SDN Turns 25: Launches Scholarship and Member Discounts
On December 1, 1999, the Student Doctor Network (SDN) launched as a grassroots, donor-supported platform ... Read more
Laura Turner
Published December 2, 2024 by Laura Turner
For Applicants
Explore programs, learn from students, and stay on track through the application cycle.
1. Choose a Path
Select your profession and focus on the stage of the process that matters most right now.
2. Study the Process
Use guides and articles to prepare for applications, secondaries, interviews, and decisions.
3. Compare and Discuss
Pair structured school research with perspective from applicants, students, and advisors.
4. Ask an Advisor
Ask a confidential question and receive guidance from SDN verified expert advisors. Always human, always free.
5. Work with a Coach
Work one-on-one with a professional pre-health coach when you need structured application support.
The Meaning of Life: Finding Insights in the Humanities
Generally, most health professionals thrive on being problem-solvers. When meeting patients, many professionals take on ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated December 5, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Why Physicians Need to Buy Disability Insurance
As a physician, your greatest asset is not just your medical expertise but your ability ... Read more
Pattern Life
Updated May 5, 2026 by Pattern Life
Ask the Professional: University of Illinois Vet Med Master of Veterinary Science Program
Dr. María Juárez Byrd spoke with SDN about the University of Illinois Vet Med Master ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated November 13, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Practicing the Art of Reflection with a Prehealth Journal (or Podcast, or Online Blog)
This article focuses on reflective practices for health professional education and training. This advice can ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated November 12, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Q&A with Carle Illinois College of Medicine: Developing Innovation and Entrepreneurship as Health Professionals
In a previous article, I discussed the advantages engineering-trained applicants bring to the health professions. ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated May 5, 2026 by Emil Chuck, PhD
F1 Doctors: Supporting International Future Healthcare Professionals
Since the Student Doctor Network was founded 25 years ago, the forums have supported international-status ... Read more
Marwa Belhaj, Nashwaan Khan, Chi M Trinh, Zhengyang (Kevin) Sun, and Zezhou (Zach) Zhao.
Updated October 23, 2024 by Marwa Belhaj, Nashwaan Khan, Chi M Trinh, Zhengyang (Kevin) Sun, and Zezhou (Zach) Zhao.
Supporting Prehealth Athlete Applicants: A Conversation with 2024 Advisor of the Year James Wasco, MD
College athletics have been in the spotlight over the last decade. Athletes can now financially ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated May 5, 2026 by Emil Chuck, PhD
20 Questions: Psychiatrist Jessi Gold, MD, MS
Psychiatrist Jessi Gold, MD, MS, is the Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee ... Read more
Kyle Magatelli
Updated October 16, 2024 by Kyle Magatelli
TouroCOM Students Bring Compassion and Care to Underserved Communities in Cusco, Peru
Recently, I had the privilege of leading an impactful volunteer medical trip to Cusco, Peru, ... Read more
Hannah Rosenthal
Updated September 30, 2024 by Hannah Rosenthal
Building a Prehealth Foundation at Small Colleges: A Conversation with Dr. Chloe Lash
Prehealth advising offices are a hybrid of academic advising, career and student services, and scientific ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated September 25, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
How Are You Using AI?
Results from a HPSA/SDN survey on generative AI use by prehealth and health professions students ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated September 17, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
How to Engineer a Health Professional Career
NOTE: In this article, “engineering” can refer to quantitative analytical subjects like physics, mathematics, computer ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated September 11, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Virtual Visits, Real Relief: Telemedicine and Chronic Pain Management
In discussions surrounding telemedicine, the spotlight often turns to the significant impact of the COVID-19 ... Read more
Ayesha Khan
Updated September 5, 2024 by Ayesha Khan
Finding Your Greatest Common Factors with Successful Students
The Greatest Common Factor (GCF) between two numbers is the largest positive integer that can ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated April 17, 2025 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Your Ultimate Guide to Finding Apartments as a Medical Student
Finding the perfect apartment near your medical school will vastly improve your experience as a ... Read more
ApartmentsFor
Updated May 5, 2026 by ApartmentsFor
Practical Lessons for the Parent in Medical School
Being a parent in medical school is no joke. It takes character, grit, and an ... Read more
Karin Brown
Updated August 13, 2024 by Karin Brown
Don’t Look for Trouble: How Freshman Year Mistakes Could Doom Your Path to Medical School
Welcome to the new academic year and first-year orientation! As a new freshman resident of ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated August 7, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Ask the Expert: Fotinos S. Panagakos, Dean, Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine
Fotinos S. Panagakos, DMD, PhD is the founding dean of the Pacific Northwest University of ... Read more
Emil Chuck, PhD
Updated August 1, 2024 by Emil Chuck, PhD
Nonprofit Support
Keep free advising available to every student.
SDN is a nonprofit service. Your support helps sustain free advising, trusted guidance, and a more accessible path for future health professionals.
