Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program Class of 2024!
In our second-annual spotlight, we’d like to introduce you to more of our Post-Baccalaureate Health Professions Program’s alumni who have applied—and were accepted—into a health professions school in the 2023–2024 cycle!
We’ll continue to follow these stellar alumni—along with so many others—as they realize their health care professional dreams.
Victoria (Vicky) Roseman: Alliant International University, Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Hi, everyone! My name is Vicky, and I am an incoming first-year Psy.D. student at Alliant International University. After finishing my undergraduate studies at UC Santa Barbara, I was looking for a program that would further support my academic and professional goals. By applying to the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc program, I gained further insight and guidance into the health care fields through the incredible team of advisers and instructors who encouraged and supported me along the journey.
Between making sure I was taking the correct courses and introducing me to multiple volunteer opportunities, this program provided me with everything I needed to be successful for my admission to a doctoral program. Most importantly, the post-bacc program gave me an amazing community that I will cherish throughout my professional journey. With their help, I was accepted into my doctoral program with the goal of being a clinical psychologist. I could not thank them enough for everything they have done!
Amy Wise: UC Davis School of Medicine
Hi everyone, my name is Amy and I will be attending UC Davis School of Medicine as part of the class of 2028! I chose to complete the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc pre-health program because I wanted to spend a few years working in academic research before applying to medical school.
Although I had completed a STEM degree, I was drawn to the program so that I could have structured guidance from a mentor on any requirements I might be missing and additional recommendations to enhance my medical school application. I sought to optimize my medical school application so that I could be successful on my first try and attend the school of my dreams. The structured guidance from Dr. G and Pauline was paramount in making this a reality! They helped me choose my classes and provided support on how to frame my experiences to truly tell my story to the admissions committee.
In addition to the variety of interesting and applicable classes, my frequent one-on-one meetings with Dr. G and a multitude of mock interviews were some of the most valuable experiences from the program. I was also grateful that the program connects us with other students in similar positions so that we can all be part of a supportive community going through the application process in real time.
I received my undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley in neurobiology, with a minor in human rights. I have always known I was committed to becoming a physician. However, as the first in my family to apply to graduate school, I knew I would need additional support. It was essential for me to attend a school close to home due to my close-knit family. I am grateful to report that I will be attending my first-choice medical school, UC Davis, which is less than an hour away from my hometown!
In five to 10 years, you can find me finishing residency and preparing to practice as a neurologist in California’s Central Valley. I highly recommend the post-bacc health professions program! The support and guidance are invaluable and necessary. Receiving individualized support, connecting with a community of like-minded students and leveraging the resources provided can make all the difference in your journey!
Elizabeth Young: Burrell Osteopathic Medical School
My name is Elizabeth Young, and I’m a current OMS-I student attending Burrell Osteopathic Medical School. As a nontraditional student, I did not decide to go into medicine until two to three years after acquiring a B.S. in kinesiology with a concentration in health sciences from CalPoly San Luis Obispo. I applied to another school’s post-bacc program but was not admitted. Feeling lost, I met with an admissions counselor who encouraged me to take some classes from a local university to help me gain a better understanding of the foundational sciences and apply again. UC Berkeley Extension seemed like a great fit as I was navigating medical school requirements during the pandemic while working full time and needed flexibility.
I started by taking a couple of classes without having been formally admitted into the program and found the instructors to be engaging and very willing to help. However, I felt lost at times navigating the myriad medical school requirements and wanted some direction and guidance. This prompted me to apply for the post-bacc program, which turned out to be a great aid on my journey to medicine.
I really appreciated the opportunities to connect with passionate staff and motivated students, and the endless counseling sessions and pre-med seminars. My advice to anyone who is considering medicine is to just go for it. The requirements may seem impossible, but your story is worth sharing, your dreams are worth the effort and the only one who can make your dreams happen is you!
David Ho: Baptist University College of Osteopathic Medicine
I chose to apply for the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc health professions program to strengthen my academic track record to apply to medical school and for its wonderful pre-health advising. All of the students I met in the program were there for a chance to improve themselves or to find a new career path.
The post-bacc program and advisers helped me choose courses, write personal statements, do MCAT prep, do mock interviews and so much more. I highly recommend the program for students needing a little boost before applying to professional health schools.
In five to 10 years, I will be a practicing physician working in underserved and/or impoverished communities, restoring wellness, balance and good health. For those starting this post-bacc program, reach out to your adviser for help early on. They are there to help you succeed. For those who are on this journey and may have some doubt about making it, please do not ever give up. Keep the passion alive, stay focused and don't forget what your end goal is.
Matthew O'Mara: Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont
After graduating college in 2017 and working in the biotech industry for a year, I was at a fork in the road. I was deciding between pursuing a career for financial reasons or pursuing something truly meaningful to me. At the time, I decided the most meaningful and useful thing I could do was try to help people by becoming a physician. I chose this profession because it was the perfect mix of helping others while also engaging my love for science and technology.
Due to significant academic challenges that I faced in undergrad, my GPA was not competitive enough for medical school. I was searching for ways to improve my GPA and I found the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc program. I applied and was accepted into the program in the fall of 2018.
I decided to apply for the post-bacc program instead of just taking the needed science courses because I was looking for a community that would help support me in reaching my goal. I was also looking for a program that had a successful track record in helping students get into medical school. The post-bacc program checked all of these boxes.
I made many close friends, developed relationships with amazing mentors and reached my goal of getting into medical school.
The relationships that I’ve developed with fellow students, my instructors and the staff during the program were an integral part of helping me achieve my goal. In each of my classes, I made a group of friends whom I would often study with. Two of my mentors helped counsel me through the process and would even stay after class to answer questions that I had about the profession. Most of all, Dr. G and Pauline really made a difference in helping me get to medical school. I would encourage current and future students to foster relationships with them because they can help you in more ways than you think!
In five to 10 years, I would like to be back in the Bay Area for my residency. However, life is so unpredictable I really don’t know where I’ll end up!
For anyone thinking about applying to this post-bacc health program, enjoy the journey. As pre-health students, we’re so focused on the goal, but it’s the journey that really matters. Looking back, my best memories were spending time with my peers. But keep your goal in mind so you don’t lose sight of where you’re going.
Kim Nguyen: UC Berkeley School of Optometry
Graduating with a B.S. degree in psychology, I am considered a career changer. I still had a good amount of prerequisites to take before I was able to apply to optometry school. While working as an optometric technician, I was inspired after seeing how a single comprehensive eye exam was able to change a patient’s overall well-being. I saw that I would be able to make a difference beyond our eye health. Aside from my personal aspirations, I was also motivated by the work-life balance and flexibility that optometry has to offer.
I decided to apply for the post-bacc pre-health program to receive extra guidance and support. I was drawn to this program due to its personalized academic advising, priority enrollment and course offerings. It was helpful to receive guidance from experienced advisers rather than attempting to navigate through the application journey myself.
Throughout the program, I was able to connect with a variety of other pre-health students and learn from instructors who have real-world experiences. The program advisers were extremely knowledgeable about the field and were able to guide me through the application process from start to finish. Through this community, I was able to really lean in and network within the health care field.
The program’s health career seminars offered guidance for each step of the application process—from essays to interviews. I learned not only from the advisers, but also from my peers as we helped one another with our applications. The program advisers were very thorough while reviewing my application, ensuring that I was sending in my best work.
After obtaining my doctor of optometry degree, I would like to open up my own practice in the Bay Area. I am dedicated to serving my community, focusing on patient-centered care and cultural understanding.
My advice to the next round of post-bacc health students is take the time to network and get to know your peers! I learned so many things about different health professions and made lifelong friends. Put yourself out there and don’t be afraid to seek advice. This exposed me to a variety of opportunities—from health care–related jobs, research and more.
Tina Xiwen Zhou: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin
After I graduated from UCLA in 2019, I felt that I was far from ready to apply to medical school. I wasn’t confident in my applicant profile, particularly with my GPA. In January 2020, I started my post-baccalaureate program at UC Berkeley Extension with the goal of elevating my academic records and gaining clinical experiences.
The program granted me indispensable knowledge in pharmacology, toxicology and other medical sciences that helped me in clinical settings and patient interactions. The friendly and supportive academic environment allowed me to thrive academically. I decided to do this formal post-bacc program as opposed to taking classes because I felt that I needed support and counseling from academic advisers—I had almost no clue how impactful this decision was in my journey to medicine!
Medicine was my childhood dream, one that my grandparents also had hoped I would achieve. I love interacting with patients and learning about their lives as I help them toward a healthier future. During my first application cycle, I wasn’t granted a single interview invitation and was ready to give up.
“I don’t think I can get in, Dr. G,” I said on a Zoom call in April 2023. Program director Dr. GuhaMajumdar pointed out the things I could have done better on my application, and said, “You can do it, Tina.”
Carefully following her advice, I tailored my new application despite a handful of doubts. I landed four interviews at my top-choice schools and two acceptances. The application cycle was dreadful and exhausting, but the one thing that carried me through was the hope that Dr. G had given me that day with those five words.
To those reading this, I believe in you. Let UC Berkeley Extension take you to your dream career.
Charles Chen: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Hi! I'm Charles, a medical student at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. I used to be an engineer, and in my free time volunteered with wilderness search and rescue. In 2018, the most devastating wildfire in California history struck in Paradise. During my search operation there, we looked in destroyed houses for human remains, which was a very raw experience. I knew that taking care of people and serving my community was something I needed to do in my career, and I decided that becoming a physician was how I wanted to accomplish that.
I needed to take all of the premed prerequisites. I felt that I would benefit from being in a program that provided a mix of both structure and independence: I wanted the structure and support from an excellent advising staff, as well as being surrounded by fellow career changers and academic improvers. I also felt that I needed enough flexibility to be able to explore my journey to medicine in my own unique way.
What drew me to UC Berkeley Extension’s program is exactly this balance of structure and freedom. I received just the right amount of support from the advising team of Pauline and Dr. G. The instructors were top notch, and it was refreshing to be part of a class of students who were also on a nontraditional path to medical school.
Some advice for incoming students: Fully explore your motivations and your path for pursuing your career of choice. Don't rush the process; indeed, many students apply for medical school before they're fully ready and would benefit by taking some time to make sure they're prepared. You may feel in a rush to get started, especially if you're a career changer, but know that you want to be sure that you're fully committed (and have the best application possible) before you apply for medical school.
Devan Glensor: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
I came to the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc program looking for a path to change careers.
My excitement around pursuing a career as a physician really bloomed out of my experience working at a coroner’s office. I really enjoyed the case work as each day was different. While many doctors specialize in one organ system, forensic pathologists are generalists and work in all systems daily. They are the “doctors’ doctor.”
I found their work incredibly inspiring, especially when it came to working with families during their toughest times and how their work could impact public health policy to ensure safer communities. I enjoyed working in a collaborative environment with a lot of autonomy and knew that becoming a physician would allow me to do this. I am excited to learn from each discipline in medicine and to see where these new learning paths may lead me.
As a first-generation college student, it was important to me to find a program that was more than just offering science courses. I needed a place to help me along the way. Not having that family physician or college-educated parents meant that I often didn’t know what I didn’t know. With this program, I found the best advisers who had my best interest at heart, helping me understand the things I needed to do to get to where I wanted to be. Even when I doubted myself along the way, they were right beside me to ensure I found success.
I made some of the best relationships in this program. Classmates stood behind me through my medical school application process and now I am excited to be their cheerleaders as they apply! The academic staff truly cares that we understand the material and find success in our pathway to being future physicians.
I am extremely thrilled to be starting medical school at 40! It’s never too late. My path here took the scenic route, but every experience along the way has helped me get here. From working in fashion retail leadership, doing forensic archaeology as a graduate student to then working as an autopsy technician through the pandemic, my story was enriched because of each of these unique experiences and it ultimately led me to being accepted into medical school. I couldn’t be more excited for the next adventure ahead.
In five years I hope to be in residency. While I currently see myself in a pathology residency program based on my previous experiences, I am eager to keep an open mind and always be exploring. I know I will get the most out of medical school by staying curious and seeing where it may lead me. In 10 years, I’ll hopefully be graduating a fellowship and starting as an attending. If I stay the current course, I hope to one day be a chief medical examiner.
My advice for anyone starting the post-bacc program is that you’ll get out what you put in. This is just the beginning of your journey toward your health professions career. Make those great connections with your classmates, instructors (go to office hours!) and advisers: This network will be your lifeline.
Protect your grades, even if that means taking one last class and delaying an application cycle. There is no rush: Having the right grades will get you much farther than a rushed application. Journal your experiences—shadowing, presentations, volunteering—it all will go by so quickly that you’ll want to remember everything to include in your application. And lastly, have fun! It’s a lot to do, but it’s also really exciting.
Kiruthika Sivaraman: George Mason University Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Ph.D.
I have harbored a lifelong aspiration to pursue a career in medicine. While circumstances led me to earn a degree in computer science, my passion for health care remained unwavering. Upon discovering the post-baccalaureate program at UC Berkeley Extension, I saw a renewed opportunity to pursue my dream.
One of the program's most valuable aspects was the guidance provided by its advisers. As a non-traditional applicant with limited experience in the U.S. admissions process, their support was invaluable. They helped me assess my options and develop a strategic plan. Initially, the prospect of transitioning careers after a decade in technology felt daunting and isolating. However, connecting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds provided a sense of community and reassured me that I was not alone in my pursuit.
Through the program, I gained access to research opportunities that allowed me to leverage my computer science skills in the health care domain. This newfound interest led me to apply and secure my admission for a Ph.D. in bioinformatics. What once seemed unattainable is now within reach. I have learned that the most challenging step is often the first, but once taken, the path forward becomes clearer. Best of luck to you!
Jason Veldman: Temple University
I chose to attend the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc program as I was very interested in a career in health care but had not taken the appropriate prerequisite courses in undergrad for this. I was hoping to complete these prerequisites and confirm my desire to pursue health care at the graduate-school level.
I decided to apply for the post-bacc program instead of just taking the science classes I needed because I was looking for a comprehensive program where I could take all my required courses in one place. I was also aware of the reputation of this school and was very interested in becoming a part of it.
All of the classes I took through the program were online, and all of my instructors were available and enthusiastic about the material. I appreciated the opportunity to take classes online and in an asynchronous setting as I was also working during the same time period. Completing the courses without commuting and at my own pace allowed me to focus on my job and complete the courses when I had the time to do so.
The advisers were also very helpful and willing to schedule meetings to answer any questions I had. When I first started the program, I was interested in attending a physician-assistant school. However, after other life experiences and changing jobs while in the program, I decided to pursue physical therapy instead. I was working as a medical scribe in the Bay Area while attending this program, and I learned a tremendous amount regarding the medical field, including medical terminology, insurance and how to effectively communicate in the patient-provider dynamic.
Although I loved the work I was doing, I realized as a physical therapist that I could see the same patients once or twice a week as opposed to once or twice a month—or longer—in a traditional orthopedic setting. I also believe there is an opportunity within the field of physical therapy—more so than other health care professions—to promote wellness and build healthier routines with a focus on preventative care through body mechanics, mindfulness and exercise. This holistic approach is what I strive to provide to my patients, and moving into physical therapy felt like the best way for me to achieve that.
The post-bacc prepared me for acceptance into my health professions program through intense coursework that forced me to think critically about the information being presented and ability to retain it for the long term. The advisers also provided me with crucial information about how to be the best applicant possible.
In five to 10 years, I will have completed my Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree and be a practicing physical therapist—hopefully, back in California! I also hope to have completed specializations and certifications that interest me. The advice I would give someone starting this program is to manage your time wisely, take your classes seriously and be open to new opportunities and experiences to get the most out of it. For example, I found out about my medical scribe job from a student who had just completed this health professions program and was able to learn from her.
I am thoroughly convinced that if I had not attended the UC Berkeley Extension post-bacc health program and taken advantage of the opportunities, I would not have created a strong, well-rounded application that provided me with the knowledge and experience to get accepted into a physical therapy school.
Maria Rossi: Burrell Osteopathic Medical School
I joined the post-bacc program as an academic enhancer. I was really looking for guidance as I continued to take additional science courses after graduating to ensure that I was a competitive medical school applicant.
I absolutely loved the staff in the post-bacc program. The students in my classes were great resources while taking courses and then when I was applying to medical school. I found that the instructors were helpful and always open to answering your questions during class or during office hours.
I chose my specific health profession because of the disparities in medicine that I have seen, specifically with minority populations and because I am passionate about health! I prepared for acceptance into my health professions program by taking additional science courses, volunteering, shadowing different physicians, gaining clinic experience at my pediatrics job for four years, taking the MCAT and, of course, speaking with my advisers to see how I could further become a competitive applicant.
In five to 10 years, I hope to be practicing medicine as a physician. If you are starting your journey in the post-bacc health program, please reach out to the advisers. As a first-generation student who has no friends or family working in medicine, this whole process was very new to me. The advisers are super-helpful and will take the time to discuss your future with you.
