Mapping Out Your Application Narrative

Nate is a student at the USC Keck/Caltech MD-PhD Program, having completed the preclinical years of his medical education, and is beginning his first year of the USC Neurosciences Graduate Program with interest in functional neuroimaging. He graduated magna cum laude in 2019 with a Bachelor’s in Health Promotion and a Master’s of Science in Global Medicines as a Trustee Scholar, having received a full-ride merit scholarship to attend USC. During his gap year, he worked as a clinical research coordinator at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in endocrinology and neonatology. He is strongly interested in a career in a pediatric subspecialty. Since beginning medical school, he has served three years on the Evaluations and Selections committee and one year on the Admissions and Recruitment committee. Additionally, he has held several leadership roles at the medical school, including Student Body President, and served on the board of the LGBTQ+ medical student interest group. During his medical school tenure, he participated in the NIH-funded USC/CHLA Summer Oncology Research Fellowship and was recognized as a UH Guild-Darlene Dufau Reid Endowed Scholar for his future potential in the field of oncology. He has acted formally and informally as a mentor to dozens of students interested in STEM and the pre-health fields since his undergraduate.

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Elle has an extensive background in veterinary medicine. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Virginia Tech. Her love for animals and passion for science then led her to the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her DVM. During her time at the college, she gained experience in the small animal anesthesia department, represented Bayer Animal Health as a student representative, and was a member of the prestigious Phi Zeta honor society.After completing her studies, Elle underwent a year-long small animal medicine and surgical internship at VCA West Los Angeles. Elle went into residency in small animal internal medicine at Iowa State University. Her dedication and commitment to her profession are evident in her achievement of diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.