Successful Applicants—Podiatry

2022 Matriculants

Name: Rochelle Greenberg
Major: Biochemistry & Studio Art
Overall GPA: 3.77
Graduation Year: 2022
Matriculation Year: 2022

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: New York College of Podiatric Medicine

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: Podiatric medicine offered me the unique opportunity to apply my scientific knowledge in real life and work with my hands to directly heal patients. Being with patients from the start to the end of their treatment in a more intimate multidimensional relationship solidified my desire to become a podiatrist.

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I pursued various activities outside of class. Along with clinical experience and various research opportunities, I enjoyed community service. Some of the organizations I volunteered for were BioBus, Crime Victims Treatment Center, Hunter Hillel, and UniBuddy. I actively worked with the Pre-Health Office with events and mentoring.

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: Around 20 hours per week, more if exams were near.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes. Princeton Review.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: No.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: My strengths in my application were my GPA, my extracurricular activities that aimed to serve underserved communities, and my passion to pursue a career in health care.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office guided me through my entire process step by step and was my support system. They assisted me in every aspect of my decision-making and application process. They are an extremely valuable source of community and trust for which I will be forever gratitude. In addition to my application, the office served as support throughout my entire academic career at Hunter College.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: Reach out to the Pre-Health Office and get to know them! They are not only there for your application, but they are also an invaluable source of information and community. Medicine is a broad field, where each path is different for everyone. Do not be afraid to explore the extent of the field before committing to a pathway, which is why as much clinical experience as possible is necessary.

2019 Matriculants

Name: Nayab Khan
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Political Science
Overall GPA: N/A
Graduation Year: 2017
Matriculation Year: 2019

Q: Which school will you be attending?
A: New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

Q: What drew you to this particular health field?
A: I was drawn to podiatry for two reasons. The first was that I have always been interested in surgery. When you graduate from podiatric medical school, your residency is in foot and ankle surgery. This was a big draw for me because I have always had a desire to positively impact the lives of others while being intellectually engaged and constantly challenged. Foot and ankle surgery would definitely account for that. Also, the residency is traditionally three years because it is specialized. From the get-go I will be honing a precise skill set within a shorter amount of time than a general surgical residency because I am focusing on the foot and ankle clinically from my third year during clinical rotations onward.

My second reason is that the field of podiatry is dynamic. I can specialize in sports medicine working with a sports team, trauma, wound care, poopediatric (working with children), etc. While I can specialize in podiatry, I treat the whole patient while evaluating the foot and ankle. Pain in the lower extremities does not always originate in the lower extremities. Therefore, from a diagnostic point of view, I will have to piece together all of the symptoms to hopefully provide lifesaving, life-prolonging or even just pain-relieving treatment. I hope this will help anyone else interested in podiatry!

Q: What extracurriculars did you participate in?
A: I participated in a multitude of extracurriculars during my time at Hunter—Pre-Health Organization, President, Treasurer; Auxiliary Enterprise Corporation, Elected Member Undergraduate Student Government; Scholar Bridges: The Hunter College Honors Scholars Leadership Council, Member; Hunter College Model United Nations, Head Delegate/Teaching Assistant, Member; Organic Chemistry Workshop Leader with Dr. Phillips—Hunter College; Food Pantry Volunteer, LSA Family Health Service, Harlem, NY; Research Assistant, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Xiu-Min Li Lab; Volunteer/Shadow, Dr. Salamat Majeed, M.D., Floral Park Medical Care, and Volunteer/Shadow, Dr. Rahul Patel, D.P.M., Manhattan, NY

Q: How many hours on average did you spend studying for your courses per week?
A: On average, I studied anywhere from 20 to 30 hours a week depending on my exam schedule and classwork.

Q: Did you use a test prep course?
A: Yes, I used ExamKrackers. I thought it was helpful, but studying for the MCAT is honestly about being focused and dedicated, so one could study for it with or without a test prep company.

Q: Did you take a GAP year? If so, why?
A: I definitely took a year and a half gap. Personally, I knew I needed to evaluate which road in medicine I wanted to pursue and think about my future. Taking the extra time to prepare ensured that my decision to pursue podiatry was the right one and helped me to take a breath after being on the go all four years at Hunter.

Q: What do you consider to be your strengths in your application?
A: I think my strengths were my leadership skills showcased throughout my extracurriculars, my research and my letters of recommendation. In terms of leadership skill, I believe leadership skills often go hand-in-hand with strong communication skills. Communication is an essential skill for doctors and, therefore, an important strength in a prospective medical student. In terms of research, I am published and have been active in research since high school.

From my perspective, research is a form of diagnosis. In my case, I was investigating different approaches to inhibiting the inflammatory response in allergies. Finally, in terms of recommendations, I am incredibly grateful to my recommenders and what they highlighted. Recommendations add the human aspect into the admissions eye which can really make a difference.

Q: Did you apply nationally?
A: No, I applied in the Northeast only.

Q: How did the Pre-Health Advising Office help you achieve your goals?
A: The Pre-Health Office was one of my two biggest supporters during this process; the other was Dr. Klein who is Director of the Yalow Scholars Program. From my freshman year, both have been instrumental in ensuring I had all the tools and information needed to succeed. Kemile Jackson worked with me to find a field in medicine I would not only thrive in but enjoy as well. They checked my applications, provided me with constructive feedback and hosted an informational event from my school that led me on this path. I think the biggest obstacle to my success is not being informed and the Pre-Health office made sure I was informed all of the required events, from the information sessions to the Doctor Speaker Series.

Q: What advice do you have for others?
A: I would say my best advice is to ask questions! Anything you are unsure about definitely Google to become somewhat informed but then ask in person what you don't understand. Then compile all of your information in a Google doc. As cheesy as it sounds, knowledge is power. Being aware of the GPA, MCAT, and extracurricular requirements needed is vital to becoming a successful applicant for your intended path.

Having a physical representation of the steps you need to take in, let's say, a Google doc, may help you visualize your goal, which is imperative. I know it can be confusing, especially when you are just a freshman, but that's why you network, speak to upperclassmen, and utilize the services of the Pre-Health Office. If you are interested in something specific, that's even better, because then you should become an expert in everything it takes to achieve that goal.