News
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
NewsStudent Loans
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
MCAT
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
Pre-Medical
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
NewsPre-Medical
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 October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Physician Q&A
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
Dental SchoolNews
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
NewsPre-MedicalPre-Veterinary
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
Pre-DentalPre-Medical
Abstract: Faculty serve three to four year terms on admissions committees, so they can vary significantly year-to-year with shifting priorities over time. Committee members filter applications through their experiences with past students, including both successful ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Dental
Abstract: Dr. Alicia Spence discusses Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s admissions process and program features. Key insights include the importance of demonstrating genuine interest in dentistry through experiences and research, articulating specific mission fit ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated October 27, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
As thousands of aspiring health professional students seek credible advice about crafting their best possible profile, they are overwhelmed with guidance from their peers, advisors, admissions officers, and the internet that promises to give their ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated July 23, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
Have you ever been asked, “How would you describe yourself?” or, “What unique personality traits will you bring to the profession that will help you to be successful?” 1. It’s incredible how these simple questions ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated July 16, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
Prehealth applicants worry about the importance of a research experience in the application process. Research experience offers a rewarding opportunity to work under mentored guidance, unlike the impersonal atmosphere of a large lecture hall or ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated September 24, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
Applicants have many assumptions about how health professions admissions processes work. While the community of admissions professionals work to address these myths, they still persist. In this article, I highlight and debunk many common prehealth ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated June 25, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
The path to health professions is challenging for all students, but for immigrants and first-generation (first-gen) prehealth students, it can feel like navigating uncharted territory without a map. These students often enter higher education with ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated April 23, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
Transcripts are essential for graduate or professional school applications, and their delivery determines how smoothly the process begins. This article outlines basic steps to ensure your application avoids unnecessary processing delays. While I write from ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated April 17, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Non-Traditional
Samuel Dyer, MD, PhD has worked for over 25 years as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL), leading MSL teams and field medical operations in more than 60 countries. His career has included a variety of ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated April 9, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Pre-Medical
US medical school applicants are facing a changing landscape where situational judgment tests (SJTs) are becoming a normal part of the admissions process. The AAMC clarified policies about retaking its PREview assessment, including the opportunity ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated March 19, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD