Your Expert, Guide, Cheerleader, Friend

Dr. Mabe's impressive academic achievements and commitment to helping aspiring medical students are evident through his educational background and mentoring experiences. Growing up in the mountains of northwestern North Carolina, he attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he earned a BS in biology with a minor in chemistry, graduating summa cum laude and with membership in Phi Kappa Phi.

Having completed his medical education at the UNC School of Medicine as a FIRST Scholar in just three years, Dr. Mabe is familiar with the challenges and opportunities faced by aspiring medical students. His experiences as a peer tutor and teaching assistant further add to his ability to guide students through the admissions process and help them achieve their dreams of becoming physicians.

Dr. Mabe has worked with many premedical students in varying capacities on their journey to medical school. He founded the Pre-Student Osteopathic Medical Association at UNC Charlotte and mentored pre-medical students at UNC Chapel Hill as a medical student. These experiences allowed him to "share the wealth" when it comes to schedule advising, personal statement writing, and interview preparation.

As an admissions consultant, Dr. Mabe excels in early candidacy building for pre-med students, end-to-end admissions counseling, and interview preparation. Additionally, he is skilled at empathizing with students and providing tailored guidance based on their individual needs and goals.

Dr. Laurente's journey to becoming a dentist began in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. She graduated from the University of Portland with a BS in biology, along with minors in neuroscience and chemistry. She discovered her passion for mentoring and teaching while working as a student tutor for biology and chemistry courses and as a teaching assistant in the microbiology labs. These experiences laid the foundation for her future role as a guide and mentor to aspiring dental students.

To gain hands-on experience in the dental field and confirm her career choice, Dr. Laurente worked as a receptionist in the front office and as a sterilization technician in the back office, gaining valuable information about the day-to-day operations of a dental practice. During this time, she also focused on crafting her dental school application. Dr. Laurente's dedication and thorough preparation paid off as she traveled across the country for numerous dental school interviews. Ultimately, she chose to attend Oregon Health & Sciences University, staying close to her roots in her home state of Oregon. 

Dr. Laurente’s firsthand experience with the application process and her success in securing a spot at a prestigious dental school have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide others through their own application journeys. As a coach, she excels at putting together a timeline and helping students stay organized, compose a winning personal statement, and prepare for interviews.

Dr. Scranton’s academic journey began at the University of California, Davis, where she earned a BS in animal science with a minor in global disease biology. Dr. Scranton's passion for veterinary medicine and mentoring stems from her extensive involvement in various academic and professional activities. During her undergraduate years, she was actively engaged in horse genetics research and held leadership positions in student organizations, such as the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. 

As the President of The Wildlife Society and the Founder and President of 27 Heartbeats at UC Davis, she demonstrated her commitment to animal welfare and global veterinary care. 27 Heartbeats was founded to provide veterinary supplies to animals at these sanctuaries around the world through Loop Abroad. She also worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic throughout her undergrad, along with volunteering at a cat sanctuary. Her international experiences in Thailand and Australia further broadened her perspective on veterinary practice in diverse settings.

In vet school, Dr. Scranton was the Class President of her cohort and was President of the Specialties Club, which helps students gain more insight into specialties such as nutrition, dermatology, ophthalmology, anesthesia, and toxicology. In this role, she facilitated and organized campus events such as lunch talks and wet labs. She was also a student ambassador for Royal Canin, a science-based pet food company. Her previous role as inventory coordinator for Knights Landing One Health Clinic demonstrates her commitment to community service and providing veterinary care to underserved populations.

As a counselor, Dr. Scranton's strengths include her comprehensive understanding of the veterinary school application process and her ability to provide practical insights into the field. Her experience as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic, coupled with her volunteer work at a cat sanctuary, gives her real-world knowledge to share with aspiring veterinarians. 

Dr. Scranton’s experience as a tutor during her undergraduate years ignited her passion for helping others achieve their goals. Understanding the stress associated with the veterinary school application process, Dr. Scranton is eager to serve as a support system for applicants, offering guidance and encouragement. As she continues her journey in veterinary medicine, Dr. Scranton remains dedicated to supporting and inspiring future veterinary professionals, helping them navigate the path to achieving their dreams in this rewarding field.

Throughout his years of intensive post-doctoral training, Dr. Sonnenberg demonstrated a commitment to excellence. He completed a General Practice Residency at Staten Island University Hospital, where he honed his skills in providing comprehensive dental care to a diverse patient population. Following this, he pursued a Pediatric Dentistry Residency at Woodhull Medical Center, further specializing in the specialized dental needs of children.

Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Sonnenberg is a strong advocate for mentorship within the dental profession. He recognizes that each individual possesses a set of talents and strengths, and he is committed to helping aspiring dentists identify and capitalize on these attributes. His belief in the power of mentorship as a tool for professional development drives him to assist others in achieving their goals and realizing their full potential.

Dr. Sonnenberg's multifaceted experiences, ranging from his educational achievements to his clinical practice and mentorship endeavors, have not only contributed to the advancement of the dental profession but also fostered a sense of community and support among aspiring professionals. With his impressive background, dedication to excellence, and passion for guiding others, he is an exceptional dentist and mentor, making a lasting impact on the field of dentistry.

Dr. Lopez completed both her undergraduate degree in biology and her veterinary training at Colorado State University. She graduated veterinary school Magna Cum Laude (class rank 2 of 129) with distinction. After graduating from veterinary school at the top of her class, she completed a 1-year rotating internship at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala. She was then accepted into a rigorous combined veterinary medicine residency and doctoral degree program at the University of Georgia. In this program, Dr. Lopez completed her Ph. D. in Comparative Biomedical Sciences, focusing on immunology while simultaneously obtaining specialty board certification in Large Animal Internal Medicine. 

Dr. Lopez then accepted a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at Midwestern University's College of Veterinary Medicine and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. She began working with the CDFA as the team lead for AUS's Surveys and Studies team, which aims to provide veterinarians and producers with evidence-based research to optimize antimicrobial use in food animals to mitigate the growing public health threat of antimicrobial resistance. 

 Dr. Lopez has taught or coordinated over 15 veterinary courses and clinical rotations, creating two pre-clinical electives and a 4th-year elective clinical rotation. During her tenure at MWU, she also contrived a program to help cultivate competent and confident veterinarians to enter food animal practice by enhancing veterinary student exposure to career prospects in rural food animal veterinary practice. She accomplished this by initiating a collaborative partnership with the Navajo Nation in which MWU provides veterinary care to the reservation's livestock. This program was funded by the USDA's Veterinary Services Grant Program. 

 As an Adjunct Associate Professor at MWU, Dr. Lopez conducts research to elucidate mechanisms of immune regulation to infectious diseases that impact both people and animals alike. This work is supported by a USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative award for over $450,000. Dr. Lopez routinely serves as a grant review panelist for these awards. Her published works can be found in various peer-reviewed scientific journals, including ImmunoHorizons (commissioned article), Journal of Visualized Experiments, Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology, Frontiers in Immunology, Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and Cancer Research. 

In addition to scientific publications, Dr. Lopez has routinely been invited to speak at national meetings and has given several continuing education and research presentations at conferences. She has also published on veterinary medicine topics in the journal In Practice and a book chapter in Comparative Veterinary Anatomy: Clinical Applications. 

 Dr. Lopez's merit is further highlighted by her commitment to influencing the profession and the public through her involvement in committees and outreach efforts. To inspire the future generation of scientists and diversify the veterinary-scientific workforce, Dr. Lopez established the MWU "This Is How We Roll" Committee—a program designed to expose underserved kids due to socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity to careers in veterinary science. Dr. Lopez actively supports the veterinary profession as an executive board member of the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists (AAVI), and the American Association of Immunologists Veterinary Immunology Committee and the Public Communications Committee. She is chair of ACVIM's Specialty Medicine Awareness Committee and is an associate editor of the Veterinary Medicine and Science journal. 

 Most notably, Dr. Lopez has extensive experience providing student mentorship and guidance. In addition to providing one-on-one research mentorship and laboratory training to veterinary students, she has or is presently serving on the committee for eight Masters of Biomedical Sciences students. As a faculty advisor for countless veterinary students, Dr. Lopez's enthusiasm for mentoring students is demonstrated by her providing these students with guidance in externship selection, crafting letters of intent, and supporting students through letters of recommendation, interview preparation, and contract negotiation. Dr. Lopez has mentored students with a broad range of career interests from small and large animal general or specialty veterinary practice, public health, and industry.

As a coach, Dr. Lopez is thrilled to continue to bolster her passion for working with students. She looks forward to collaborating with students to help them achieve their dreams and join her as her colleague in the veterinary medicine profession. 

Dr. Jones’s dedication to excellence led her to undertake a small animal rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City upon graduation from Ohio State. She then completed a small animal surgical residency at Michigan State University. Currently, Dr. Jones practices as a surgeon in a private clinic, where she applies her expertise to help animals in need. In addition to her clinical work, she also serves as a preceptor for veterinary students from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, guiding them through their educational journey and helping them develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Throughout her residency and current role in private practice, Dr. Jones has trained students and interns on surgery service, mentored numerous interns, and provided tutoring in anatomy during her veterinary school years. 

In addition to her clinical and mentoring work, Dr. Jones is a published researcher with notable contributions to the field of veterinary surgery. Her work on macroglossia in brachycephalic dogs and bladder exstrophy-epispadias in a female dog has been presented at several conferences both internationally and domestically, where she earned first and second-place accolades.

What sets her apart as a coach is her comprehensive understanding of the application process from multiple perspectives. With firsthand experience applying to veterinary school, navigating internship and residency matches, and evaluating applications herself, Dr. Jones brings a unique insight into crafting standout applications and addressing potential red flags

Dr. Jones' passion for leading the next generation of veterinarians is evident in her dedication to helping aspiring professionals recognize their strengths and translate them into action. Her greatest strength lies in her exceptional organizational skills, ability to stay on top of tasks, and a deep understanding of the application process.

Dr. Kitting's journey in the field of veterinary medicine began at Delaware Valley University, where she received a BS in animal science. During her time at DelVal, her exceptional academic performance and dedication to the field were recognized through numerous accolades and scholarships, both locally and nationally. Dr. Kitting demonstrated a high proficiency in animal sciences, with a particular emphasis on large-scale animal agriculture and vertically integrated industries. Ultimately, Dr. Kitting's veterinary school of choice was the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where she received a generous recruitment scholarship.

Dr. Kitting's exceptional performance continued throughout her time at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where her outstanding achievements were recognized through several prestigious honors and awards. This included the Commonwealth One Health scholarship, a full-tuition scholarship awarded to one individual for their tremendous potential in the School of Veterinary Medicine and the veterinary profession.

Dr. Kitting was also awarded the Swine Proficiency Award, further highlighting her expertise and dedication to the field of swine production medicine. Additionally, she was recognized as a prominent upcoming young swine professional by the American Association of Swine Veterinarians Foundation and Merck Animal Health through their well-established veterinary student scholarship program.

Before becoming the Director of Swine Health at Seaboard Foods, Dr. Kitting was a swine production veterinarian, where she had a direct influence on approximately 85,000 commercial sows and one million growing pigs. Her involvement in the field extends beyond her professional role, as she is an active member of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and serves on the Animal Welfare Committee.

Driven by her passion for continuous learning and professional growth, Dr. Kitting has plans to pursue an MSc in Animal Welfare and Behavior from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Furthermore, she aims to pursue board certification from the American College of Animal Welfare, further solidifying her expertise and commitment to advancing animal welfare standards in the industry.

Dr. Dominy's academic journey led her to UPenn, where she pursued a major in biomedical engineering and a minor in engineering entrepreneurship. Her passion for teaching and computer science was evident through her role as a teaching assistant in the computer science department. During her time at UPenn, Dr. Dominy involved herself in various projects within the med-tech space.  She’s the co-founder and developer of a patient education app that provides information to patients about their upcoming medical procedures. Additionally, she worked at a pediatric oncology data science lab at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, leveraging large datasets to write algorithms for analyzing antibiotic resistance in solid cancer patients.

Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. Dominy worked with a team on a year-long project to create a prototype strategy and go-to-market plan for an ingestible device designed to collect images of a patient's gastrointestinal tract for diagnostic purposes. Her senior thesis in biomedical engineering focused on the history of intrauterine device development and future strategies to improve the field, demonstrating her ability to critically analyze and propose innovative solutions.

During her time at ISMMS, she conducted computational clinical research, utilizing machine learning techniques to predict pediatric vs. adult cancer outcomes and employing natural language processing to understand patient perspectives on various aspects of healthcare across social media platforms. Her in-depth research has resulted in numerous first-author publications and presentations at both national and international conferences.

Dr. Dominy's innovative spirit and commitment to women's health were recognized when she and a co-founder were awarded the Women's Impact Award from the Diversity Innovation Hub at Mount Sinai for their project, 3iuD. This groundbreaking project involves the development of a 3D-printed intrauterine contraceptive device that is custom-designed and fitted to an individual's uterus using transvaginal ultrasound technology. Dr. Dominy is currently in the process of building a team and developing a prototype for this revolutionary device.

Alongside her research endeavors, Dr. Dominy dedicated her time to volunteering at Mount Sinai's multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic, which provides integrative, multi-specialty care for cerebral palsy patients and their families. She assisted providers clinically and facilitated the distribution and administration of research surveys to patients and their families.

Dr. Dominy’s ultimate goal is to become a pediatric cardiologist who combines large-data clinical research with collaborations with device companies in the cardiology space. Her experience working in the medical school admissions office at ISMMS has provided her with what top medical schools seek in applicants. As a creative problem solver, Dr. Dominy is well-equipped to work with students from all backgrounds and experiences, helping them craft compelling applications that highlight their stories.

With a Bachelor of Science degree with Honors from the University of North Dakota, Dr. Dutt exemplifies academic excellence. As an Honors Program graduate, he was part of a community of motivated peers and engaging faculty, developing essential life skills such as critical thinking, civic engagement, and effective communication. This foundation prepared him to be a leader in his field.

After graduation from dental school, Dr. Dutt began a comprehensive Navy dental credentialing tour at the USS Osborne Dental Clinic in North Chicago, gaining expertise in various dental disciplines. Demonstrating proficiency in Prosthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, and Oral Diagnosis, he developed a versatile skill set and a commitment to excellence in patient care.

Following his time in Illinois, Dr. Dutt was assigned to the Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor in Washington. There, he optimized dental health for thousands of warfighters, showcasing a strong dedication to process improvement. Currently on the path to opening a private practice in the Seattle metropolitan area, he brings a blend of clinical expertise and business acumen to his coaching role.

Passionate about coaching, Dr. Dutt has successfully guided students through the dental school application process, taking pride in witnessing their achievements and contributions to the dental field. His commitment to excellence, leadership skills, and hands-on experience make him an invaluable resource for candidates navigating the dental school application journey.

 Dr. Bianchi’s academic journey began at UC Davis, where she graduated magna cum laude with a BS in animal science and a minor in Italian. During her undergraduate years, Dr. Bianchi demonstrated a strong commitment to research and community service. She was involved in two research labs, working on correlating CRISPR knockout mouse model phenotypes to human-associated diseases and studying how certain feed additives can mitigate greenhouse gasses produced by dairy cattle. Her research efforts culminated in a presentation at an undergraduate research conference and the completion of a manuscript.

During this time, Dr. Bianchi's passion for veterinary medicine extended beyond the classroom. She was heavily involved with a student-run veterinary clinic providing free services for the pets of homeless individuals and co-founded a club to collect and donate veterinary medical supplies to underprivileged clinics abroad. Her hands-on experience includes working as a technician at a specialty hospital and gaining exposure to wildlife veterinary care during a summer internship in Australia.

In vet school, Dr. Bianchi also served as President of the Mercer Veterinary Clinic for Pets of the Homeless and Vice President for the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bianchi spent a summer conducting orthopedic research on a specific breed of dog that suffers from a disorder called chondrodystrophy. She was also the recipient of the Students Training in Advanced Research (STAR) Award, allowing her to receive grants to conduct her own research project.

Dr. Bianchi's academic achievements and contributions to the field have been recognized through various honors. She was awarded the AJVR Outstanding Student Manuscript Award, demonstrating her exceptional research and writing skills. She has helped many veterinary students get into vet school nationwide and internationally. Her strengths lie in helping students effectively navigate the VMCAS application cycle, including essay writing and interview preparation. 

Dr. Bianchi’s experience with the veterinary school application process makes her a valuable resource for aspiring veterinary students. She is passionate about helping the incoming generation of veterinary doctors and is eager to share her knowledge and insights to help others navigate the application process successfully.

Dr. Fang began his academic journey in biomedical engineering at Duke University Pratt School of Engineering before earning his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine. His academic excellence in college led to his induction into the Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society.

While pursuing his medical degree, Charles developed a keen interest in vascular biology, leading him to further explore this area through extensive research on the VEGFR2 receptor pathway. His valuable contribution was acknowledged with the prestigious Surgical Skills Award and the Eugene Stead Research Scholarship. Following his passion for vascular biology, he completed his residency training in Vascular Surgery at the University of Massachusetts.

Today, Charles applies his knowledge and skills in the New York City area, where he has built a successful career as a wound physician. His dedication to his field, combined with his rigorous academic background, makes him a source of knowledge for aspiring medical students. As an admissions coach, he is committed to sharing his insights and experiences to help students navigate the complex medical school admissions process.

A native of Springfield, Illinois, Dr. Young is the first in a generation to earn a doctorate. She pursued her BS at Iowa State University, where she studied pre-veterinary animal science and enjoyed undergraduate student research. Dr. Young also completed a research internship at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she studied microbiology and discovered her interest in a career in veterinary public health. During vet school, she returned to Harvard as a population research and data analytics intern for nearly two years. 

While at Iowa State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Young completed an MPH through the University of Iowa and was employed by the Center for Food Security and Public Health. She additionally held multiple leadership positions within the college, including President of the Iowa State Chapter of the Student American Veterinary Medicine Association (SAVMA) and Student Senator for the Iowa State University’s Student Government. 

Dr. Young’s clinical experience was diversified with externships in comparative and lab animal medicine at Stanford University, Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, and the Salk Institute.

Outside of her research interests, Dr. Young is heavily involved in organized veterinary medicine. She enjoys advocating for the veterinary profession, both locally and nationally. Recently, Dr. Young was invited to the AVMA “fly-in” in Washington DC, where she met with congress members to discuss legislation pertinent to the veterinary profession. She has continued this work locally as an AVMA Ambassador. 

Through her PhD program, Dr. Young aspires to bridge animal and human health by studying zoonotic diseases, ultimately improving global health and bolstering pandemic preparedness.  By investigating innate antiviral responses, she hopes to identify the immunological mechanisms that allow animals to evade virulent viruses.

Dr. Young has exemplified her dedication to mentorship throughout her educational career. Acting as a coach, teaching assistant, and mentor, she has successfully guided students through and beyond the path to veterinary school In her free time, she volunteers as a virtual science educator, leveraging her expertise to spark scientific curiosity among students of diverse backgrounds and ages.

Dr. Young has created an expansive network through her diverse experiences and leadership in veterinary medicine and is excited by the opportunity to empower aspiring students to achieve their dream of becoming veterinarians. Dr. Young is passionate about making the veterinary school application process manageable, transparent, and accessible for all. 

Born and raised in Connecticut, Dr. Loughran earned her BS in biology at Sacred Heart University, laying the foundation for her future in veterinary medicine. During and after her undergraduate studies, Dr. Loughran gained experience in the equestrian world, teaching horseback riding lessons and riding at various barns throughout Fairfield County. Her interest in veterinary medicine was solidified through her role as a surgery and anesthesia technician at a small animal referral hospital, where she enjoyed watching and scrubbing in for orthopedic surgeries.

Before attending veterinary school, Dr. Loughran completed a summer externship at a local private zoological conservation center and spent numerous hours riding in the equine ambulatory truck, gaining hands-on experience in equine medicine. 

During veterinary school, Dr. Loughran was awarded the Dean's Achievement Award every year, demonstrating her academic excellence and dedication to her studies. After completing her studies, Dr. Loughran moved back East to complete an equine veterinary internship and equine surgery residency. 

As a mentor, Dr. Loughran brings her blend of equine experience, veterinary knowledge, and passion for mentorship to guide aspiring veterinary students through the application process. Her strengths include crafting the quintessential personal statement and developing the communication skills necessary to prepare students for any interview question that may come their way.

With her extensive experience in equine medicine, surgery, and anesthesia, Dr. Loughran is well-positioned to support students through the challenges of the veterinary school application process. Her approach emphasizes the importance of streamlining the process, ensuring each student presents their best self to admissions committees.

While at the University of Florida, Dr. Woods was actively involved with a clinical pathology lab, focusing on her interest in small animal medicine, particularly urgent care cases. Dr. Woods’ professional experience spans various sectors of animal care, including small animal emergency settings, general practice clinics, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. This diverse background provides her with a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of veterinary medicine, which she leverages to guide aspiring veterinarians. 

As a consultant, Dr. Woods’ greatest strengths lie in her exceptional organizational skills, adaptability, and efficiency—traits honed through her current role in emergency medicine. She excels at helping applicants optimize their resources and time management, ensuring they present the strongest possible applications. Her involvement with the interview panel at her veterinary school has also equipped her with insider tips for conducting mock interviews.

Beyond her academic and clinical pursuits, Dr. Woods is passionate about helping aspiring veterinary students navigate the challenging and time-consuming application process. Having experienced the stress of this journey firsthand, she empathizes deeply with the difficulties faced by applicants and is committed to supporting them in every possible way.

Dr. Woods’ approach to consulting is highly personalized. She prefers working with one applicant at a time, allowing for intensive, one-on-one guidance. Dr. Woods is a supportive guide who excels at recognizing and highlighting each applicant's strengths, helping them present the best version of themselves to admissions committees.

With her academic excellence, practical experience across various veterinary settings, and genuine passion for mentoring, Dr. Woods is well-equipped to guide aspiring veterinary students through every step of their journey, from crafting compelling applications to preparing for interviews and beyond.

Before dental school, Dr. Helvey completed his Bachelor of Science in nutritional sciences at the University of Florida. Following his completion of his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry, he plans to join a private practice in Central Florida as an associate Dentist.

Dr. Helvey is passionate about helping applicants define, depict, and deliver their stories through their applications and interviews. He believes that every applicant has a story to tell beyond their academic achievements, and he works closely with his students to help them articulate their experiences, passions, and potential as future dental professionals.

Dr. Helvey's greatest strength as a mentor lies in his ability to provide individualized attention and support to each of his students. He collaborates with his students to develop customized plans that align with their goals, strengths, and challenges, empowering them with the confidence and skills they need to succeed in dental school and beyond.

In addition to his admissions committee experience, Dr. Helvey has a proven track record of success in tutoring dental students in both didactic and hands-on simulation lab courses. His commitment to his students extends far beyond the application process. He continues to offer guidance and support throughout their dental school journey and into their professional careers, ensuring their long-term success.

Dr. Savson's journey to becoming a veterinarian began with volunteering at small animal general practice and shelter facilities throughout high school. His interest in laboratory animal medicine was sparked during his undergraduate years at Grinnell College in Iowa, where he led projects at top institutions, including a neuroendocrine study in dragonflies at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute of theJanelia Farm Research Campus, and several entomology projects related to nutrient cycling at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

After completing his Bachelor's degree in biology at Grinnell College, Dr. Savson worked as a veterinary nurse for the Laboratory Animal Resource Center at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), gaining experience with a variety of species, including rodents, pigs, birds, ferrets, rabbits, non-human primates, and aquatic species.

Dr. Savson earned his veterinary degree from Oregon State University's Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. He was the only person in his class to secure a residency immediately following vet school, pursuing a three-year laboratory animal medicine residency at Cornell University. During his residency, he triaged and oversaw clinical care for a broad range of species used in teaching and research, and served on several committees, including selection committees for new residents and ASLAP summer fellows, as well as the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) Book Committee, which he continues to serve on.

Dr. Savson's research and case studies have been presented at numerous state and national conferences, and he has been recognized with awards at the Annual National AALAS meeting. His work has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Comparative Medicine, as well as several non-peer-reviewed journals.

As a mentor, Dr. Savson brings his passion for laboratory animal medicine and his experience in mentorship to guide aspiring veterinary students through the application process. He has provided direct clinical and career mentorship to undergraduate and veterinary students, veterinary residents, and research staff interested in pursuing DVM, MS, or PhD programs. 

Dr. Savson takes a tailored approach to mentorship, focusing on the individual's background and interests. Having received excellent mentorship in the past, he finds joy in paying it forward and helping prepare a new generation of professionals for a career in veterinary medicine. His expertise in laboratory animal medicine is complemented by his dual licensure in the states of New York and California.

Dr. Zarif attended the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, graduating magna cum laude with a  PharmD degree. He then attended Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he earned his medical degree while actively serving the North Philadelphia community. 

Before his fellowship, Dr. Zarif served as an attending physician in general surgery at New York Presbyterian, where he was part of the faculty at Columbia University Medical Center. His surgical training was completed at Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell on Manhattan's Upper East Side, where he distinguished himself as chief resident in his final year. During this time, he was actively involved in the Program Evaluation Committee and residency admissions, gaining insight into the selection process for surgical residents.

Dr. Zarif received additional training in basic microvascular techniques at Columbia University's microsurgery lab. He further honed his skills during a rotation with the Traumatology service at the world-famous Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD. His expertise spans a wide range of hand conditions, including trauma-related injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological issues, tendinopathy, arthritis, and vascular pathologies, with a focus on both operative and non-operative management.

His research interests focus on robotic surgical technology, perioperative outcomes, and resident-centered education. Dr. Zarif has presented his findings at several national meetings and published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Additionally, he has taught MCAT courses to Penn undergraduates and provided private one-on-one tutoring.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Zarif is passionate about resident advocacy and wellness. He is dedicated to helping surgical residents become productive and efficient while minimizing burnout, a critical issue in the demanding field of surgery.

Dr. Zarif’s approach to admissions counseling is holistic, believing that no single factor—be it a score or a particular school—should definitively keep an applicant out of contention. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of every opportunity and finding the right fit rather than focusing solely on prestigious names.

Dr. Plewa's educational journey began at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she graduated with a BS in kinesiology. This foundation in the study of human movement and function provided her with an interesting perspective on health and wellness that would later inform her approach to patient care. After completing her undergraduate degree, Dr. Plewa attended medical school at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine—Carolinas Campus. As a medical student, she demonstrated her commitment to mentoring and supporting her peers by mentoring first-year students.

Upon graduating from medical school, Dr. Plewa matched at New York-Presbyterian Queens - Weill Cornell Medicine for her general surgery residency, bringing her back to her roots in the Northeast. Her dedication to her craft and her leadership skills were quickly recognized within the program, leading to her nomination as a member of the Residency Council. In this role, she served as a liaison between the residents and administration, working to improve resident life and ensure that her colleagues had the support they needed to thrive.

Before pursuing her medical career, Dr. Plewa worked as a special education inclusion aid in a high school setting. In this role, she assisted students in keeping up with their coursework by hosting small group teaching sessions and tailoring her approach to meet each student's learning needs. This experience taught her the value of personalized attention and the importance of adapting to individual learning styles to foster success.

As a coach, Dr. Plewa brings her warm, approachable demeanor and her wealth of experience in mentoring and individualized support to help aspiring medical students achieve their goals. She understands the challenges and triumphs of the medical school journey firsthand and is committed to providing her students with the guidance, tools, and encouragement they need to succeed.

Dr. Akrobetu graduated with a 3.99 GPA from Davidson College, where he majored in biology and minored in chemistry. His outstanding academic performance and involvement in several research projects, including investigations into the genetics of mitochondrial morphology and glycopolymer scaffold synthesis, earned him grant funding to travel to the University of Dusseldorf in Germany for his research. His exceptional achievements in scientific research at the undergraduate level were recognized with the prestigious National Goldwater Scholarship.

After graduation, Dr. Akrobetu earned an MD from Duke University School of Medicine. During his time at Duke, he demonstrated strong leadership skills, serving as class president and spearheading an annual, year-long educational program for underprivileged high school students interested in medicine. His dedication to academic excellence and community engagement was evident in his medical school application, which received the highest possible rating from Davidson College in its internal review process.

As the first in his family to become a doctor, Dr. Akrobetu took it upon himself to learn the ins and outs of the medical school application process and is passionate about making medical school accessible for everyone, regardless of background. His commitment to equity and inclusion in medical education is a driving force behind his coaching success.

Dr. Akrobetu's admissions experience enables him to take a nuanced approach to holistic application review. He has a comprehensive understanding of how to strategically shape each facet of a student's application, positioning them as the most competitive candidate. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives, highlighting unique experiences, and showcasing academic and extracurricular achievements ensures that students stand out in the highly competitive medical school admissions process.

Dr. Garner received his MD degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he was awarded a prestigious full-tuition academic merit scholarship. He also received full tuition scholarship offers from the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, and Emory University. Prior to medical school, Dr. Garner worked as an Associate at the Boston Consulting Group and completed the premedical postbaccalaureate career changer program at Bryn Mawr College.

As a student on Vanderbilt’s Admissions Committee, Dr. Garner reviewed, evaluated, and scored applications based on an internal rubric. This role involved reviewing all aspects of medical school applications, including interview feedback, and participating in committee discussions to resolve score disparities.

Dr. Garner has over a year of direct experience reviewing student applications to Vanderbilt and has served on numerous admissions panels to advise premedical students. He has also unofficially reviewed application materials for friends who were subsequently admitted to medical school.

Dr. Garner specializes in Top 20 admissions, non-traditional applicants, scholarship competitiveness, gap year activities, interview prep, essay writing, and crafting personal narratives. His strengths as a coach include his calm and friendly demeanor, the ability to create individualized plans, and his comprehensive understanding of how admissions committees evaluate applications and conduct interviews.

Dr. Garner begins by understanding each applicant's background, interests, and goals. He then develops a personal narrative to emphasize in primary applications, secondaries, and interviews. His goal is to present each applicant in the best possible light to the admissions committee, highlight their qualities, and prepare them for the challenges of the admissions process. He works closely with students to strategically select schools, prepare for interviews, and decide which offers to accept.