Testimonials

The impact that MED has on my status as a student, professional and future physician is life-changing. The main advocators that helped me along my journey into medical school were Mr. Claudis Polk and Ms. Lisa Long. Knowing the history of MED and knowing that the directors stand with the greats that helped establish and foster MED such as Evelyn McCarthy, Larry Keith, and Cedric Bright, MD is a hard task to follow. But both of them have a natural ability and gift to understand students; the mindset to help others, the love of medicine and being able to mentor students under the pressure and volume of the rigors simulating medical school; creating great physician starts with MED.

MED works the student academically with courses such as biochemistry, microbiology, histology, gross anatomy and physiology. The professors love to teach, by making the student use critical thinking; make judgements calls similar to a physician, challenging us by thinking outside the box and being able to apply disease and treatment options. MED honestly prepares every student for the next level. MED is more than a program preparing you for the difficulties in medical school. You gain something so invaluable which is a family. For some students MED is the only pathway to prove to schools and themselves that they have what it takes to be the future leader they envision. MED creates an environment to thrive with like-minded individuals, creating a community willing to help, love and nurture. — Anthony Albornoz MED’23, Howard University College of Medicine Class of 2028

I wholeheartedly believe that participation in the MED program changed the trajectory of my life. Just prior to applying to this coveted program, I had apprehensions about my ability to successfully enter the dental profession due to my relatively late start. Nevertheless, this MED family carried enough faith for the both of us. They gave me the confidence to courageously pursue the unfamiliar prerequisites as a first-generation college student. It was this reinforced grit that pushed me to matriculate into dental school. I have no doubt that the skills gained from MED are the reason I went on to become the first African American woman to graduate with a 4.0 GPA in the UNC School of Dentistry’s 72-year history. My MED family has taught me that it takes a village to pursue a career in healthcare. With much gratitude, I look forward to the day I can pay it forward. — Beatrice Williams, DDS, MED ‘16

The UNC MED program has profoundly impacted me, providing a robust foundation in medical knowledge and clinical skills. The diverse and inclusive environment has fostered my growth both professionally and personally. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship from distinguished faculty, I have developed a deeper understanding of medicine and academic excellence. This program has equipped me with the confidence and competence to excel in my medical career and make meaningful contributions to the healthcare community. — Anis El-Marzouki, MED ’18, UNC School of Medicine Class of 2025

My experience during the Medical Education Development Program in summer 2022 at UNC-Chapel Hill enabled me to incorporate different learning methods to master content taught in the first-year medical school curriculum and be persistent with the cycle of learning, revising, and practicing to keep up with the study load. The resilience I built during MED to face challenges courageously and committedly is what I have been carrying forward with me as a first-year medical student at PCOM. The structured summer curriculum which involved mastering new material at the level of professional education and attending weekly seminars by physicians on topics such as cultural competency, rural health, and test-taking skills truly sparked a period of personal growth within me. — Anjali Saji, MED ’22, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2027

MED was an excellent summer enrichment program that both prepared me for my first year of medical school and helped my application for medical school. MED simulated the first several weeks of several medical school classes, including a cadaver lab for anatomy & physiology. I gained knowledge, confidence, study skills, and friendships. I would recommend the MED to any serious student interested in applying to medical or dental school. — Chamaine Brooks-Locklear, MD, MED ‘03

I am grateful to have done MED because I was given a reality check as to what it takes to enter a health profession like medicine or dentistry in my case. The academic rigors are very much akin to what I am currently facing in my first year of dental school. I am especially grateful that I was exposed to pre-clinical dental lab work and course material that gave me a foundation and confidence entering dental school as our hand skills are just as important as our knowledge of the biomedical sciences. I struggled to juggle MED and financial hardships that summer, but I was supported by TAs and faculty all the way through. Despite this, my faith in the Lord was strengthened through these trials, I took the DAT, applied, and got into my dream school where I now serve as Class President. — Raymond Tunoa-Scanlan, Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry Class of ‘27

As a first-generation college graduate and nontraditional applicant, I participated in MED to prove to myself that I could handle the rigor of medical school. However, the program exceeded my expectations. It provided experiences that went beyond anything I had anticipated. I gained specific exposure that effectively developed my abilities to think critically, nurture a supportive community, and manage stress.

Peer coaches were invaluable allies, helping me enhance my study strategies, offering reassurance when I was overwhelmed, and providing candid advice during my ongoing medical school application process. I have the utmost gratitude for the program directors, faculty, staff, TAs, and past MED alumni. Everyone who made UNC MED possible genuinely cared and extended themselves to every single student in our cohort. — Julia Hoang, MED ‘23

With the guidance and support of the TAs and staff at MED, I feel more confident about tackling the rigorous curriculum in medical school. Before completing MED, I was always nervous about my academic abilities especially from difficult classes during undergrad. After completing MED, I have now gained a new sense of confidence, discipline, and knowledge about my academic capabilities. I was able to try different study strategies, so I could learn what strategies worked best for me. Outside of academics, I have also gained lifelong friends and a new support network that I plan on carrying with me well into the future. — Allison Tu, MED ’23, UNC Class of 2024

The MED program was a truly transformative experience for me. It not only gave me valuable insights into what it takes to excel in medical school but also helped me realize my potential.

From the very first day, I was impressed by the level of professionalism and dedication that the faculty, TAs, and staff demonstrated. They were always available to answer my questions, provide guidance and support, and offer valuable feedback on my work. I was also impressed by the caliber of my fellow students, who came from diverse backgrounds and brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.

I am deeply grateful to the MED program for affording me the opportunity to foster lifelong friendships, receive mentorship, and connect with classmates who have become an indispensable part of my professional network. I feel deeply privileged and empowered by the invaluable experiences that I have gained. — Betelihem Mebrahtu MED’23

Coming from an orphanage, I was the first one of 20,000 children to graduate a 4-year university, so going to medical school was definitely a shot in the dark. The MED program first and foremost provided me with needed guidance on how to accomplish my goal of becoming a doctor. I was lost in this process with no one to turn to for support and didn’t even know which questions to ask. MED gave me access to wonderful mentors and resources. Although rigorous and exhausting at times the MED program not only gave me an introductory knowledge base for medical school but provided me with the confidence I needed to continue on this journey. This journey has been long and tumultuous, but the MED program gave me a strong foundation and I still reflect on my time there. I was also lucky enough to start medical school with a fellow MEDer, we have leaned on each other throughout the four years of medical school and both are now about to graduate from our program as physicians. — Miranda Teixeira MED’19, Eastern Virginia Medical School Class of 2024

The medical educational program provided an outstanding environment and thoroughly prepared me for the rigors I faced in medical school. It pushed me to develop advanced study skills, exposed me to mentors I still use now, and provided an excellent support system. MED prepares students for medical school and beyond. — Dillon Strepay, MD, MED ’17, UNC School of Medicine Class of 2024

Participating in the MED program was the highlight of my pre-professional training.  Being immersed in a positive culture of “You can, and WILL, do this” while being surrounded by similarly motivated students was a critical part of my development.  By succeeding in MED, I had irrefutable proof that I’d be able to succeed in dental school.  That confidence carried me all the way through residency and into practice.  I made life-long friends, I’ve gained life-long cheerleaders, and I’ve become exactly the doctor they knew I was capable of becoming. — Kevin Ricker, DDS, MED ‘07

UNC MED affirmed that I could not only get into medical school but excel once I matriculate into such a challenging environment. From the first MED lecture, I was exposed to medical knowledge I had never studied in college but proved to be crucial to my MCAT studying and my first year of medical school. Furthermore, the family-like network helped me through the rigorous MED curriculum and gave me a sense of belonging that has helped me combat a great deal of imposter syndrome. I even met MED alumni who continue to encourage me – I found out that my new PCP is an alumnus of the program as well! — Samuel Ndukwe MED ’21, Duke University School of Medicine Class of 2027

MED provided me with an entry into medicine that I could not have gotten anywhere else in the world. This program game me first hand experiences, education, contacts, and so much more that has helped me blossom into the future medical care provider that I aspire to become. In so many ways, MED has helped me begin my path into medicine and I will very fondly remember my days in the program. During my time in MED, I learned so much about foundational sciences, but also so much about what it means to practice medicine. In class and study groups, I made some life long friends along the way that share many of my goals and growth opportunities. Because of my time in MED, I have been provided with the tools that I need to become a successful medical student and provider as well. I am who I am today because of a summer that changed my life forever. — Dexter Hardy MED ’23, UNC School of Medicine Class of 2028

I count MED as my most formative experience on my journey to medicine. The MED program cultivated a rigorous learning environment that required me to unlock reservoirs of untapped potential. Simultaneously, MED provided me with a strong sense of belonging by fostering an environment of unconditional support that allowed me to thrive. Academically, I learned how to successfully adapt my test-taking strategies, employ efficient study methods, and critically reason through problems. Before MED, I struggled to balance the pace and rigor of my premedical courses. The academic support I received from my peer mentors, professors, and TAs enabled me to flourish in MED and beyond, ultimately, restoring my confidence in my ability to excel. Professionally, I was afforded the opportunity to interact with practicing physicians and gain invaluable insights into medical specialties and subspecialties. Personally, I grew in confidence and discipline alongside a community of compassionate, visionary, supportive individuals who I viewed as family by the end of summer. I am grateful for the lessons I learned in MED and feel prepared for medical school! — Pat Ben-Israel, MED ’22 (current Medical Assistant at Cary Dermatology Center

What a great opportunity!  I wouldn’t be where I am without participating in the MED program! — Jonathan Davis, MD Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, MED ‘02

MED was an extremely formative experience for me. Through MED, I honed my skills as a learner, made friendships and connections that I have to this day, and received the support and guidance I needed to navigate the medical school admissions process. Without Claudis, Lisa, and the rest of the amazing MED team I would not be where I am! — Ezan Chaudhry MED’21, UNC School of Medicine Class of 2026

I am thankful for my experience in MED. From the valuable study skills to the friendships formed, I am indebted to the MED faculty, staff, and TAs for their guidance and support. MED introduced me to a great network of professionals and students. The program also showed me the importance of having a support system, both academically and personally. MED has increased my strength and confidence as a student, and I feel more certain that I can handle the rigors of medical school. — Abeanju Talieh MED ‘23

MED was a life changer for me.  I was not always the best student, but the rigorous coursework gave me the realization that I can be a great student if I set my mind to it.  The classes gave me a real taste of dental school, but most of my memories are from interactions with other students and the staff of MED.  There are amazing people that teach, tutor, speak, and listen to you at this program.  They show you the reality of your situation, habits, and goals, but still give you a pathway to reach your destination.  You will be encouraged, molded, and built into a better student and applicant if you set your mind on becoming a more improved version of yourself. — Thomas Clifton, MED’23, Meharry Medical College Class of 2028

Undoubtedly, the UNC MED program has been the most significant contributor to boosting my confidence in pursuing a career in medicine. The unwavering support of professors, the kindness of teaching assistants, the guidance of program directors, the motivation from professional development courses, and the genuine camaraderie and love felt among peers propelled me to excel. This encouraged and furthered my dedication to the field and my enthusiasm for the subjects. What was once a childhood dream had transformed into a reality that I was not only excelling in but also enjoying.

This experience not only prepared me for my future as a physician by providing immersive learning and clinical exposure but also gave me essential real-world lessons. It taught me resilience, the importance of perseverance on even the most challenging days, and the significance of leaning on a support network. The individual sessions with mentors Claudis, Lisa, and my peer coach helped me refine my study habits and professional demeanor, fostering personal growth alongside academic achievement.

The most valuable lesson I gained from the MED program is the power of building a support system comprising of classmates, professors, mentors, and family. Initially focused on proving my educational capabilities to myself, I denied myself from forming deeper connections with those around me. — Rosemary Colen, MED’23