and involved in field research at UTA. As your peer mentor, I hope to support and motivate you throughout your journey as a pre-dental student and serve as a resource for any questions you may have! I look forward to meeting and working with y'all!

Hi! My name is Sarah, and I am a senior majoring in Biological Chemistry with a minor in Medical Humanities and Bioethics. As a pre-med student applying this cycle, I understand the challenges and complexities this journey can encompass, and I am excited to share my experiences to support you in any way I can!

Throughout my time as an undergraduate, I've had the opportunity to engage in a variety of roles that have shaped my journey, including scribing, tutoring, research, working as an editor for the Stimulus Journal and a secretary for MAPS. I also love volunteering in my free time, so if this would be something you are interested in adding to your pre-health journey and resume, I’d love to share my resources and how I managed to balance this with my personal and academic commitments! Feel free to book an appointment with me for any questions or even just to have a supportive friend on your journey. :) I look forward to meeting you!

Hi everyone! My name is Rose Tomson. I'm a senior majoring in biological chemistry. I am on the pre-physician assistant track. I'm currently working as a medical assistant. I know how difficult it can be to balance work, school, volunteering, shadowing, and trying to build a strong CASPA application. I would love to share pieces of advice I have gotten from my mentors and some lessons I have learned on this journey. Feel free to reach out!

Hello! My name is Katelin, and I am currently a senior majoring in Exercise Science. Throughout my undergraduate journey, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to take on various roles, including a teaching assistant for Human Anatomy, the secretary for the Pre-Dental Society, and research assistant at the Cardiovascular Laboratory of Health (CLH).

In my free time, I love hanging out with friends and family, meeting new people, going to concerts, and trying new foods. Although my path is nontraditional, I am eager to help and support you on your journey! Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you’re looking for a friend. I would love to get to know you and share my resources! I look forward to meeting you all! :)

Hello, I’m Brendon, and I am a 5th year super senior majoring in chemistry with a minor in biology and biochemistry. I started my some-what non-traditional journey at Tarrant County College where I received my Associates. My goal is to apply to medical school in May 2025, and I am currently studying for the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). I am a licensed EMT-Basic and will be getting my paramedic license October 2025. I also have experience in research at UTA and other schools in subjects like biomedical and analytical chemistry. My joy for teaching/tutoring really started when I was a chemistry tutor in the Chemistry Clinic during my first year at UTA. Being confused or overwhelmed by the pre-med path is a feeling I completely understand. I did not have access to the guidance UTA has when I started so I am very excited to be a resource for students! Please reach out to me if you have any questions, particularly regarding EMS (Emergency Medical Services), classes, MCAT, leadership, research, or the pre-med path in general. Thanks for reading, and I hope to meet you all!

Hello! My name is Tiana and I am majoring in Biology. My passion for helping others and seeking to find more opportunities to help those low in income drives me to engage in community services and mission work, and I hope to take you along with me! 

In my free time, I love to play sports, explore new songs, go thrift, and spend time with my loved ones. Contact me for any questions, or even if you want someone to attend a volunteer event with you. I can't wait to meet you guys!

UTA ALUMNI MENTORS (CONTACT VIA EMAIL LISTED IN BIO)

Hi everyone, I’m Lydia and I will be attending USUHS starting this summer. I am a non-trad student, career changer, military veteran, and married with 2 kids and 4 pets. 

While at UTA, I was involved in different student orgs, volunteered at the free clinic at Mission Arlington, worked in a genetics research lab, and so many more things! I don’t think it’s necessary to “check every box” on your application but I think it is important to try new things because how else are you going to meet new people, gain experiences/perspective, and be more well-rounded? This journey has helped me grow as an individual and I have learned so much along the way.

I would like to mention that when I decided to quit my banking career and dive into the pre-med world full-time, I chose to do my post-bacc coursework at UTA because I saw how involved Sandy is as a pre-health advisor. I cannot stress this enough: take advantage of the pre-health advising office and all the other FREE opportunities and resources that UTA throws at you! Sandy, Dr. Gellman, and the rest of their team are here to help you achieve! Use them, use people you can trust to give you unbiased feedback on your application, and, of course, use us alumni mentors who have been in your shoes. Feel free to email me at lydia.luu@usuhs.edu - I would love to hear how things are going and try to help in any way I can. Good luck everyone and remember to have fun!

Howdy everyone,

My name is Ryan. I’m an old (no, really) non-traditional student doing a career change, and graduated from UTA in May of ’22 with a second degree under the Academic Fresh Start Provision. More importantly, I just survived the 2022-2023 TMDSAS cycle, and will be attending Long School of Medicine (UT Health Science Center San Antonio) in July of 2023. I’m both relieved and ecstatic!

did full-time school while working full-time (24 hour shifts) as a firefighter/paramedic, and my wife and I had two kids during this period. We just had our 3rd in February of 2023 – thus my medical school years are guaranteed to be a circus.

Optimizing my efficiency was required to make all of this work,and it was not without some pain and sacrifice, but I did it and you can too! While your life no doubt looks different than mine, I am happy to answer questions about any of the pre-med stuff or just give pep talks if needed during this whole ordeal (and it is an ordeal).If I can make any of you feel better about the process I will consider that a win. My email is ryangallagher@flash.net

Keep your chin up and ask for help if you need it! AND LISTEN TO MS. HOBART!!! She will not steer you wrong.Good luck!

Hello! My name is Jane and I'm currently a PA-S3 at UTSW (Class of 2024). I graduated from UTA in December of 2020 with a BA in Biology and an Honors BS in Exercise Science. I also completed a Masters of Science in Biology from UTA in May of 2022. During my time at UTA, I was very involved in research. I was also involved as a leader at the Baptist Student Ministry, a peer international advisor, SI leader for Anatomy and Physiology, and volunteered at Green Oaks School. I made it to PA school due to the investment of many mentors along the way and I'd love to help you and answer any questions you may have about PA school! Please feel free to email me at jane.cloud16@gmail.com.

Hey y’all! My name is Jacob Litsey and I am currently a 1st year at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated from UTA in 2021 with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a minor in biochemistry. Throughout my time in undergrad, I was on the pre-med path and had no plans to pursue veterinary medicine. However, after graduating college and working in a veterinary clinic with my father (who is a veterinarian), I decided that veterinary medicine was a better fit for me. While at UTA, I was involved in a number of pre-medical activities, such as serving as the treasurer of a pre-medical club, volunteering at hospitals and shadowing physicians, and participating in the preceptorship program that is offered by UTA. I could not be happier to be pursing my DVM, and I am excited to have the opportunity to help you on your journey to achieving your dreams of entering the world of medicine as well. I am available to answer any pre-veterinary or pre-medical related questions that you have. Mav Up! 

Contact info: jmlitsey@vet.k-state.edu

Hey y’all!

My name is Ayman Amiera, and I’ll be attending UNTHSC-TCOM entry year 2024! I graduated from UT Arlington in December of 2022 with a degree in Communications (Public Relations).

I jumped onto the pre-med track in the summer of 2020 with a pretty awful academic track record (academic suspension, multiple F’s, D’s, and W’s on my transcript). I had to “reinvent myself” to show the admissions committees that I could handle the rigor of medical school (upward trend!)

Aside from school, I was very involved in community service with the underserved and vulnerable populations in the DFW area. I also worked as a medical scribe at the local Emergency Department. I genuinely believe these were the highlights of my application!

I wouldn’t have been able to succeed without the help of my mentors. I would love to help you with anything you may need on your journey. From MCAT prep resources, to securing letters of recommendation-anything you need I am happy to help! If I don’t have the answer, I’ll help you find it.

I look forward to hearing from yall! Email me at: AymanAmiera@my.unthsc.edu

Hey y'all, my name is Caroline, and I'm currently an MS3 at UTMB now John Sealy School of Medicine. I graduated from UTA December 2020 with a BS in biology and minor in biochemistry. I was involved in MAPS (fundraising director), Academic Success Center (tutor), and biology dept (lecture TA, recitation leader).

I try to be intentional about wellness and authenticity. It is certainly difficult as a medical student but not impossible, and I'd love to talk about lifestyle balance and mental health within medical school if this resonates with you.

I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of numerous mentors, and I'd love to pay it forward. Please feel free to email me at caqnguye@utmb.edu or DM me on Instagram @vitamin.cn

"What’s up everyone! My name is Eric Rios and I am first generation non-traditional senior currently majoring in Kinesiology with a minor in psychology. I was the president of the Pre-PA organization and Co-captain of the UTA Soccer club. In my free time I enjoy playing soccer and dabbling into cars. I am eager to be of use in whatever way I can to assist you all on your path towards your desired health career and look forward to meeting some you! Feel free to contact me at Ericrios85@yahoo.com."

 

Hi everyone! My name is Hana and I am currently in the last semester of my Master of Science in Biomedical Science program at UNTHSC. I graduated from UTA in Spring 2021 with Honors B.S. in Microbiology and Biology. I was Terry Scholar and was heavily involved in pre-medical clubs at UTA including MAPS and MDPA (Secretary, Vice President, President) and other organizations on campus, and was a SI leader and recitation leader. I worked in the Boll Lab throughout undergrad and completed the UROP and LSAMP programs, which were amazing experiences! I have also been a scribe in an Emergency Room setting for 2 years and currently work for ScribeNest! Although it's been a few years since I graduated and the journey has been challenging, I am still very passionate about becoming a physician and will be applying this cycle hopefully! I loved my experience at UTA,and think it's an amazing place to be with all the resources and support you could ask for, especially the Health Professions Office. If you have any questions about my journey, the Masters program, the process of going to medical school, how to apply, GPA difficulties, clinical experiences, questions about resources, or need any motivation or advice to keep going, please don't hesitate to contact me! I would love to help you accomplish your dreams of being a doctor! You can email me anytime at hana.ali.1998@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram (@hanahanahana_). 

 

"Hey everyone! My name is Joanne and I graduated in December 2021 with an Honors B.S. in Biology. I was accepted with scholarships to both UHCO and UIWRSO and I am planning on starting optometry school at UHCO in the fall of 2022! During my undergraduate years, I participated in undergraduate research through the Honors College, was the secretary of the Pre-Optometry Professional Society (POPS), and I was a teaching assistant for BIOL 1333 and 1441. After graduating, I was offered a position as an adjunct assistant professor for the Biology department where I will be teaching labs for BIOL 2457 and 2460. Since the fall of 2019, I have been working at a private practice optometry clinic where I perform pre-testing, collect patient medical case histories, and scribe for the doctors. Throughout my undergraduate years at UTA, I have been able to connect with so many people who have helped me along the way. It is my dream to serve as a guide and motivate students in their pre-health journeys just as others have inspired me! If you have any questions or just want to chat, feel free to reach out via email at jamai2@cougarnet.uh.edu, or direct message me on my optometry Instagram page @eyeamjoanne!"
Hi all, my name is Johny Morkos and I am currently a 4th-year medical student at TCOM. I graduated from UTA in 2020 with a BS in Biology and minors in Biochem and Psychology. I was involved in various organizations on campus, including MAPS, and still, continue to be part of SNMA in medical school. I also had the privilege to work with Ms. Hobart on the Health Profession Leadership Board as well as be a College of Science Ambassador. I am very passionate about mentorship and I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the guidance I received from several people. I’d love to help you with your medical journey in any way I can. I am also a JAMP student, so feel free to ask me anything about that as well. The best way to reach me is via my school email: johnymorkos@my.unthsc.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Nina Nguyen, and I am a medical student at the Long School of Medicine (UTHSCSA). I was the first in my family to graduate from college (B.S. Biochemistry at UTA) and graduate school (M.S. Medical Sciences from UNTHSC). I remember being in your shoes at one point. Being pre-med can be difficult, but, with the right people and resources, it can also be thrilling, purposeful, and true to what calls you to medicine. I have mentored a handful of pre-med, pre-PA, and pre-dental students throughout the years, and if you ever have any questions, you can email me at nguyen_nina@outlook.com. Hobbies: camping, backpacking, art, plants. 

"Hey Everyone! My name is Randy Ramirez and I graduated from UTA with my B.S. in Exercise Science in December of 2021. I will be starting my physician assistant education at UTSW in May of 2023. During my time as an undergraduate at UTA I worked as a PAL instructor, PT tech, medical scribe, and medical assistant while concurrently participating in volunteer work and serving on the board of the Pre-PA organization as the event coordinator. While balancing everything necessary to make me a competitive applicant for PA school I also continued to pursue my lifelong passion for soccer and had the opportunity to play semi-pro in the UPSL.

As someone who’s lived the very stressful process of applying, interviewing, and eventually deciding on a program to attend; I know I couldn’t have done so without the help of my various mentors. I hope I can be of help to you on your journey to becoming a healthcare professional. If you have any questions or just want to chat feel free to reach out via email at Randy.Ramirez@UTSouthwestern.edu."

Hey I'm Reggie. I will be attending UCSF in the Fall. I would consider myself a traditional applicant, four years at UTA and one gap year. I graduated from UTA in May of 2022 with an Honors B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. While on campus, I was usually in the SEIR or ERB enjoying bench research. If not there, in the MAC. Off campus, I was gaining an assortment of clinical experience, volunteering, and going to Whataburger (I'm going to miss it). If you have any questions about pre-med, BME, gap year(s), or the application process feel free to reach out to me. My email is reginaldconleyii@gmail.com. Last but not least, apply for HPAC!

"Hey y’all, my name is Rumaila Hussain. I am currently a 3rd year medical student at UNTHSC-TCOM. I graduated from UTA in December of 2019 with a BS in Biology. I was very involved with community service such as Mission Arlington, Prevent Blindness Texas, Hunger Busters, Health clinic at my church, and a Teacher’s Assistant for Early Childhood Development Center at my church. I believe mentorship is extremely important especially when you are a first generation college student and I would love to help you on your journey to medical school. I have mentored 2 pre-med students who got into medical school in 2023. Additionally, you have great faculty at UTA such as Sandy and Dr. Gellman. These two were extremely important in my journey to medical school as they advised me, prepped me, and assisted me with various parts of my med school application. Always use your resources and try your best but never at the cost of your mental health. Take breaks and be confident in yourself! 😊 I have had my fair share of moments of doubt, however I had to learn to remind myself of my WHY. Make sure you take care of yourself because you cannot pour from an empty cup. Lastly, I am currently interested in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. If you ever have any questions, you can email me at rumailahussain@my.unthsc.edu."

 

Hobbies: making delicious healthy breakfast recipes, volleyball, watching Netflix, and hanging out with my 10 nieces and nephews!


My name is Stephanie Elbanna and I'm a 3rd year at TCOM. Originally graduated from UTA in 2020 with B.S. in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Arabic Language. I've spent almost my life in Fort Worth and am passionate about primary care and education. If you need tips, tricks, or help structuring a plan for how to boost your GPA, reach an MCAT target, LOR hunting, interview prepping or personal statement/other essay writing - I'm happy to help. Have extra life stuff that is causing more obstacles? I've been there and we'll get through it together. I'm here to make sure you have the best possible chance to reach your dream. You can reach me via phone: 682-564-2576 or email: stephanie.elbanna@gmail.com. Anytime. Can also meet in person or virtually. We'll make it work.

 

Hi everyone! My name is Trung Nguyen. I grew up in Arlington, TX. I went to UT Arlington and majored in biology and had some minor in biochemistry and psychology. I was part of the life changing JAMP program while I was at UTA. I went to UT Southwestern for medical school and right now, doing my neurology residency. I'm interested in epilepsy, sports neurology and neuro ophthalmology. My hobbies include baking, working out and hiking. My passions are in medical education, nutrition and exercise in health, and physical and mental wellness in medical school. Since you're already reading this here's one advice I would tell my younger self: plan efficiently and always seek advice from reliable if you're not sure about career planning. You can email me at TrungT.Nguyen@UTSouthwestern.edu for any questions.

BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT***

*Due to the construction in the Life Science building, appointments will be offered primarily via Microsoft Teams with some in-person options. Options are listed when booking appointments. Information on Microsoft Teams can be found here

 
***Pre-Health is not a major, therefore, we do not provide a degree plan or remove academic advising holds UNLESS you are a non-degree/second-bacc student NOT completing a degree at UTA. Our goals are to guide, make recommendations, and share expectations to prepare you to be a great candidate for a health professional career.

 

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Select the appropriate BOOKING SERVICE OPTION:

 

~Pre-Health Advising for Current FIRST-DEGREE Students - This appointment is for current or incoming accepted students that have not completed a Bachelor's Degree, seeking guidance on admission requirements, process, and expectations for graduate health professional schools. Please note, academic advising holds are removed by meeting with your MAJOR advisor. Nursing students should seek advising from the College of Nursing.

*NOTE: THIS OPTION IS NOT FOR POST BACC Students, ESSAY REVIEWS, or MOCK INTERVIEWS. See other options below

CURRENT STUDENTS BOOK HERE

  

~Pre-Health Advising for FIRST-DEGREE Prospective/Future Students - This appointment is for prospective students that are not current UTA students and have NOT completed a Bachelor's degree who are seeking guidance on admission requirements, process, and expectations for graduate health professional schools. Nursing students should seek advising from the College of Nursing. For transfer credit information, visit UTA's Transfer Evaluation System Page

PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS BOOK HERE

  

~Pre-Health Advising for Non-Degree Seeking or Second Bacc Students (Post Bacc) - This appointment is for students with a completed bachelor's degree that are interested in taking undergraduate courses as a Post-Bacc. We guide and make recommendations to students regarding admission requirements, processes, and expectations of graduate health professional schools. If you took courses at UTA or have been accepted to UTA, include your student ID number. Second-Bacc students need to visit their major advisor to remove academic holds if planning on completing a degree. Post-Bacc students should also visit our Post Bacc Page for detailed information.

*NOTE: THIS IS NOT FOR FOR ESSAY(S) REVIEW OR MOCK INTERVIEWS. See other options below

POST BACC STUDENTS BOOK HERE

  

~Peer MentoringAll pre-health students are encouraged to make an appointment with one of our current pre-health students! They offer general advice on the stressful pre-health path and how to prepare for it since they have been through it!

FOR PEER MENTORING BOOK HERE

 

~Feedback on Essays, Personal Statements, and Application Components - This appointment is for alums and current students applying to a professional school or special program within the year and would like feedback on application components and/or personal statements & essays. **For personal statement or essay feedback, depending on who you are meeting with, email your document to steven.gellman@uta.edu or sandy.hobart@uta.edu at least 48 business hours prior to the appointment. During HPAC applications (Dec-Feb), appointments will only be available with Dr. Gellman. HPAC feedback appointments are available with Ms. Hobart after the HPAC review period.  

FOR FEEDBACK BOOK HERE

 

~Mock Interview Session -This appointment is for alums and current students wanting to practice interviewing for their professional school, JAMP or HPAC Interview. You can schedule your appointment with Ms. Hobart or Dr. Gellman. During HPAC applications (Dec-Feb), interviews can only be booked with Dr. Gellman. You can also utilize UTA's Career Center for additional practice.

FOR MOCK INTERVIEWS BOOK HERE

 

~Medical Career Discussions - This appointment is for prospective, current, and post bacc students that would like to discuss medical training expectations, career interests, and professional practice experiences with with Dr. Gellman. He is eager to share his experiences as a board certified practicing family physician for 30 years and discuss the various opportunities in the medical field with you. 

FOR MEDICAL DISCUSSIONS BOOK HERE