Health Professions Advising

The Health Professions Office offers resources for current students and alumni interested in graduate level health professional programs such as medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and veterinary programs. Prior to making an appointment, please visit the FAQ Page. Quick questions are always welcome via email - 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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HEALTH PROFESSIONS ADVISOR, Coordinator III

Sandy Hobart, Life Sciences Building 107A

  • All pre-health related advising including post-bacc advising, feedback on essays, mock interviews - Booking links near the end of this page
  • HPAC Chair, Pre-Medical Preceptorship Program Coordinator & Co-Instructor
  • For limited appointment availability, consider booking with a peer mentor for general advice and questions. Questions via email are also welcome! sandy.hobart@uta.edu

HEALTH PROFESSIONS ADVISOR

Haylei Dishinger, Life Sciences Building 107F

  • Pre-health related advising for current and prospective students early in their college journey - Booking links near the end of this page
  • For limited appointment availability, consider booking with a peer mentor for general advice and questions. Questions via email are also welcome!  haylei.dishinger@uta.edu

PRE-MED CONSULTANT

Dr. Steven Gellman, M.D., MFA, FAAFP; Life Sciences Building 107G

  • Medical career discussions, mock interviews, feedback on essays - Booking links near the end of this page
    Dr. Gellman may have additional availability. Please email steven.gellman@uta.edu for special requests

JAMP FACULTY DIRECTOR (JFD)

Dr. Greg Hale, Ph.D., COS Assistant Dean, UTeach Arlington co-director; JAMP Faculty Director (JFD); Life Sciences Building 105 

  • Visit the JAMP Page for more information regarding this program and to book an appointment with Dr. Hale.

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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 guys! My name is Kayode Aremu but since we will be friends, you can call me Kay. I am a non-trad pre-med biology major because I finished my first two years/A.S. Degree at Eastfield Community College in Dallas. I was the vice-president and president of the science club at Eastfield. I’m currently a TA for genetics and microbiology, and work in Dr. Betran’s research lab on transposable elements in drosophila melanogaster (PIF-like genes).

I enjoy running, music, photography, climbing, skating, and finding new shows to binge. Looking forward to meeting you, having fun, and exchanging knowledge! It will be my pleasure to be a guide in your journey to medicine."
"Hey guys! My name is Ololade Aremu, but most people call me Lola which is much easier to pronounce. I am a senior Pre-Med Biology major and Biochemistry minor. I am a non-trad transfer student from Eastfield College; a Dallas County Community College District after receiving my Associates Degree. I was involved in the Science club at Eastfield college and was privileged to hold an office in the club twice in the two year I attended. I am a member of the SNMA-MAPS association at UTA, and currently a TA for BIOL-3446 and BIOL-4390. I am also a research assistant in Dr. Betran's lab where we are working on transposable elements (TE) in a species of fly known as drosophila melanogaster. When I am not studying, I enjoy reading, rock climbing, traveling, catching up on my crime or medical shows, and spending quality time with family and friends. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any question or need help with something. I look forward to hearing from you!"
“Hey y'all my name is Luan and I’m a pre-med biology major! I’m involved in leadership as the president of HOSA, research in Dr. Clark’s lab, and I work as a scribe in the emergency department of a trauma center. When not in school I like to read, skate, and of course, play video games!"
"Hey guys! My name is Michelle and I recently graduated in December 2021 with an Honors B.S. in Biology and a minor in Biochemistry. During my undergraduate years, I served as president of Circle K International (CKI) and secretary of HOSA, conducted research through the Honors College, tutored for BIOL 3315 as a teaching assistant, and worked as a medical scribe in the emergency department for 2.5 years. I am taking a gap year to apply for the 2022-2023 application cycle for medical school and currently work as a scribe at a private orthopedic surgery clinic. When I’m not working, you can find me shooting with my Sony A7III, baking macarons, or rock climbing! Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about the pre-med track, scribing, the MCAT, medical school applications, or anything else!"

UTA ALUMNI MENTORS (CONTACT VIA EMAIL LISTED IN BIO)

Hi everyone, I’m Lydia and I will be attending TCOM 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 lydialuu@my.unthsc.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 I 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!

I 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-S1 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.crowson@utsw.edu

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

"Hello all, my name is Imran. I am a fourth-year medical student in Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) located at the University of North Texas. Before medical school, I was a pre-med Honors Biology major at UTA. I graduated in 2019. During my time at UTA, I was involved in many activities to become a competitive applicant for medical school, apart from getting good grades and MCAT scores. Some of them include serving as a leader on a campus charity organization, getting research fellowships, being employed as a tutor and resident assistant, getting coveted scholarships and much more. 

Now that I am in medical school, I have been able to build strong relationships with the chairs of the internal medicine, geriatrics, and family medicine departments, which allowed me to get more clinical experience, gain research fellowships and win research competitions. I was TCOM's student researcher of the year for 2021 and was the only medical student in the class of 2023 to receive a national research fellowship in geriatrics. I am currently applying for residency in Family Medicine. I feel I can use the knowledge and connections I have in medical school to help you get a head start in your clinical experience! 

I would love to use these experiences to guide you in your pre-med journey at UTA and help you present the best version of yourself to medical admissions committee. Feel free to email me at mohammadrashik@my.unthsc.edu and we can set up a chat! Looking forward to hearing from you."

"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 everyone!! My name is Suman Akhtar, and I am a current MS student is the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UNTHSC in Fort Worth. My end goal is medical school and to become a doctor! I am one of the student ambassadors for my specific MedSci face-face cohort program. I graduated UTA in Fall of 2019, and since then took some gap years to focus on myself, work in the hospital, and shadow different specialties in medicine. I’ve worked as a tutor, a Biology SI leader, and a Research Lab TA. Besides spending time with my family and my dogs (they keep me sane), you can find me meditating, working out, hanging out with my friends, and volunteering at the Heart-to-Heart Hospice Center. But in all honesty, your life is now! Make sure to always take care of yourself and your mental health. This is a marathon, not a race.

I am a non-traditional student, who’ve had their share of financial issues, self-doubt, anxiety, and I did struggle with my grades. But with that comes perseverance, emotional intelligence, and immense growth. In this journey of becoming a physician it can be very overwhelming and tedious, but I want you guys to know that you are not alone and in the end it will all be worth it! I really want to be able to give back to my fellow peers and share my journey with all of you guys. If there’s any way I can help, any questions about the specific program I am in, any Pre-med advice or just support, feel free to reach me at SumanAkhtar@my.unthsc.edu"

"Hey everyone! My name's Victor and I'm a UTA Alumnus looking to give anyone my best/honest takes on navigating pre-professional journeys. I'm a non-traditional student and can most likely relate to many of you. I currently live in El Paso and I'll be starting school again in Fall 2021. I like traveling when I can, coffee shops, and adventure. On my free time I enjoy reading (mostly non-fiction), strength training, meditating. If I could recommend any book at the moment, it would be Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey.. lots of great takeaways! #justkeeplivin Feel free to contact me at vmvasquez04@gmail.com!"
Hi all, my name is Johny Morkos and I am currently a 3rd-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 y'all, my name is Caroline, and I'm currently an MS2 at UTMB. 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

"Hello Mavs! My name is Clifford Rodgers, and I am an incoming Emergency Medicine intern at UT Southwestern Medical Center. I graduated from UTA in 2017 with a B.S. in Biology. I had a very successful medical school application cycle and decided to complete medical school at UT Southwestern Medical School. I will begin EM residency in a few months and would like to help you to reach your goals. I have been successfully mentoring premedical students nationwide with admission to medical school for the past few years. I am very passionate about mentoring and advising the next generation of physicians! To contact me, please visit my website: Dr.Premed (drpremed.com)."
"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."

"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."

"Hi, y’all! My name is Hayan Park and I am completing my Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy (UTCOP). Please, call me Hayan! I finished my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry major and Biology minor at UTA, and I served as a volunteer coordinator of the Pre-Pharmacy Association for 2 years and as one of the Co-Chairs of the Health Profession Leadership Board on campus. I am currently working as a pharmacy intern at an independent pharmacy and holding a couple of leadership positions at UTCOP. I would be delighted to help with pre-pharmacy students who are pursuing their study and career in the pharmacy field and need help with the application process to the pharmacy school. In addition, I am an international student who went through the immigration and application status as an F-1 Visa student, so for those who need help especially with those issues, please feel free to reach out to me. My email address is hayanpark1229@utexas.edu. Thanks!"
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***

***NOTE: Appointments will have an in-person option on specific days and for specific services. Students will also have the option for virtual appointments via Microsoft Teams or through email for ALL appointments. Read each description carefully and select the most applicable service before booking.

 

~Pre-Health Advising for Current Students - This appointment is for current or incoming accepted students that have not completed a Bachelor's Degree, seeking advising on admission requirements, process, and expectations for graduate health professional schools. Nursing students should seek advising from the College of Nursing. (Note: Only your MAJOR advisor can remove academic holds)

*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 Prospective/Future Students (NOT POST-BACC) - This appointment is for prospective students that are not current UTA students and have not completed a Bachelor's degree seeking advising 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 Post-Bacc Students - This appointment is for students that have completed a bachelor's degree that are interested in taking undergraduate courses as a post bacc and want to learn about 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. Post-Bacc students should also visit our Post Bacc Page.

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

POST BACC STUDENTS BOOK HERE

  

~Peer Mentoring - All 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 that are 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, 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 scheduled your appointment with Ms. Hobart or Dr. Gellman. During HPAC applications, interviews can only be booked with Dr. Gellman. You can also utilize UTA's Career Center for additional practice including access to a Pre-Health Interview Stream:

Students can access these questions by registering an account on interview stream
(https://ut-arlington.interviewstream.com/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2f)
Access Code: sRsrv8hyMDpx

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