Pre-Med.. pre-pharmacy.. physics.. microbiology. .organic chemistry.. nursing.. physical therapy.. dentistry.. research.. statistics.. volunteering.. extracurriculars.. PA.. MCAT.. GPA.. GRE.. Confusion!
Going into the health field is no easy feat. It takes dedication and discipline. You can find yourself getting lost trying to figure out your future path, getting good grades, finding meaningful experiences, all while carving out time to study for the appropriate standardized test. The SASC McNeill Pre-Health Group is here to help get rid of this confusion and aid with easing students into the health field. Being a part of the SASC McNeill program, the Pre-Health Group understands the hardships that many students in our community face. To alleviate this additive stress, the Pre-Health Group helps students by getting rid of a lot of the red tape. This group will invite health professionals to discuss their experiences in getting into their respective fields. Being a member of this group provides opportunities for students to grow in leadership positions and to develop their unique skills. Pre-Health Group serves as a guide and a resource to the talented students with aspirations to have careers in the health field.
My name is Brian Thomas, I am majoring in Integrative Physiology and will be a senior this fall at CU Boulder. The SASC McNeill Pre-Health Group was one the first places that I experienced a true community on this campus. This may sound cliché, but the first time I walked into a pre-health meeting, I was greeted by a huge smile and a very enthusiastic welcome from one of the previous coordinators, Veronica Williams. That was all it took to encourage me to make the commitment of joining this group. I didn’t have many friends in the program, but that warm welcome assured me that I would be comfortable in this new setting. The Pre-Health Group does a fantastic job when it comes to widening the networks of students that come to the meetings. Every professional in the field that has presented their expertise at our meetings has been extremely encouraging, and open to assisting us in our journey. One of our most trusted and valued liaisons is Dominic Martinez. He is the Senior Director of the Office for Inclusion & Outreach at CU Denver’s Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. He has provided us with invaluable information about entry into professional schools.
It is very inspiring to see that the mission of this group aligns with its actions: there is a volunteer activity at the end of each semester so that members can give back to the community. This past spring, the Pre-Health Group collaborated with Wardenburg Health Services on a presentation with Health Promotion Group. This presentation discussed health inequities not only in the world but in the Boulder community. It really helped to bring into perspective the changes we need to see in the healthcare field.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a member of Pre-Health Group. It has exposed me to many career possibilities and has allowed me to grow personally and academically. I encourage all McNeill Scholars that are in Pre-Health to come to our meetings to see what the excitement is all about.