Pre-Health Alumni Spotlight: An, DO

2019 Grad

DO, Western University of Health Science 
Health Professions Track: Career Changer
Hometown: San José, California
Undergraduate School: UC Davis

What is/was your favorite spot on the SFSU Campus, and why?

The main library. My post-bac friends and I would always find one another studying on the 2nd or 3rd floor. 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, especially on nights where we were all studying late.

Which SFSU Pre-Health Professions Post-Bac class was your favorite and why?

My 2018 cohort was my favorite, mainly because I started my courses with them and got to see everyone go off and apply to different healthcare professional schools which was exciting to see. 

Tell us something you learned as an SFSU Post-Bac that is important to you.

Something important that I learned as an SFSU Post-Bac is that this program does truly help you get where you want to go/meant to be, but it is your responsibility to make the most out of your time here. The staff make you feel very supported when applying and you can rest assured that they will do their part in providing you with the appropriate letters, advice, and guidance to succeed.

What advice would you give to incoming post-bac students?

Study hard, but also enjoy the city while you are there! Keep a list of things that you'll need for when you apply to your profession including letter of recommendations, personal statement, committee letter, etc., and don't wait for anyone to tell you what to do, it’s your future, make sure you're in charge of what gets done and what needs to get done to set yourself up for success when the application opens.

What resources have you used while a post-bac to help you reach your goals?

For MCAT studying, I used Princeton Review and Kaplan. For studying for class, I used the lectures that were provided and also learned to get into the habit of listening to lectures during my commute to work. It helped engrain concepts that I did not quite understand and provided good repetition.

Did you make meaningful friendship in the program? If so, tell us about them.

Yes, I did! I love the friendships that I made during my time at the program. In fact, one of my very good friends graduated from dental school this year and we are celebrating with him as soon as he comes back from Japan! You'll start to gravitate towards certain people during your time at the program and if you make the effort to keep in contact, it makes your relationship with them that much stronger. It's very fun to see your friends succeed at what they do and to continue supporting one another.

If you are currently attending your health professions school, which program are you attending and what is your year in school?

I went to Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. I am in the Class of 2025 DO program. I am currently an OB/GYN resident at UCSF.