Pre-Professional Advisors: They Can Help You Get Where You Want to Go

Britt Johnson - Pre-Law

Kristina Gacutan - Pre-Health Professions

Pre-Health Professions:

by Kristina Gacutan

Hello. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kristina Gacutan, and I am the new pre-health professions advisor for UCSB's College of Letters and Science. I am replacing Dr. Paula Bruice, who has decided to return to teaching full-time in the Department of Chemistry.

My first encounter with UC Santa Barbara was as a pre-medical transfer student and a biopsychology major. During my undergraduate career, I spent a year and a half volunteering at the Oakland Children's Hospital and completed research under the mentorship of a faculty member in the Department of Psychology. After receiving my bachelor of science degree in biopsychology, I worked as an academic advisor in both the College of Engineering and the Department of Economics. I was delighted to be appointed to this position within the College of Letters and Science, which involves both mainstream advising in the college office and responsibility for pre-health professions advising.

As the pre-health professions advisor, I will assist students in their academic planning in order to ensure that they meet prerequisites for specific programs, in addition to helping students throughout the application process. One important component of the application process is the letters of recommendation. Because medical school continues to be highly competitive, establishing strong relationships with faculty is very important, so that the professor will not only have the ability to attest to the student's academic achievement and motivation, but may also be able to provide insight on the student's suitability for a medical career. One of the many benefits of the L&S Honors Program is the opportunity it provides for students to establish mentorship relationships with faculty.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind if you plan on a career in medicine or the health professions:

1. Choose a major that you enjoy! It is true that medical school requires a year of general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, and English; however, it is not necessary to be a biological sciences major. Keep in mind that medical programs are looking for candidates who are well-rounded, so take a broad range of electives and general education courses. And chances are, if you enjoy your major, you will excel academically, leading to that essential high GPA. It is also wise to remember that not all students are admitted to a medical program. In the end, your major may serve as an alternate career path.
2. Start your academic planning early. Since most health professions do require lower-division science courses, it is important to begin these courses your freshman year. Unfortunately, some of the prerequisites are only offered during specific quarters (e.g. MCDB 1A and 1B, and EEMB 2 and 3). In order to keep your schedule manageable, you must plan your course schedule ahead of time. This will also provide flexibility at the upper-division level, enabling you to explore courses that you find intriguing.
3. Gain volunteer and/or research experience. Medical programs are looking for applicants who truly care for their community and have a desire to improve the quality of life for the people they serve. Volunteer work, especially clinical work, gives students the opportunity to explore a career in the health professions and gain insight on the day-to-day activities that take place in the field. It is also recommended that students take advantage of research opportunities with faculty. Not only does this help strengthen your relationship with a faculty member, but it also enables you to acquire skills that are necessary in becoming a successful physician, such as critical thinking and analysis.

Although I have touched on some useful tips in navigating through your preparation for a health-professions program, I encourage anyone interested in pursuing such a career path to make an appointment to meet with me. I may not have all the answers, but two heads are better than one, and I assure you that I will help in any way I'm able. I wish you all the best in Spring 2005!

To make an appointment with the pre-health or pre-law advisor, call 805-893-3201 or stop by the College of Letters and Science, 1117 Cheadle Hall.

^ top