Health Professions Advising Alumni and Outcomes

Michael Zayneh ‘24

Major: Health Sciences (BS), Philosophy minor

Attending: SUNY Upstate Medical University MD/MPH program

“A-Ha” Moment: My capstone project at Volunteers in Medicine in Hilton Head Island, SC. I was a health policy analyst for a quality improvement project on hypertension screening and prevention. I loved having a population health perspective because it allowed me to help a lot of people at once. However, I missed being in the clinic and having conversations with patients. It was for that reason that I decided to give MD/MPH a shot.

Gettysburg College / Health Professions Highlights: The whole Committee was very helpful. Dr. Brandauer had been my advisor since my first year, and Katy Mattson was always a source of reason when I was anxious about the application process. Interviewing with the Committee in the spring of my senior year also forced me to be on track with my personal statement and practice interview skills early.

Outside of the sciences, Michael participated in a variety of activities that rounded out his academic experience and exposed him to members of the Gettysburg community both on and off campus. I was a member of the varsity men's tennis team all four years at Gettysburg. Though it was tough at times, it is an experience I will never take back. It definitely taught me time management, but it also taught me how to work with a team and work toward a common goal. I had the honor of being a co-captain my senior year. I was also a PLA in the Philosophy Department for Professor Gimbel's Logic class. This was another experience that taught me communication skills, and Professor Gimbel eventually wrote me a letter of recommendation for my Committee letter.

Michael’s Top Tip for preparing for Medical School: Do everything on your own timeline! I initially thought I wouldn't take a gap year, but it was definitely the right decision for me. Everyone's application process is going to look different because everyone's situation is different. You can only compare so much.

Final Words of Wisdom: In ten years, when you look back at this time, will you still be happy with the decision you made in your current circumstance? Not doing something because you were too scared is not a good enough excuse!

Michael Zayneh '30
MD/MPH Candidate
Population Health for Clinicians Concentration
SUNY Upstate Medical University Norton College of Medicine

Bryn Schoonover ’24

Major: Health Sciences (BS), Public Policy (BA)

Attending: Georgetown University, MS, Physiology & Biophysics/SMP ’25
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, MD ’29

“A-Ha” Moment: I was always interested in healthcare, but when I saw the way a physician applies a scientific foundation to improve real-world patient health outcomes, I knew that pursuing a career as a physician was for me.

Gettysburg College / Health Professions Highlights: Internships with physicians across various specialties and geographic locations.

Outside of the sciences, Bryn participated in a variety of activities that rounded out his academic experience and exposed him to members of the Gettysburg community both on and off campus:

• Football
• Health Sciences Student Advisory Council
• GI stem cell biology research
• Organic chemistry TA
• Pre-Health Professions Club
• Alexander Hamilton Society
• IM basketball and softball

Bryn’s Top Tip for preparing for Graduate School and Medical School: Trust the process. The road to a career in the health sciences is often a long one, typically filled with numerous setbacks. Trust in yourself and try to remember why you started this journey. The effort you put into your studies will pay off down the road.

Final Words of Wisdom: Keep time for yourself and your hobbies. There will always be more to study, more to learn. Making time for things that bring you joy is critical to maintaining a healthy balance. You can't give to anyone what you don't have for yourself.

Abigail Roy ’23

Major: Biology major, Neuroscience minor

Attending: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (MD)

“A-Ha” Moment: My junior year of college, I decided to shadow a local pediatrician in Gettysburg, Dr. Dave Nelson. He is an alum of Gettysburg and also has children attending Gburg, so I loved getting to have that commonality while also being able to witness the inner-workings of a pediatric clinic. His dedication, diligence, and passion for childhood wellness confirmed my desire to become a physician as well. All it takes is one impactful mentor!

Gettysburg College / Health Professions Highlights: I enjoyed getting to work with the Pre-Health interview committee during the spring/summer I applied to medical school. They did mock interviews with me and asked questions to simulate real medical school interviews. This was invaluable in boosting my confidence as I interviewed in the fall. I also enjoyed getting to conduct genetics research with Dr. Hiraizumi throughout my 4 years at Gettysburg! Dr. Hiraizumi, Dr. Kittelberger, Dr. Delesalle, and Dr. Suryn were some of my favorite mentors and professors at Gettysburg.

• BOMB Squad Hip Hop Dance Team Captain
• Campus Tour Guide
• PLA for Organic Chemistry and Biology
• Genetics Research (Hiraizumi Lab)
• X-SIG 2020
• Copenhagen Study Abroad 2021
• Global Leader Program
• Patient Care Technician
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Migrant Education Volunteer Program

Abby’s Top Tip for Preparing for Medical School: My top tip is to continue pursuing activities that are uniquely you. Everyone can do research, volunteer, and work in a hospital, but what lights your fire? I grew up doing competitive dance and was involved with the dance team all throughout school. I based my medical school essay around my passion for dance/art and connected it to how art and science are intertwined. It felt authentic to write about and was the #1 thing that came up in my interviews!

Final Words of Wisdom: Do not be afraid to take gap years! My gap years were incredible experiences that refreshed me after undergrad and allowed me to gain new perspectives as an adult. I got to live in France for 6 months (Lyon, France) and work as an au pair! The travel, language-exchange, and friendships I made will forever live with me amazing memories. An extra break is never a bad thing. Being a pre-med and health-science student is incredibly difficult at times - you owe it to yourself to find balance! I now have a much more balanced perspective of academics now that I'm in med school.

Christina Wade ’25

Major: Health Sciences (BS)

Attending Institution: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Doctor of Medicine (MD)

“A-Ha” Moment: More like a series of realizations that doctors are leaders, scientists, detectives, and real people who depend on human connection to diagnose disease and treat patients

Gettysburg College / Health Professions Highlights: I absolutely loved the UMMC Shock Trauma Trip through CCE. Also, I participated in the Summer Health Professions Education Program at Rutgers NJMS, which was very eye-opening. Finally, I had some wonderful research experience at Gettysburg with Dr. Jennifer Powell and Dr. Josef Brandauer

Outside of the sciences, Abby participated in a variety of activities that rounded out her academic experience and exposed her to members of the Gettysburg community both on and off campus:

• Peer Learning Associate for first-year seminar and Anatomy lab
• Staff member in Office of Residential Education for 3 years
• Staff member in Garthwait Leadership Center
• Tutor through the Refugee Resettlement Partnership of Gettysburg
• Creator of Gettysburg College Student Concerns Platform for the Student Senate
• Student representative on Student Life Committee

Christina’s Top Tip for Preparing for Medical School: Take advantage of the extremely unique co-curricular opportunities at Gettysburg! Intentionally make time to enjoy the journey and celebrate your wins, no matter how small

Final Words of Wisdom: Find a way to record your experiences and memories that will remind you why you are doing this when it feels too hard and overwhelming.

Kathryn Van Pelt

Major: Health Science (BS)

Attending Institution: University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine

“A-Ha” Moment: The day my neighbor suggested dentistry to me and I realized I've always loved going to the dentist

Gettysburg College / Health Professions Highlights: President of the Pre-Health Professions Club, junior and senior year (2021-2022, 2022-2023)

Outside of the sciences, Abby participated in a variety of activities that rounded out her academic experience and exposed her to members of the Gettysburg community both on and off campus:

• PHPC president
• Gettysburg Athletics Communications assistant
• Gen Chemistry TA

Kathryn’s Top Tip for Preparing for Dental School: Make a chart with every school you're interested in. Add their prerequisites, application requirements, and deadlines

Final Words of Wisdom: keep the end goal in mind!