Introduction If you applied to medical, dental, or veterinary school, raise your hand if you loved it, or give it five stars if you were highly satisfied. It is unfortunate that the applicant experience is not highly valued, especially as the health professions seek to attract empathetic applicants. Most complain ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Published February 6, 2026
Abstract: Medical school admissions interviews come in several formats, each requiring a slightly different preparation strategy. In the U.S., most schools still use the traditional one-on-one interview format, but the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) has ... Read more
Jelena Smiljkovic
Updated January 31, 2026 by Jelena Smiljkovic
Abstract: In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Joshua DeJong, an Army pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, shares his journey from aspiring trauma surgeon to dedicated pediatrician serving military families. Dr. DeJong reflects ... Read more
Dr. Joseph Arrington
Published January 22, 2026
Pre-DentalPre-HealthPre-MedicalPre-Occupational TherapyPre-OptometryPre-PharmacyPre-Physical TherapyPre-PodiatryPre-PsychologyPre-Veterinary
Drawing from years of experience as an assistant dean for admissions, Heidi Fuchs offers candid guidance for pre-health students and their advisors navigating health professional school admissions processes. The article challenges common misconceptions, such as ... Read more
Heidi Fuchs
Published January 15, 2026
Abstract: New student programs, such as Second Look, Welcome Days, or Admitted Student Visits, offer admitted students the opportunity to ask questions to determine how well they fit in or belong. Many students have concerns ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated January 8, 2026 by Emil Chuck, PhD
The Student Doctor Network (SDN) provides online resources to pre-health students and the health professional community as part of our nonprofit mission. Here’s a recap of our standout achievements in 2025, our 26th year. Profile ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Published December 18, 2025
Abstract: This article guides students and advisors in understanding the impact of the HR1/One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) on funding for health professions education. It explains how, beginning July 1, 2026, federal borrowing limits for ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated December 15, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: Have recent technologies changed the way premed applicants have prepared for the MCAT? Common strategies are revealed through an analysis of the most recent results from the AAMC Post-MCAT Questionnaire and the HPSA/SDN 2024-2025 ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Published December 4, 2025
Healthcare News and PolicyNews
Medical educators and health professionals warn that new federal student loan caps in President Donald Trump’s tax cut law could make it more expensive for many people to become doctors and could exacerbate physician shortages ... Read more
Bernard J. Wolfson
Updated November 27, 2025 by Bernard J. Wolfson
Healthcare News and PolicyNews
Abstract: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has reshaped the landscape of rural healthcare. Through Medicaid restructuring and limits placed on provider taxes that states use to finance their contributions, the funds available to ... Read more
Laura Turner
Updated December 3, 2025 by Laura Turner
Abstract: Dr. Varnel Antoine, the 2025 Advisor of the Year (Private Institution), talks about his career journey and role as a urologist. A urologist and Harvard resident tutor, Dr. Antoine discusses his early exposure to ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated December 3, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: A September 2025 federal ruling in Palmer et al. v. Bonta et al. upheld California Business and Professions Code § 2054, affirming that only licensed physicians (MDs and DOs) may use the title “Doctor” ... Read more
Laura Turner
Updated November 12, 2025 by Laura Turner
Abstract: This article presents an American student’s firsthand account of pursuing medical school in Spain. The author describes adapting to a post-high school medical program with rigorous, exam-focused curriculum while navigating language barriers, visa challenges, ... Read more
Cali Pastor
Published October 30, 2025
Abstract: The Physicians for Human Rights Student Advisory Board (PHR SAB) is a national network of medical and other health professions students integrating human rights advocacy into healthcare training. Through student-led committees at medical schools, ... Read more
Michael Albdewi and Nandini Sharma
Updated October 27, 2025 by Michael Albdewi and Nandini Sharma
Abstract: Professionalism matters during the application process. This article presents situations where applicants can reaffirm their understanding of professional etiquette. By not following these expectations, applicants could jeopardize their accepted seat or could be placed ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated February 3, 2026 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: Dr. Jessie Voit, the 2025 HPSA Advisor of the Year (Public University) and a geriatrician at the University of Texas Southwestern, shares her journey into medicine, her passion for geriatrics, and her philosophy on ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: Most veterinary students know Mars, Inc. as the company behind M&M’s and Snickers. Fewer realize that the same privately held corporation is now one of the world’s largest owners of veterinary hospitals. Mars Veterinary ... Read more
Laura Turner
Updated October 27, 2025 by Laura Turner
Abstract: An anonymous applicant to advanced standing international dentist programs describes overcoming admissions barriers in 2025. Limitations due to visa status affect how prepared a candidate is for taking the Integrated National Dental Board Exam ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Abstract: Graham Greer, the 2025 Health Professional Student Association Graduate Student Advisor of the Year, is interviewed by Dr. Emil Chuck (Director of Advising Services) about his career and role as a senior academic advisor ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD