Your Expert, Guide, Cheerleader, Friend

Dr. Sarad's academic journey began at UCLA, where she graduated with honors, majoring in physiological sciences and minoring in global studies. She then pursued a Master's in biotechnology at Keck Graduate Institute, focusing on device/diagnostic development and collaborating with biotech/pharmaceutical companies on projects involving clinical applicability and therapeutic options. She also started a new Global Brigades chapter in her graduate program with medical trips to Honduras.

Dr. Sarad’s passion for medicine led her to New York, where she completed her medical school education at Touro College of Medicine. Dr. Sarad graduated in the top 10% of her class, and her academic excellence was recognized through her membership in the Sigma Sigma Phi National Honors Society. Her success led her to NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s Surgical Residency Program, a competitive program with only five categorical positions open per year. Throughout her academic career, Dr. Sarad has been heavily involved in research, presenting at national conferences such as the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) and publishing manuscripts. 

Dr. Sarad's dedication to mentorship is evident in her extensive coaching experience. She has mentored several prospective pre-medical and medical students, helping them achieve their career goals through coursework assistance, test prep, and application guidance. During medical school, Dr. Sarad was a member of MedAchieve, mentoring high school students interested in pursuing medicine through weekly didactics, encouragement of extracurricular activities, and college application review.

With her strong academic background, research experience, and passion for mentorship, Dr. Sarad is well-positioned to guide students through the challenges of medical school and residency applications. Her blend of experience in biotechnology, global health, and surgery provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the medical field, allowing her to offer interdisciplinary guidance to students.

Dr. Soltanian began her journey at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she studied a combination of business administration and chemistry. Throughout her undergraduate years, she participated in various extracurricular activities and held leadership positions in several organizations. From peer mentoring to multidisciplinary healthcare clubs, these experiences played a crucial role in helping her discover her passion for guiding and supporting aspiring dental students. After graduating, she pursued her passion for dentistry at Nova Southeastern University, where she earned her DMD. 

Upon completing her dental education, she returned to Virginia, where she established Glowing Smiles Dentistry. Even after completing dental school, her commitment to guiding pre-dental students remains steadfast as she offers shadowing opportunities in her practice. Each year, she welcomes a few students, ensuring she is supporting future dentists.

During her first year of dental school, Dr. Soltanian challenged herself with training for a full 26-mile marathon while balancing her rigorous academic responsibilities and extracurricular commitments. Remarkably, she completed the marathon within the same year, showcasing her exceptional discipline, determination, and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

With her degree in business administration and experience as a practice owner, Dr. Soltanian offers a distinctive perspective to students pursuing non-traditional science majors with the goal of opening and managing their own practices. She guides students in selecting science and business courses, as well as insights into practice management. Having completed both degrees and gaining acceptance to dental school within the typical four-year university timeframe, she offers practical expertise and proven strategies to help students achieve their academic and professional goals seamlessly.

One of Dr. Soltantian’s greatest strengths is her educational and professional background, which sets her apart from the typical dentist. With a blend of business administration expertise and hands-on experience in practice ownership, she offers a unique perspective and valuable insights to navigate the complexities of the dental profession.

Dr. Soltanian is dedicated to giving back to her community and ensuring that everyone has access to quality dental care. She is a frequent participant in Give Kids a Smile, an annual event that provides dental services to children who may not otherwise have the means to receive proper oral healthcare.

Dr. Perkins’ journey to becoming a veterinarian began at a young age. The decision to pursue her dream was solidified during her freshman year of high school when she volunteered at an animal hospital that cared for her sick pet hamster. Meeting a female veterinarian who was also a practice owner inspired Dr. Perkins to pursue her dream of caring for animals after graduating from the Xavier University of New Orleans undergraduate program.

Dr. Perkins has also contributed to the veterinary field through writing and editing for online pet publications and starting her own coaching business for veterinarians. Currently, she works as an associate veterinarian at the first Walmart Pet Services Wellness Center in Dallas, Georgia, where she plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Walmart Pet Services model.

Dr. Perkins is passionate about coaching and mentoring, not only current veterinarians but aspiring veterinarians as well. Getting into veterinary school is no easy task, so it is a privilege for her to help guide students through the application process.

As a coach, Dr. Perkins understands the anxiety that students can feel during the admissions process, having experienced it herself. She is committed to listening to each student's specific concerns and working through them while meeting all necessary deadlines. Her approach to mentorship involves listening to each student’s concerns and working through them while ensuring all deadlines are met. She prioritizes each student's needs and is dedicated to being with them every step of the way, helping them achieve their goals in the veterinary field.

Dr. Lanier’s academic journey began at Northeastern University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a dual degree in biology and international affairs. During her undergraduate studies, she developed a strong passion for global health, studying abroad in Argentina, Uruguay, and Ghana. She also pursued medicine-related co-ops in Uganda and Wales at Cardiff University, gaining valuable international experience. Her commitment to research is evident in her work at the Northeastern University Center for Drug Discovery and volunteer duties at Boston Children’s Hospital over the course of her undergraduate education

Dr. Lanier earned her MD from the University of Utah School of Medicine, where she continued to pursue her interests in global health while working as a mentor and tutor for pre-med and medical students. She served on the leadership team for the Student Global Health Initiative and completed a rotation abroad in Rwanda. Alongside her MD, Dr. Lanier graduated with a graduate certificate in global medicine.

Her unique perspective as a first-generation college graduate and medical student allows her to empathize with those of all backgrounds navigating the challenges of medical school admissions. She is committed to providing mentorship and assistance to future physicians in every aspect of their journeys.

During her dental school years, Dr. Cucchi was an active leader and member of several prominent organizations. As a proactive leader in the Student Ambassador Association, she worked closely with prospective students and interviewed applicants. Additionally, she held memberships with the American Student Dental Association, the Student Entrepreneurs in Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Association of Women Dentists.

One of Dr. Cucchi's most notable achievements during her dental school years was being elected as the head of the Dental Boards Licensure Committee. Under her leadership, her class achieved an impressive pass rate of 97%, highlighting her ability to guide and support her peers in their pursuit of professional success.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Dr. Cucchi has built a remarkable professional career marked by significant milestones and a commitment to ongoing learning and growth. She has gained diverse private practice experience, earned certification in Invisalign and clear aligner therapy, and received mentoring in same-day crowns with DOCS. Demonstrating her dedication to staying at the cutting edge of cosmetic dentistry, she has participated in several regarded continuing education courses across the nation.

What truly sets Dr. Cucchi apart as an admissions coach is her genuine passion for mentoring applicants and helping them reach their full potential. She is driven by a deep-seated desire to support aspiring dentists in their journey to dental school, drawing upon her own experiences and insights to provide personalized guidance and support. Whether assisting students in crafting compelling personal statements or preparing them for the rigors of dental school interviews, she excels at identifying and highlighting the strengths and qualities of each candidate.

Dr. Cucchi is adept at empowering aspiring dental students to effectively showcase their qualifications, experiences, and aspirations to admissions committees. Her guidance extends beyond the application process, as she is committed to helping her students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to thrive in dental school and beyond.

Dr. Fiamoncini began her academic journey at the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned her bachelor's degree. After completing her undergraduate studies, Dr. Fiamoncini took a gap year to gain hands-on experience in the field of dentistry. She worked as a dental assistant at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in the Oral Surgery and Graduate Prosthodontics Departments, solidifying her passion for dentistry and preparing her for dental school.

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Dr. Fiamoncini has developed a strong understanding of the dental school application process. She wishes that she had known about Inspira Advantage when she was applying to dental school, as it would have made the process less daunting and more manageable.

As a mentor, Dr. Fiamoncini is dedicated to helping aspiring dental students achieve their dreams. She breaks down the application process into smaller, manageable steps, ensuring that each student feels supported and confident throughout their journey. Her approach is personalized, insightful, and supportive, drawing from her own experiences as a dental student and practitioner.

Dr. Chauhan's passion for mentoring and supporting students stems from her own experiences navigating the challenging world of academia and her desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others. She understands the importance of breaking down the application process into manageable steps and identifying each candidate's strengths to create a tailored approach that meets their individual needs. At the NYU College of Dentistry, Dr. Chauhan learned more about the intricacies of dental school admissions. 

As a coach, Dr. Chauhan's greatest strengths lie in her ability to connect with students, empathize with their challenges, and provide personalized guidance that empowers them to succeed. Her deep understanding of the application process, combined with her nurturing and supportive approach, has been instrumental in helping students fortify their applications and gain acceptance to top-tier institutions.

In addition to her expertise in admissions consulting, Dr. Chauhan brings a unique perspective to her work through her passion for art and design. She participates in various art forms and has found innovative ways to use these skills in her clinical practice. This creative background allows her to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and develop innovative solutions that benefit students.

Dr. Okeke attended Vanderbilt University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in neuroscience, before attending the Emory School of Medicine. There, he pursued research on the negative effects of stress, particularly racism, on the white matter architecture of the brain. Currently, he is a neurology resident at UCSF. 

Dr. Okeke's research interests are primarily focused on traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury, with a particular emphasis on the recovery process. He aims to continue researching implantable devices that can aid in rehabilitation and improve patients' quality of life.

As a prior medical school student interviewer, Dr. Okeke brings expert insights into what admissions committees look for in applicants. He emphasizes the importance of crafting a compelling narrative within the application, focusing on threading different traits and strengths, especially for applicants with lower GPAs or test scores.

Dr. Okeke's approach to mentoring is empathetic, compassionate, and solution-oriented. As a person from a group underrepresented in medicine, he understands the challenges applicants face. He is passionate about making the daunting medical school and residency application processes more accessible while instilling confidence in students.

With his combination of academic excellence, research experience, and commitment to diversity in medicine, Dr. Okeke is prepared to guide aspiring medical students and residents through every step of their application journey. His dedication to helping students reach their fullest potential makes him a great source of knowledge and support for those navigating the path to a career in medicine.

Dr. Cohen began his education at the University of Florida, where he graduated from the Honors Program. He is also a proud University of Pennsylvania Dental School graduate and he pursued his dental AEGD residency through NYU in Hawaii, where he spent his free time swimming, hiking, and falling off his surfboard.

Dr. Cohen's approach to mentoring is centered on empowering students and providing them with the support and guidance they need to navigate the complex and often overwhelming dental admissions process. He understands that each student's journey is unique, and he works diligently to ensure that his students feel supported every step of the way, from crafting compelling personal statements to selecting the right schools, preparing for interviews, and everything in between.

Many students have even been awarded the highly competitive military HSPS scholarship and have gone on to match into their dream residencies. Dr. Cohen's meticulous and organized approach to mentoring has been instrumental in helping his students navigate the admissions process and optimize their chances of success. In addition to his experience as a dental school mentor, Dr. Cohen has a background in writing tutoring, having served as a mentor throughout high school and college.

Dr. Cohen’s passion for dentistry and oral health is evident in his approach to patient care, and he brings that same enthusiasm to his mentoring. He is approachable, readily available to answer questions, and committed to providing his students with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

Dr. Salcedo obtained his Bachelor’s in biology and chemistry from Montclair State University and his MD from Rutgers Medical School via the BS/MD program. He is trained in internal medicine, and his research areas include pulmonary rehabilitation in war veterans and hypotensive shock. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Critical Care Medicine, and Academic Medicine.

As a first-generation Hispanic American, Dr. Salcedo provides a specialized perspective on the medical school application process. He is passionate about accessibility and ensuring the admissions process is easy to navigate for every student he works with. He firmly believes in the power of hard work and determination and thoroughly enjoys helping students from all backgrounds craft application materials that tell their stories.

As a coach, Dr. Salcedo’s greatest strengths are helping students prepare for interviews, build confidence, improve their overall academic profiles, and write stellar personal statements. He has assisted dozens of students in creating strong and unique essays for medical and dental school. Dr. Salcedo feels that having a disability and having been a non-traditional student enables him to be in tune with the needs and perspectives of diverse applicants. He also enjoys helping students navigate interviews by organizing elevator pitches, baseline responses, approaches to interview questions, and conducting mock interviews.

Dr. Patel's academic journey began at the College of New Jersey, where he graduated from the honors program with a Bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in economics. Following his undergraduate studies, he dedicated a year to City Year, an AmeriCorps program, providing classroom and after-school support to 9th-grade students in Queens, NY. This experience deepened his commitment to education and community service.

Before entering medical school, Dr. Patel obtained a Master's degree in biomedical sciences at Rutgers University, further strengthening his scientific foundation. He then matriculated at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), where he excelled academically and in community service. As a student doctor at the Promise Clinic, he provided care for uninsured patients in the local community, demonstrating his commitment to accessible healthcare.

Dr. Patel's passion for teaching and mentorship is evident in his diverse experiences. He has worked as an SAT and MCAT tutor and has coached inmates for the GED at a correctional facility. At Rutgers RWJMS, he helped coordinate the mentorship program between master’s biomedical sciences students and first-year medical students.

As a mentor, Dr. Patel has successfully guided numerous applicants through the medical school application process. He understands the challenges of the application process and excels at breaking it down into manageable steps. His approach focuses on helping applicants convey their motivations and highlight their individual achievements.

Dr. Mathelier holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology from Harvard University, with a specialization in social and cognitive neuroscience and a minor in global health & health policy. After completing her undergraduate studies, she earned an MD/MBA from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the UCLA Anderson School of Management.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Mathelier has demonstrated a strong commitment to research, neuroscience, and global health. During her time at Harvard, she conducted impactful studies at institutions such as the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the Neurodevelopmental Phenotyping Program at Boston Children's Hospital. Additionally, she has worked with NGOs to improve healthcare access in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, missions she continued during her gap year. This dedication to serving underserved communities remained a central focus during her time at medical school, as proven by her involvement in the Charles Drew UCLA Program, her research and publications in Haiti, and her pivotal role in establishing the Los Angeles Global Health Conference.

Alongside her impressive academic and research achievements, Dr. Mathelier is deeply passionate about mentorship and has a proven track record of guiding pre-med students through the complex medical school admissions process. She has interviewed candidates, evaluated applicants, and participated in Q&A sessions, providing expert advice and support to aspiring medical students. As a leader of the Pre-Med Mentorship Program and a pre-med advisor at the UCLA Academic Achievement Program, she focused on assisting first-generation and transfer pre-med students, promoting diversity and inclusion in the medical field. As an NYU resident, she continued to engage with prospective applicants through residency recruitment events.

As a counselor, Dr. Mathelier uses her experiences to provide personalized guidance to applicants. Her ability to help applicants find their voice and craft compelling narratives sets her apart as a mentor. Her extensive knowledge of the admissions process allows her to empower students to pursue their dreams and succeed in their medical careers.

Originally from Edison, New Jersey, Dr. Subramanian pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor's degree in health and society, demonstrating her commitment to understanding the broader context of healthcare.

Dr. Subramanian has worked in health economics and outcomes research at Pfizer Oncology and at the diabetes information company Close Concerns. As a patient advocate, Dr. Subramanian has spoken at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an example of how she bridges the gap between medical research and patient care.

Dr. Subramanian’s research background is particularly noteworthy, having conducted studies at prestigious institutions including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Perelman School of Medicine/Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Northwell Health Cohen Children's Medical Center, and JFK Hospital Hackensack Meridian Health.

At the Zucker School of Medicine, Dr. Subramanian continued to demonstrate her leadership and commitment to healthcare. She was part of the selective IMPACcT and KLAR Leadership programs, served as the President of the American Medical Association Chapter, and led education and local outreach/partnerships for the community service committee. Additionally, she mentors youth in the Medical Science Youth Program and is pursuing a Humanities in Medicine concentration through the GOLD Foundation. Dr. Subramanian is also a certified EMT, further expanding her practical medical skills.

Dr. Subramanian was actively involved in various extracurricular activities during her undergraduate years. She served as a tour guide, participated in the Professional Women's Alumni Alliance and Fox Leadership Fellowship Program, and volunteered with the Puentes de Salud bilingual after-school literacy program. Dr. Subramanian was also involved in Penn's Global Initiatives Abroad Team and was a member of the Penn Association for Gender Equity.

Dr. Subramanian's dedication to community service is further exemplified by her lifelong involvement with the Girl Scouts, where she has earned the prestigious Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards.

With extensive experience in tutoring and mentoring, Dr. Subramanian loves working with people to accomplish their goals. Through her work with Inspira, she has seen students develop confidence, deepen their understanding of their passion for healthcare, and see their future dreams come to fruition.

Dr. Subramanian's greatest strength as a consultant is her ability to meet each person where they are, understanding both their aspirations and realistic expectations. She learns about their strengths, interests outside of medicine, and what they hope to gain from the application cycle. She develops individualized plans for students and remains available to chat and modify plans as needed.

In her counseling sessions, Dr. Subramanian sets specific goals predetermined from prior sessions. She checks in on overall progress, approaches every conversation with an open mind, and develops action plans for both the current and next sessions.

With her extensive research experience, proven leadership abilities, and commitment to community service, Dr. Subramanian is well-equipped to guide and inspire pre-medical students through the challenging yet rewarding journey of becoming a physician. Her diverse background and achievements make her an excellent mentor for aspiring medical professionals.

Dr. Mellacheruvu initially began his college career at the University of Washington with dreams of playing competitive cricket. However, a sports injury sustained during a study abroad trip in Oxford unexpectedly ignited his passion for medicine. Dr. Mellacheruvu graduated from the UW Honors College with a degree in biochemistry, setting the stage for his future in the medical field.

Choosing to stay close to home,  Dr. Mellacheruvucompleted his medical education at Washington State University. During his clinical rotations, he developed a deep interest in cardiology, which would shape his future career aspirations. 

Throughout medical school, Dr. Mellacheruvu demonstrated his commitment to advocacy and research. He became involved with national advocacy through the American College of Physicians, working to promote the interests of internal medicine physicians and their patients. Simultaneously, he participated in cardiometabolic research collaborations with teams at institutions such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Duke University, Northwestern University, the University of Washington, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Between college and medical school, Dr. Mellacheruvu gained valuable clinical and research experience. He worked as a scribe for an oncology clinic, gaining firsthand exposure to patient care and the inner workings of a medical practice. Additionally, he served as a research assistant at NanoString Technologies, working on breast cancer assays.

Dr. Mellacheruvu's ultimate goal is to build long-term relationships with his students, providing support and guidance throughout their journey to medical school and beyond. He recognizes that each individual has their own story and is dedicated to helping them maximize their storytelling potential through their applications, personal statements, and interviews. He aims to be not only a knowledgeable resource but also a supportive companion during the challenging application process.

Dr. Chaturvedi graduated Magna Cum Laude and with distinction from Duke University, with a major in neuroscience and minors in biology and chemistry. After graduating, he spent a gap year at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD, as an NIH IRTA fellow, investigating the roles of vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT) in the central nervous system using mouse models. 

Dr. Chaturvedi then completed his MD at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. In addition to his impressive academic and research achievements, Dr. Chaturvedi has a strong commitment to mentoring and guiding aspiring medical professionals. For several years, he has served as a member of Duke's Medical Advisory Program (MAP) and UC San Diego School of Medicine's Premedical Advisory Program, where he has helped many students succeed throughout the medical school and residency application processes.

As a well-published author, Dr. Chaturvedi has extensive experience producing high-quality, professional essays, which have been instrumental in helping countless students navigate the admissions process successfully. His combination of academic excellence, research expertise, and passion for mentoring solidifies him as the perfect asset for students seeking guidance and support on their path to a career in medicine.

Dr. Dalal’s journey to medical school began at Rice University, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, demonstrating his exceptional academic prowess and dedication to learning. At Rice, Dr. Dalal developed a keen interest in biochemistry and medical humanities, laying a strong foundation for his future medical career. His diverse academic background allows him to approach the medical school application process with an individualized perspective, understanding the importance of both scientific knowledge and humanistic values in medicine.

When applying to medical schools, Dr. Dalal cast a wide net, applying to institutions both within Texas and across the country. This experience gave him firsthand knowledge of the nuances between different application systems, particularly TMDSAS and AMCAS. His personal journey through this process equips him with insights to guide students, especially those from Texas, in navigating the complexities of multiple application portals.

Dr. Dalal's passion for mentoring stems from his profound appreciation for the guidance he received during his own application journey. This gratitude fuels his commitment to aiding the next generation of aspiring medical students. His coaching style is characterized by his ability to break down the often overwhelming medical school application process into manageable, actionable steps.

Dr. Dalal has experience navigating both TMDSAS and AMCAS and is especially equipped to help Texas applicants. Additionally, he served as an interviewer for the admissions committee and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and knows how interviews are evaluated and what sticks out on an application.

One of Dr. Dalal's key strengths as a coach lies in his ability to help candidates recognize and effectively express their strengths. He understands that each applicant has a distinct story to tell and works tirelessly to ensure that these individual narratives shine through in applications and interviews. Dr. Dalal's approach combines empathy, practical advice, and strategic thinking, ensuring students are well-prepared to put their best foot forward in their medical school applications.

Dr. Pammal's passion for healthcare and leadership began during his undergraduate years at Harvard University, where he studied history of science, global health, and health policy. While at Harvard, he served as Director-General of Harvard Model United Nations, an Executive Board Member of the South Asian Healthcare Leadership Forum, and wrote his senior thesis on healthcare reform for prescription drug pricing.

After graduating from Harvard, Dr. Pammal gained experience as a consultant at Clarion Healthcare, a life sciences consulting firm in Boston, MA. There, he provided strategic advice to pharmaceutical and biotech companies across the clinical development spectrum. Despite his demanding work schedule, he remained committed to community service, volunteering in the hospital lobby at Massachusetts General Hospital on weekends.

While at NYMC, Dr. Pammal was selected to deliver the student remarks at various ceremonies and events. Upon graduation,  he was awarded the prestigious William Cullen Bryant Award for outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and service to the College's community.

Dr. Pammal strongly believes in the power of mentorship and is passionate about serving as an enthusiastic guide to the next generation of future physicians. Drawing from his own experiences and the advice he has received over the years, he is committed to helping aspiring medical students achieve their dreams and make a positive impact in the field of medicine.

Dr. Hong’s years of mentoring experience have helped her understand how to help students create competitive profiles to maximize their acceptance chances. With a Bachelor's in international affairs from Georgetown University and five years of experience as a Science Program Analyst at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Hong's journey to medicine was far from conventional. A chance encounter with a doctor sparked her interest in the field, leading her to complete a post-baccalaureate program while working full-time. 

Her determination and hard work paid off,  receiving multiple acceptances from medical schools across the country. She ultimately chose to attend Emory University School of Medicine. During medical school, Dr. Hong hosted multiple applicants who came for interviews. Throughout her four years of medical school, she also coordinated a free women's clinic for low-income individuals and was a peer mentor for the OB/GYNOB-GYN clerkship.

Dr. Hong recognizes the importance of having insider knowledge of the application process and is committed to sharing tips and common pitfalls with students to help them navigate the challenges of medical school and residency applications. She has mentored several medical students and pre-medical students applying for programs, helping them plan their schedules and strategize letters of recommendation. 

Dr Hong’s approach to mentoring is centered on the art of storytelling. She believes that crafting a unique and compelling personal statement is key to standing out in the competitive world of medical school admissions. By working closely with students to identify their strengths, experiences, and passions, she helps them create narratives that highlight their individuality and potential as future physicians. 

She understands the importance of creating realistic plans for a successful application cycle as someone who has successfully balanced school, work, and family while pursuing her medical education. She works with students to develop strategies that consider their circumstances, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident in their ability to succeed.

Dr. Hong’s counseling style is honest, sensitive, and objective. She draws from reliable resources to provide guidance on the competitiveness of applications and to identify areas for improvement. While she is encouraging and supportive, she is also transparent about weaknesses and works collaboratively with students to create solutions and remedy any shortcomings. She believes that no applicant is perfectly well-rounded, and encourages students to lean into their strengths to stand out in the admissions process.

Before veterinary school, Dr. Tierce's academic path was unconventional, majoring in what she humorously describes as "music and horses." Initially aspiring to become an equine veterinarian, a serendipitous lab job altered her career trajectory, sparking a passion for research that has defined her professional journey.

During veterinary school, she completed a biomedical research fellowship at Stanford University, focusing on radiation treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Her undergraduate and veterinary school years in Colorado involved work at one of NASA's specialized centers, studying the long-term effects of space irradiation on cancer development. In her final year of veterinary school, she received a Center for Companion Animal Studies grant to evaluate the efficacy of radiation therapy for treating soft tissue sarcomas in canine patients.

Dr. Tierce’s decision to pursue a residency in laboratory animal medicine post-graduation allowed her to expand her expertise in animal models of human disease while advocating for the humane use of animals in research. This specialization aligns with her commitment to advancing medical knowledge while ensuring the ethical treatment of research animals.

At Columbia University, Dr. Tierce plays a vital role in the Institute of Comparative Medicine Residency Program, focusing on onboarding and training new residents. Her professional interests span animal ethics, clinical microbiology, soft tissue surgery, and non-human primate medicine.

Dr. Tierce's experience extends to the admissions process for veterinary programs. She currently sits on the admissions committee for Columbia University's Laboratory Animal Residency Program and has participated in the interview process for prospective residents at the NYU-Regeneron Postdoctoral Fellowship in Laboratory Animal Medicine during her own residency.

As an admissions consultant, Dr. Tierce is excited to help aspiring veterinarians and residents develop standout applications. Her experience as both an interviewee and interviewer provides her with insider tips regarding the admissions process. Drawing from her diverse background in veterinary medicine, research, and specialized practice, she is well-equipped to guide candidates through crafting compelling applications and preparing for interviews.

Dr. Tierce's journey from a music and equine enthusiast to a specialized veterinarian in laboratory animal medicine demonstrates the diverse paths available in veterinary careers. Her expertise, combined with her passion for mentoring, makes her an excellent resource for those seeking to pursue veterinary education or specialized residencies in the field.

Dr. Kessler attended Johns Hopkins University for her undergraduate studies in pre-med and French. While at Johns Hopkins, she led the JHU Medical Ethics Discussion Panel and worked in a neurology and neurosurgery research lab. She then attended the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in NYC and graduated with distinction in research. While at Mount Sinai, Dr. Kessler was the recipient of numerous awards, including a merit-based tuition scholarship for all four years of medical school.

While in medical school, Dr. Kessler founded the Special Forces Neurosurgery Collaborative with neurosurgeons from Mount Sinai, Cleveland Clinic, and the leadership of the US Green Beret Foundation, which is an organization that spearheads neurosurgery research initiatives geared towards addressing the unique healthcare needs of America's Special Forces warriors. Dr. Kessler has given over a dozen lectures on her research at national conferences and is currently a medical editor and reviewer for the Journal of Special Operations Medicine and MyHealthTeams, LLC. She was previously a reviewer for the World Neurosurgery journal and has authored five textbook chapters in major neurosurgical textbooks.

As a mentor, Dr. Kessler's greatest strength lies in her ability to draw from her extensive teaching and tutoring experience, coupled with her firsthand knowledge of the medical school and residency admissions processes. Her exceptional academic performance at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where she graduated with distinction in research, has provided her with invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of medical education.