Two University of North Georgia (UNG) students from Hall County says they gained invaluable experience this summer through the Pathway to Med School program hosted by Foothills Area Health Education Center (AHEC).
Halle Pierce and Rosalyn Sanchez emerged from the five-week residential program feeling even more optimistic about their ability to be accepted into medical school and excel once they start. The program included 180 hours of clinical shadowing, community-based research and instructional sessions.
Pierce, a senior from Gainesville, pursuing a degree in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration, is looking at several areas but mostly focused on becoming an OB-GYN as she applies to med school. She appreciated learning about rural health care and meeting with med school admissions officers through Pathway to Med School.
Sanchez, a senior from Flowery Branch pursuing a degree in biology, has been a member of the American Medical Student Association chapter for two years at UNG. She previously conducted research with Dr. Andrew Thomas, a professor of chemistry, on the potentially dangerous interactions of vape ingredients.
Both agreed UNG has prepared them well for med school.
Thirteen UNG graduates have participated in Pathway to Med School, with nine being accepted or attending med school and another three applying in upcoming cycles. The program has a 98% overall acceptance rate for those who apply to med school.