Pre-Health Alumni Spotlights
More than a thousand students from our program have gone on to their graduate health professions school. Learn about some of our alumni by exploring their stories.
An, 2019 Grad
DO, Western University of Health Science
"I loved how friendly and inviting my cohort was. It was always easy to find someone from class at the library, and they'd always have an open study spot for anyone to join. I felt very supported in my group of friends and found comfort in being at the library with one another."
Aubrey, 2021 Grad
DMD, Kansas City University, College of Dental Medicine
"Dental school is rigorous not only academically, but emotionally and mentally. I believe the experience I had in my time at SFSU’s Post-Bac, and taking a non-traditional path to dental school, is what is helping me currently in my training to become an empathetic and tenacious provider."
Mia, 2023 Grad
DO, Touro University of California, College of Osteopathic Medicine
"I chose to pursue a post-bac program to strengthen my academic record, and SFSU stood out not just for its proximity to home, but for its incredibly supportive faculty."
Gisselle, 2023 Grad
PA, Stanford University
"One of the most important things I learned during the SFSU Post-Bac program was the value of collaboration and community. The program provided so many opportunities to learn alongside my peers, support one another and build meaningful friendships."
Tiffany, 2023 Grad
DMD, California Northstate University, College of Dental Medicine
"One of the most transformative aspects of my journey has been learning the power of planning. I cannot emphasize enough how impactful it has been to work closely with an advisor. That guidance has played a significant role in my success."
Christopher, 2023 Grad
DO, Touro University of California College of Osteopathic Medicine
"I chose the SFSU Post-Bac because I needed to strengthen my academic record, but just as importantly, I was looking for guidance and community. Before SFSU, I had taken classes through other programs, but those programs were unstructured and felt isolating. At the SFSU open house, the positivity of the students and faculty stood out, and I realized this program offered the advising, structure and supportive cohort I had not had before."
Kristen, 2021 Grad
MD, University of Queensland Ochsner Clinical School
"Not only is the Post-Bac Program a collaborative environment, but it is a strong and connected community. I’m grateful for the lasting sweet connections, well beyond graduation, and professional training."
Arnold, 2023 Grad
DO, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
"The SFSU Post-Bac program strengthened my skills as a team player because I had ample opportunities to interact with many individuals. Medicine is ultimately a team sport, and the collaborative spirit in the program directly parallels what you will do once you are a healthcare professional. Take the time to help your classmates, as they may be helping you in your future career."
Santos, 2024 Grad
MD, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine
"My experience at SFSU showed me that with a strong, supportive community and mentors who provide guidance and practical tools, even a significant career transition like becoming a physician is achievable. That realization reshaped how I see my own potential and the paths available to me."
Chiru, 2021 Grad
MD, UC Irvine School of Medicine
"I chose SFSU because it was local at the time, had a small and supportive cohort, and emphasized teamwork — just what I needed"
Isabella, 2020 Grad
ARC-MD, UC Davis School of Medicine
“I learned the importance of work-life balance. Undergrad was really stressful and I didn't have a healthy balance between school and time for other things. In the post-bac, I improved my time management skills and honed in on study strategies that were efficient.”
Sasha, 2023 Grad
DO, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
"I chose SFSU because I wanted to attend a program that was flexible and supported students who needed to obtain clinical hours while taking the necessary coursework."
Anwar, 2018 Grad
DO, Kansas City University
"I have learned that no matter how hard something may seem, everything is always easier when you have a group of people working together towards the same goal. We all share the burden and make our journeys that much more enjoyable and memorable."
Meagan, 2016 Grad
MD, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
"I ended up in San Francisco with a flexible job, and the program seemed very supportive and believed in me."
Nana, 2013 Grad
MD, Keck School of Medicine at USC
“I knew my application to medical school was not strong enough, and I wanted the opportunity to prove to myself and to these programs that my academic performance at the time was not representative of who I actually was. I knew I could do better, and I just needed another chance, and SFSU was able to provide that for me.”
Maverick, 2014 Grad
MD, Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
"SFSU offered the blend of a strong reputation, nurturing program and a wonderful city of adventure. I have lots of family in the Bay Area."
Chloe, 2015 Grad
MSN, Yale School of Nursing
Adult Gerontology Primary Care
“I chose the SFSU Post-Bac Program because it afforded me the necessary foundational education to pursue a career in healthcare in a supportive environment.”
Jonny, 2017 Grad
DO, Western University of Health Sciences COMP
“The interview felt welcoming, and I enjoyed the camaraderie with other interviewees. I ultimately chose SFSU because I wanted an environment where I could work with people who genuinely cared about my success and the success of their students. From the start of the interview, I knew I wanted to go there. Plus, what an awesome city to live in.”
Myra, 2018 Grad
"Besides strengthening my application for medical school, the idea of living in a vibrant city like San Francisco really interested me. Choosing to come here has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. The collaborative and warm environment has allowed me to thrive beyond academics."
Derek, 2019 Grad
DO, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Internal Medicine Resident, Loma Linda University
“My college GPA was not particularly strong, and I recognized I needed to strengthen it before applying to medical school again. SFSU Post-Bac was able to provide the classes and experiences to help me become a stronger applicant in every way for medical school.”
Collin, 2016 Grad
MD, SUNY Downstate
Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, Emergency Medicine Resident
“A friend from my high school in Alabama somehow ended up at the SFSU Post-Bac, and he told me about his experience. He ended up at a good medical school. Many of his classmates had done well, too. What I read on online forums corroborated the program’s track record of placing students in competitive medical schools. I also wanted to move back to the Bay Area, where I was born.”
Loriel, 2019 Grad
PA, Western University of Health Sciences
"I had a lot of friends who began post-bac programs before me, and I asked for advice while I was doing my own research. I loved everything I heard about this program, and it ended up being the main school I wanted to go to. This program truly ended up being the best fit for me, and I am so thankful I got accepted!"