Preparing Tomorrow’s Health Leaders
How USD’s Pre-Health Advising Program Fuels Student Success Through Guidance and Mentorship
Embarking on a pre-health track is a daunting task for any university student — it can be complicated, difficult and overwhelming. But for University of San Diego students passionate about health and medicine, the College of Arts and Sciences offers a Pre-Health Advising program that eases those concerns by combining academic preparation with individualized support.
At the heart of the program, you will find Cassandra Gomez, MPH, the director of Pre-Health Advising at USD. With an educational background in public health and a commitment to student success, Gomez carefully guides Toreros through every step of their pre-health journey. From recommending courses to helping students craft personal statements, she ensures students receive both academic and personal support.
The opportunities for success through Pre-Health Advising are boundless. While not a major or minor, the pre-health track equips students with the knowledge needed to pursue programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, public health and more.
“It’s important for students to know all their options within health careers and to have an open mind,” Gomez explains. “Additionally, creating a plan for the future in terms of courses, activities to pursue and an application timeline is an important part of Pre-Health Advising. It is often said that the road to medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, a plan and the ability to be flexible.”
Myth vs. Reality
MYTH: You must apply to medical school straight out of college.
REALITY: Many medical schools are looking for students with work and/or life experience. Taking time between undergraduate and medical school to gain experience strengthens an application.
MYTH: You must be a science major to apply for medical school or stand out to admissions committees.
REALITY: Major is not a factor in admissions. Students must do well in their science prerequisites, but don’t have to major in a science. It is more important that students choose a major that they will enjoy and succeed in.
MYTH: You have to apply on the first day applications open to be competitive.
REALITY: Many students believe that in order to be competitive, you must apply on the first day. However, this type of thinking can result in a rushed, incomplete or flawed application, which will be rejected no matter how competitive the applicant is. It is better to take the extra time if needed to review, edit, receive feedback and polish your application before submitting.
Gomez plays an integral role in mentoring students as they build a roadmap to achieve their goals. Supporting students is deeply meaningful for her and serves as a driving force behind her work.
Gomez oversees one of USD’s available internships for pre-health students — the Health Equities Fellows Program. This program teaches students about health inequities in the San Diego region, offering a lens to better understand the state of health in the country. For students interested in gaining clinical experience, a clinical internship program at Scripps Mercy Hospital offers a shadowing experience alongside physicians, providing an immersive opportunity for aspiring medical practitioners.
Pre-Health Advising at USD works closely with campus partners such as the Career Development Center to prepare students for graduate school applications and interviews. It also offers peer mentorship through the Pre-Health Mentor Program, which pairs upperclassmen with first-year students in pre-health, creating a supportive network of guidance.
Whether in a lab, clinic or community health setting, USD’s pre-health students graduate with a well-rounded and fully developed perspective on healthcare. Pre-Health Advising emphasizes more than just science. Students also learn important life skills in terms of developing a strong work ethic and sense of community.
“I think it is important for students to know all their options within health careers and to have an open mind.”
“I encourage students to stay on their path, meaning [they shouldn’t] get caught up in comparing themselves to others,” Gomez states. “Everyone’s path is different, and if you compare, you will despair. Diligence and perseverance are important, since it can be a long road. I am also a firm believer in pre-health students supporting each other and creating community instead of treating it as competition.”
Gomez stays in touch with former advisees long after they graduate and enjoys hearing about their successes in the medical world. “Recently, I got to catch up with alumnus Thomas Polveroni, who graduated in 2017 and attended medical school at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. He’s halfway through his diagnostic radiology training at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles and applying for an interventional radiology fellowship. He and his wife had a baby girl in September and plan to move back to San Diego to practice,” says Gomez. “I’m so happy for him.”
At USD, Pre-Health Advising empowers students to pursue their goals with clarity and confidence. Through expert mentorship, academic resources and real-world experiences, graduates are well-prepared for the demands of healthcare and the opportunities that lie ahead.