Going back to school after completing a degree in History and Science at Harvard University, wasn’t necessarily in Zachary Osborn’s plans. But he stumbled upon an interest in medicine while researching a topic for his capstone project his senior year and that created the turn of events which led Zach to pursue a career in medicine.
“I was sort of the stereotype of a bright kid who shows up to college and flounders,” explained Osborn. “I finally got my act together the last two years of college but my GPA was pretty mediocre. By the time I realized I had an interest in going into medicine, I had no idea if it would even be possible.”
What he thought might be impossible became a reality for Osborn after finding the UVM Post-Baccalaureate Premedical program, which is designed to provide students with the prerequisite coursework and access to research and direct patient care experiences prior to applying to health and medical school. Osborn looked at a variety of Post-Bacc Premed programs but felt that UVM’s flexible curriculum yet academic rigor, student advising support and location in beautiful Burlington, were the best fit for him.
“Other schools I looked at had very rigid curriculums and timetables for knocking out your premedical requirements which didn’t fit my needs,” said Osborn. “I needed to take my last few prerequisites but more importantly, I needed to get good grades in advanced science courses to raise my BCPM and demonstrate my ability to handle the rigors of medical school. UVM was much more flexible in helping me decide on a curriculum that met my individual needs as an applicant.”
Flexible Curriculum and Health Career Advising Draws Premedical Students to UVM
A flexible curriculum is a draw for many PBPM students as well as the three start terms, allowing students to begin in the fall, spring or summer. Students have access to UVM Medical Center and Level 1 Trauma Center as well as ample opportunities for outside the classroom learning often called “Doc Talks” or medical clinics hosted by MDs and other health professionals.
In addition, Obsorn credits some of the “honest advice” he received from Senior Health Professions Advisor Jennifer Lian during the program as a key component to his success. “Advising really helped me to mold my post-baccalaureate experience to fit my needs,” said Osborn. “She pushed me towards certain classes. And suggested research, volunteer and patient care experiences that she thought would help fill holes in my resume.”
Osborn plans to attend UVM’s Larner College of Medicine in the fall of 2019, however, he decided to delay his application for a year to work as a clinic research associate at UVM Medical Center. That decision paid off, since by the time he sent off his AMCAS application, he had authorship on two papers, including one as first author credit, and plans to submit two more manuscripts for publication to medical journals. He credits the UVM Premedical program with helping to build this strong foundation in the medical world.
“Quite simply, this program will get you where you need to go,” Osborn said.
Find out how you can apply to UVM’s Post-Baccalaureate Premedical programtoday.
Read other recent PBPM student success stories.
