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