Spring 2023 Featured Alum Lilia Matevosyan
About Lilia
Lilia graduated from UW Bothell in Winter 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and a minor in Neuroscience. She currently works as the Lead Physical Therapy Aide at Experience Momentum in Lynnwood, and will be continuing her education at the University of Washington Doctor of Physical Therapy program this fall.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
Prior to coming to UWB, I was a full-time Running Start student at Edmonds College, and that really gave me a solid foundation of understanding what college coursework looks like. Working two part time jobs in college wasn't easy, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I kept my high school job as a lifeguard and swim instructor and began working at my current job as a physical therapy aide, which I have learned a tremendous amount in regard to the physical therapy world. In my junior year, I began the process of graduate school applications. I really utilized summer quarter to study for the GRE and get shadowing hours in local clinics in my community, and ultimately that time blended with fall quarter as I finished the whole application process in October of my senior year.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
My academic advisor and my colleagues were really my primary resource when it came to advice and guidance through the process of graduate school applications. My academic advisor, Kaitlin (Wright) Wolf, did a fabulous job of helping me plan out my classes, not only for my major, but to also accompany my minor as well as physical therapy school prerequisites. That's a lot of courses! I was also very blessed to have the colleagues that I am working with now. Having already been through the process of undergrad, (graduate) school applications, and going through physical therapy school, (they) gave me an incredible amount of advice on how to navigate during this time in my life.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
I loved the community environment I was able to witness as a UW Bothell Husky. Whether it was the fliers in the hallways promoting clubs and events, or seeing large groups of students hanging out in the Commons, I saw the power of what a tight-knit community can bring to the table as you go through your undergrad.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Don't wait for others to come, go ahead and initiate conversation! Undergrad is a unique time in your life because you are most likely to be away from the friends that you grew up with. This is the time to venture out and meet people and learn about each other. Don't be afraid to open doors for new friendships, it's going to be the time of your life meeting new people every quarter!
(Take Lilia's advice! Venture out and connect with her on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/liliamatevosyan.)
Thank you, Lilia!
We are grateful to learn more about your story and to hear your advice for those coming after you. We are so excited for what this next year will bring you in PT school, and we can't wait to celebrate your graduation from that program!
Winter 2023 Featured Alum Keita Shimizu
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About Keita
Keita Shimizu graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and minors in Global Health and Policy Studies. Keita is currently the Wellness Coordinator at Timber Ridge at Talus. He is also applying to graduate programs in Epidemiology.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
I currently work at Timber Ridge at Talus, which is a senior living community in Issaquah, working with over 440 independent living residents. I coordinate appointments with specialized healthcare providers, including Audiologist, Dental Hygienist, Nurse Practitioner, Podiatrist, and am in the process of further increasing accessibility to healthcare services by onboarding a dermatologist. Among many other things, I also do care coordination, following up with hospitals regarding residents after ER visits and hospital and skilled nursing stays to ensure smooth transition back home, and helping residents and families transition to higher levels of care (assisted living, memory care) as needed.
I’m hoping to continue my education and have finished applying to some Epidemiology MPH programs, so it will be the waiting game for the next few months to see where my next adventure will be.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Networking is really valuable and helped me professionally and also for learning more about different grad school programs. (Connect with Keita on LinkedIn!) I also cannot overstate the importance of taking time for yourself, reflecting on where you are and what you want to do.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
Being a first generation American and first generation college student, I will forever be grateful for the community and how supportive the staff, faculty and fellow students were during my time at UWB. The small class sizes allowed for a more intimate and personalized interaction with my peers and professors and I believe that really enhanced my academic experience.
I had the privilege of serving as the ASUWB Director of Student Advocacy my senior year and all the people I met during my tenure and hearing everyone's wonderful stories really helped me become a leader as the advocate for all our students' health, safety, and academic success.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
I think the biggest advice I would give myself if I could go back to my first day on campus would be to not let the fact that I’m the first in my family to go to college, let alone graduate high school, hinder and scare me but to be proud of that accomplishment. It’s a given that there are so many unknowns as college is a new experience, and it’s okay to not have answers. There is a great support system on campus and a lot of resources available for students to ensure their success. There will be many times where I will be uncomfortable, but those are excellent opportunities to grow, so step out of your comfort zone and trust yourself and the process.
Thank you, Keita!
We celebrate your FirstGen accomplishments and appreciate you for staying connected with the UWB Health community! And we wish you well with your MPH applications. Keep us posted!
December 2022 Featured Alum Kiana Imani
About Kiana
Kiana Imani graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minors Chemistry and Neuroscience. Kiana is currently a PharmD 2025 Candidate at University of Washington School of Pharmacy, and she's completing Pharmacy internships at both EvergreenHealth Medical Center and Safeway Pharmacy.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
I obtained my undergraduate degree in June 2020 and applied to UW School of Pharmacy (UWSOP) that following summer in hopes of starting the program in Fall 2021. Fast forward and I am now in my second year of pharmacy school.
Soon after graduation, I began working at CVS Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Assistant for a year prior to transitioning to my current role. Upon being accepted into UWSOP’s PharmD program, and receiving my Pharmacist Intern license, I began and have continued my internship as an Inpatient Pharmacist Intern at EvergreenHealth Medical Center. Through this experience, I have learned about the clinical side of pharmacy and the role that each specialty represents. However, I am limited in direct-patient care, so I recently began a second internship with Safeway Pharmacy to enhance my skills in building patient-centered relationships, medication counseling, and vaccinating those in my community.
The PharmD program at UW consists of 2.5 years of didactics (with mini/short rotations built in during the summers) and 1.5 years of continuous rotations at various pharmacy sites. Last year, as the Co-Legislative Day Chair of the UW Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA), I contributed to organizing Pharmacy Legislative Day; this event is well-known in the pharmacy field and allows pharmacy students to meet with Washington State legislators to advocate for changes in our growing profession and patients. Though I am still exploring my options, I am interested in gaining more experience in the pharmaceutical industry and am actively looking for an industry internship in Medical or Regulatory Affairs at a pharmaceutical company.
I am also planning to return to UWB to complete my Master of Business Administration (MBA) through the dual PharmD-MBA program.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Networking, mentorship, and experience! It is important to gain direct experience in understanding and seeing what the day-to-day tasks of a pharmacist consist of. Through volunteering, I was able to network and connect with pharmacists in different roles and to gain further insight on potential career pathways in pharmacy. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding connections! Browsing websites such as PharmCAS, researching different employers, and exploring school websites of interest are also helpful. Additionally, I value staying in touch and fostering my connections because they can serve as valuable resources in different stages of my personal and professional life.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
I really appreciated the small campus and small class sizes. This allowed every student to be seen and recognized by the professors, helped me build relationships, and find great mentors who I am still in touch with. I always felt that all resources were within an arm’s reach and easily accessible, and that the small, intimate environment was comforting when it came to asking questions or seeking help in a class. I also made wonderful friends through my involvement in research and clubs. The mentorship I received by the UWB Biology faculty was also a huge contributor to helping me get to where I am today in my PharmD program (special thank you to Drs. Madzima, Price, and Wacker for their endless guidance and support!).
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t stress! Everything will line up the way it’s meant to when the timing is right. As a young college student, I think it’s easy for a lot of us to feel overwhelmed, yet excited about figuring out our future and potential career pathways. However, if I could go back, I would tell my 18-year-old self to take the time to be present and enjoy my experience to the fullest at UWB, and to take every opportunity that’s presented because you’ll never know where it might lead you!
Thank you, Kiana!
You are an inspiration to aspiring pharmacists everywhere, especially at UWB! Thank you for the reminder not to stress and to take advantage of opportunities to network. We'll take your advice to heart, and build connections in LinkedIn, starting with you! (Connect with Kiana!)
November 2022 Featured Alum Monserrat Morales Miranda
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About Monserrat
Monserrat Morales Miranda graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and minors Global Health and in Health Education & Promotion. She recently graduated in June 2022 from UW School of Public Health with a Master in Public Health and is actively looking for jobs in Health Program Management, Project Management or Health Research. If you're #hiring, or know someone who is, connect with Monserrat!
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
Since graduating from UWB in June 2020, I went on to become a Health Program Coordinator for a nonprofit in Edmonds, WA for about a year that focuses on immigrants and refugees health. Following that, in September of 2020 I started the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at UW School of Public Health, I recently graduated from the 2-year program in June 2022. During my time in the MPH programs I got several fellowships and internships focused on health research. Since I've been in school for 6 years with no breaks I took the summer off to rest and I recently started the search for my next role in Public Health.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Leaning on to your network for when searching for jobs or applying to graduate programs is what has helped me the most. Two professors from the Health Studies department here at UWB wrote my letters of recommendation for the MPH program. I had worked with them for 2 years and I consider them my mentors up until this day, they helped and encouraged me to apply to the program. Your network can help you find opportunities but also provide advice that can vey helpful for your future career.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
I really enjoyed the small campus and the 1:1 support I got from professors, classes were small so it made it easier for professors to make time to get to know you, interact more, and build professional relationships.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
I am the first in my family to go to college, I was very anxious because I did not know if I was going to succeed, I was not confident. If I could go back to my first day at UWB I would tell myself to take it easy and use the resources available at campus. Ask for help, when needed and find the right people to help you. I didn't start asking for help until my sophomore year and I regret not starting to speak out earlier that I needed extra support.
Thank you, Monserrat!
We are so fortunate to learn more about you. Your triumphs are inspiring, and we are cheering you on in your job search!
October 2022 Featured Alum Atif Bhatti
About Atif
Atif Bhatti graduated from UW Bothell in Autumn 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry & Neuroscience. Atif is a Graduate Research Assistant at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and is also pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) with the Department of Public Health Sciences at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Connect with Atif on LinkedIn to learn more about his achievements at Green River College, with Americorps, and of course at UWB!
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
Since graduating from UWB in December 2018, I went on to become a medical scribe for an interventional cardiologist for about a year. Following that, I took some time off to study for the MCAT from late 2019 leading into early 2020. After taking the MCAT, I applied for medical schools later in the spring, before joining the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center that summer. I joined Dr. Joshua Hill's group in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutch as a Clinical Trials Assistant. Dr. Hill's research is focused on the epidemiology of infections in patients with cancer, transplant recipients, CAR-T cell recipients, and other immunocompromised populations. After a year on the job, I was promoted to the role of Clinical Research Coordinator, a position that I held until this past July. I value my time at Fred Hutch very much because it provided me the opportunity to gain valuable experience in clinical research and taught me how multi-faceted the field of healthcare is. This fascination of public health on a larger scale is what inspired me to apply to graduate school programs, which leads me to where I am currently, as an Master of Public Health (MPH) student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine where I am also continuing building on my experience in oncological research by serving as a Graduate Research Assistant in the lab of Dr. Tracy Crane at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Over the years, I've learned a great deal about the best ways in which to gain information that will help me in the pursuit of my goals. I've found that several of my friends and classmates frequently used websites such as Quora and Reddit for guidance. While I don't think these are necessarily bad routes to take, I have found it most helpful to take advantage of the resources near me and interact with people in my direct community. One of the things that I enjoyed most about UW Bothell was the smaller class sizes, which made it more feasible to receive some one-on-one time with my professors, who have provided me with some excellent advice and guidance during my time at UWB. Along the same lines, I had the luxury of working with fantastic advisors who supplied me with great tools and knowledge on completing my studies at UWB, but more importantly, helping me get ready for my professional life beyond UW Bothell. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that these resources on our very own campus have played an immense role in my progression through my educational and professional experiences over the past four years.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
I could list off an abundance of things that I enjoyed about my time at UW Bothell, but I think the single aspect that I enjoyed the most was the overall size of the campus. I always enjoyed the tight-knit sense of community that I felt with all of my fellow campus members, whether it be classmates, professors, advisors, or other faculty members. Even when advisors would have schedules packed with meetings and professors would be juggling teaching multiple courses with their ongoing research projects, they would always find the time on their calendar to meet with me. Being in small classes also provided a unique opportunity to get to know my classmates better, which led to friendships that I hold near and dear with some of the most wonderful people I've ever had the privilege of knowing.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Although I've come to love UWB and look back fondly on my time and experiences there, I didn't walk on to the campus in 2015 with a positive mindset. When I started as a UW Bothell Husky back then, I was still devastated and bitter about not being accepted into UW Seattle. I felt like I failed and let my family and friends down when I was rejected from the main campus. Because of these feelings, I didn't start off this new chapter of my life on the right foot, and I didn't do well in my classes or had a positive quality of life at that time. It took me until my second quarter at UWB to revamp my way of thinking about the campus, and that's when everything started coming together and I began to perform better in my classes and have positive relationships with the professors, advisors, and classmates that I would go on to work with for the next few years. The advice I would give to myself is: don't think about what you could've had or what you would've liked more. Focus on the situation that you're in and take advantage of the opportunity that you have right now. If you don't realize how valuable of a chance you have in your possession, time will go by and you may end up regretting it for the rest of you life. So don't look anywhere other than what's right in front of you. You don't know how special of a place you are in.
Thank you, Atif!
For taking time out of your busy schedule - and in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian - to connect with us and inspire current Pre-Health Huskies at UW Bothell. There is so much to be learned from your wise words, and we are eternally grateful to be in the same pack!
September 2022 Featured Alum LaShanta Sealy Mahanti
About LaShanta
LaShanta Sealy Mahanti graduated from UW Bothell in Winter 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and a minor in Health Education & Promotion. LaShanta is a Behavioral Health Recruiter at Maxim Healthcare Staffing. Connect with LaShanta on LinkedIn to learn more about her experiences at the UW and to explore working for Maxim.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
I currently work as a behavioral health recruiter, placing 1:1 support staff with special needs students in schools all around the Greater Seattle area.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
The support of my mentors and continued relationships established during my tenure as a UWB student as well as alumni.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
Learning in an environment that not only supported me as a nontraditional student but welcomed me as such.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Hang in there sister, you will do great things!
Thank you, LaShanta!
For sharing your story and encouraging Pre-Health Huskies. May we all find strength in relationships as you have, and may we all find spaces where we are not only supported but welcomed and belonged.
August 2022 Featured Alum Andrew Marimon-Cabamalan
About Andrew
Andrew Marimon-Cabamalan graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with concentrations of marketing and management. Andrew is a Clinical Quality Program Manager at Anthem Inc., and he is also a 2015 graduate of UW School of Public Health's Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management program. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn to learn more about his experiences at the UW and working in healthcare.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
For work, I help hospitals perform better in Medicare value-based contracts. I analyze their data and provide insights to help improve performance. Previously I worked for Purdue University, where I helped organizations with quality reporting in traditional Medicare and Medicare programs. I also ran a grant in my local county to improve the systems of care for substance use disorder.
As far as graduate school preparation goes, my story is pretty simple; I was talking with a coworker back in 2012 who had said that Health Informatics was the field to get into. I began looking for programs and found out that the University of Washington was piloting a new Master's program, I ended up applying a few days after and was part of the first graduating class.
As a volunteer, I have previously volunteered my photography services, worked on a committee for a recovery rally, volunteered on a board, and have helped distribute with Food Lifeline. Currently, I volunteer with the Salvation Army on their PR subcommittee to improve marketing communications.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Your personal network is your most valuable resource for finding opportunities. Beyond that I think it only takes the motivation to sit down and draft the entire submission. That submission could be a job application or graduate school application. In my case if I stretch out the timeline of my application process it rarely gets done.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
Georgia Roberts' "The Textual Appeal of Tupac Shakur" course. While it was not my major, it has been the most impactful course personally and professionally that I have taken. It helped be think in a less binary way (right or wrong, good or evil, etc.), and overall be a more objective thinker.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Time flies - enjoy every day of your experience.
Thank you, Andrew!
For sharing your story and inspiring future UWB Alums!
July 2022 Featured Alum Raday Gonzalez
About Raday
Raday Gonzalez graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies. Raday is a MultiCare Patient Access Supervisor at Tacoma General Hospital, and he is also a recent graduate of UW School of Public Health's Master of Health Informatics and Health Information Management program. Connect with Raday on LinkedIn to learn more about his work in a healthcare setting managing strategic planning, administration, management, outpatient/inpatient operations.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
As a Patient Access Supervisor I evaluate and train staff. Manage patient representative complaints or issues that arise. Ensure patient representatives verify insurance and authorizations for both the Emergency department for adults and Childrens at MultiCare and Mary Bridge.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Networking - so connect on LinkedIn and other spaces!
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
The small campus was easy to navigate and I had the opportunity to get support from professors one on one.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Use your resources and explore other majors within UWB.
Thank you, Raday!
And congratulations on adding a second UW degree to your resume!
June 2022 Featured Alum John Masembe
About John
John Masembe graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies. John is a Clinical Patient Navigator/Case Manager at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Connect with John on LinkedIn to learn more about his work advocating for patients.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
In my current role I offer individualized assistance to patients, families and caregivers to help overcome health system barriers and facilitate timely access to qualified medical and psychosocial care. The best part of my job is that I get to work with diverse patient populations and my area of focus is Black African Americans where I get to alleviate barriers to treatment, i.e., housing, insurance, financial assistance, cultural brokering and advocating for equitable care practices. Currently I'm in the process of applying for a Master in Health Care Quality at Georgetown University. This program will give me the tools to distinguish quality improvement, patient safety, leadership, organizational, and research theories/standards applicable to healthcare.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
A lot of the credit goes to the Health Studies program because it taught me the fundamentals in health care systems as well as setting the foundation that allowed me to identify the social determinants of health, i.e., income, race, location and access and why there's a huge disparities in healthcare outcomes; most especially in underserved communities in BIPOC patient populations. In addition the lack of diversity in leadership positions in health organizations has also been a driving factor in my chosen career path through personal experiences both as a patient and healthcare professional. There's not a lot of people that look like me - a young Black man - so I had to learn how to network and identify key players in the organization's leadership who I could reach out to and learn from as well as build strong relationships that'll help guide me through this journey. I learned a lot of this tips in this program and I've been able to apply them in this professional career.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
My favorite was learning that there's so many other young people out there who're just as passionate about health care systems as I was. I also appreciate the compassion and support from the staff as well as my professors who were at times tough when they needed to be but also patiently took the time to make sure to set me up for success. At the time of my graduation Covid-19 was just breaking out and everyone was scared, anxious and lost but everyone played their part to make sure students were safe.
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The campus was also relaxing too - so many places to sit down and be quiet to read, relax, or meditate as you prepared for a test or next class.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Looking back, I would tell myself that the anxiety, uncertainty, feeling and emotions are all part of the learning process. Trust in yourself and the process, it will all be ok!
Thank you, John!
For your advice and advocacy for patients seeking access to the healthcare they need!
May 2022 Featured Alum Yasmin Guzman
About Yasmin
Yasmin Guzman graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and a minor in Health Education & Promotion. Yasmin is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Seattle Children's Research Institute. Connect with Yasmin on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey to UWB and beyond, including her profile on the UWB website as a proud UW Bothell and Husky Promise student.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
Since graduating, I have been at Seattle Children's for soon to be 3 years this summer. I started off as an intern and then came on as a full-time employee. I am in the process of determining my next step - a Ph.D in Clinical Psychology or a Master's in Social Work/Psychology.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
I have found the resources often shared during my time at UWB to be very helpful - learning how to navigate and use LinkedIn, Handshake, and resume/career building sessions.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
The small campus size significantly affected the ability to create strong personal and professional relationships with students, faculty, and staff.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and try new things, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Push yourself out of your comfort zone. That's where the good life experiences come.
Thank you, Yasmin!
For your advice and impact on current and future Huskies!
April 2022 Featured Alum Van Nguyen
About Van
Van Nguyen graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and minors in Chemistry & Neuroscience. Van is a first-year medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Connect with Van on LinkedIn to learn more about his background & experiences, and check out his featured documents for more information on his research and Husky 100 award!
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
Since med school started, I've been learning and growing more than I ever have. The first month or two was particularly challenging for me because of the drastically increased pace in learning. I think I spent much more time figuring out what worked for me in terms of my academic routine, rather than learning the content itself. Luckily, I have some amazing classmates, and it definitely helped knowing that I wasn't alone in the challenges I was facing.
I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly UW provided clinical exposure to its students, allowing us to practice all the physical exam skills we've been learning in our workshops on real patients. That's definitely been my favorite part of the curriculum. Between classes, clinical skill workshops, hospital morning interviews, one-on-one learning at the clinic, student-led interest groups, and volunteering, the past few months have been chaotic in all the best ways possible. To keep myself grounded and mentally sane, I like to dance, play video games, do some writing, and hang out with my friends/colleagues (which usually ends up turning into a mini study session anyway because we're all insufferable nerds).
I love what I do, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else in the world.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
Depending on your career path, the preparation and application process for grad/professional school will be vary. For medical school, I personally liked The Medical School Headquarters and the YouTube videos posted by Dr. Ryan Gray - the founder. He provides incredible insights on the application process and how to approach certain aspects like the personal statement and interview. Med School Insiders is another good channel on YouTube to check out.
Whatever you do, please stay away from Pre-Med Reddit, Student-Doctor Network, and other similar pre-med forums for the sake of your mental well-being.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
I owe much of my current success to the guidance of my mentors, the support of my colleagues, and everyone else at UW Bothell who shaped my perspective that influenced who I am as a person today.
I think if you ask most UW Bothell alum, they will say very similar things - something along the line of "getting access to a high quality education neatly packaged in an intimate learning environment and tight knit community..." or the one Subway on-campus, if you're into that sort of thing.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Learn for the sake of learning, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will push and inspire you to challenge your boundaries, and most importantly - take your time. You don't have to have it all figured out, and truth be told: I don't think anybody does. That's what keeps things interesting and exciting!
Thank you, Van!
For continuing to inspire your fellow Bothell Huskies!
March 2022 Featured Alum Sebastien Khoutxaysana
About Sebastien
Sebastien Khoutxaysana graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and a minor in Health Education & Promotion. Sebastien works in the Admissions Office at UWB processing admission applications and previously worked as an Advisor at Cascadia College. Connect with Sebastien on LinkedIn to learn more about his dedication to UWB and student success!
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
I am currently working in higher education to support undergrad students here at UW Bothell. As an Admissions Specialist, I process incoming applications to the university by ensuring students meet admissions requirements. This includes entering transcripts, test scores, and program specific documents into our records system. I also collaborate with Transfer and First Year Advisors to ensure that the student completes their application.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
The resource I found to be the most helpful is LinkedIn. Being able to connect with others provides great insight and tips/tricks when applying to positions. Additionally, it's a great way to connect and speak with individuals in your desired field/position of interest. This allowed me to prepare and research for upcoming job interviews.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
The community and collaborative aspect of UW Bothell were hands down my favorite things about being a UW Bothell Husky. Having smaller class sizes made it easier to interact with my colleagues and professors. On top of that, engaging thought provoking conversations in class and online made the learning experience innovative. My interactions with my professors were always sincere and heartfelt as they always provided academic assistance, resources, and even opportunities such as internships and jobs. Through this engagement, I was able to secure both a public health internship and career as a student and even post-grad.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Utilize campus resources to set yourself up for the future including Career Services and on-campus job opportunities!
Thank you, Sebastien!
And thanks for bringing in all our new Husky Family members through your work in Admissions!
Congratulations Post!
Anna Le, MCAT Ladder Scholar for 2021-22
UW Bothell's own Anna Le, a senior majoring in Biology and minoring in Health Studies has been selected as a 2021-22 MCAT Ladder Scholar! Anna received a full scholarship to take the full MCAT Ladder Preparation course. Congratulations, Anna!
February 2022 Featured Alum Casey Cummins
About Casey
Casey Cummins graduated from UW Bothell in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Studies and minors in Biology & Chemistry. He is currently completing the foundations phase of medical school at the Spokane site of the University of Washington School of Medicine. Casey was kind enough to take time from his studies to share some thoughts with his alma mater. Connect with Casey on LinkedIn to learn more about his journey to medical school.
Tell us more about what you're doing currently.
The first two years of medical school are typically spent focusing on didactic learning. For UW, the curriculum is slightly truncated to a one and a half year model with a focus on small group learning and early clinical exposure. Most days are a mixture of large group lecture followed by student-led small groups reviewing current content with instructors there for guidance. Outside of the classroom we spend time in the hospital practicing our interview and physical exam skills on admitted patients, and in the clinic adjusting our approach to a different chief complaint presentation. We also participate in frequent workshops led by faculty physicians to add to our clinical "toolbox" (advanced physical exam skills, how to handle difficult patient encounters, etc.). Outside of all that, many students find themselves involved with student-led interest groups, volunteer opportunities (clinical and non-clinical), and intramural sports/other hobbies.
What resources did you find most helpful when it came to career or graduate/professional school exploring, preparing, and applying?
The AAMC provides a very clear road map to the application process. There is a plethora of resources and advice for pre-medical students getting ready to apply. Outside of that I found Medical School Headquarters to be a very valuable resource during the pre-med/application process. The guidance provided was clear, thoughtful, and supported by the advice of medical school admission board members, pre-med advisors, and practicing physicians. I also incorporated a number of different podcasts into my research as a means of learning while I was on the move. Some of my favorites: any podcast by Ryan Gray (founder of MedSchoolHQ) and All Access: Med School Admissions (for school specific information). Be advised, resource overload is a real thing, and some individuals offer very poor advice. My rule of thumb: be very wary of the pre-med forums, seek out individuals in the field you are interested in (students, admission advisors, working professionals), and recognize the path towards professional school is intended to be unique to you! There is not a list of generic boxes you can check that will shuttle you right into medical school.
What was your favorite thing about being a UW Bothell Husky?
Without a doubt it was the people of UWB: from my peers, to my advisors, to the instructors, I always felt supported and empowered. The intimate learning environment provided me a space to grow, both academically and individually. UWB granted me the resources of a large university nestled into a quiet, personal community allowing me to develop into the person I am today.
If you could go back to your first day at UWB, what advice would you give yourself?
Being a young college student, you face the unfortunate reality of trying to decide where your life is heading without the experience to wholeheartedly make that decision. The place you currently sit is as much about exploration as it is about progressing to the next step of your life. With that, please be open and excited for your undifferentiated future, lean into the unknown and embrace the opportunities that come with it. Although it is anxiety-provoking, this is an exciting time where you likely have more freedom to choose and change than any other time to come.
Thank you, Casey!