Meet Sparc Students

In addition, Nadeem reflects on his positive SPaRC experiences. “Before starting medical school, I decided to join SPaRC in order to be as prepared as possible for the start of my graduate medical education,” says Nadeem. According to Nadeem, “I was able identify study strategies that would be most beneficial for my learning style before school had actually begun. I met and made so many amazing friendships that have continued to this day!” Overall, “It was one of the best choices I made,” says Nadeem.

Nadeem’s advice to other students focuses on staying resilient. “When it comes to graduate medical education, I think it is important to recognize that everyone will have their own struggles along the way, I know I did! However, I think an essential aspect of a successful graduate student is resilience, specifically believing in yourself.” says Nadeem. “Having the confidence and faith in yourself that you will be able to overcome your challenges is foundational to your success! Belief in yourself combined with lots of hard work is what will make your goals and dreams come true!” says Nadeem.

Nadeem A. completed his Doctor of Osteopathic medicine degree in 2021. His three-year Family Medicine residency program was at Southern California. Nadeem chose Family Medicine because of his “passion in providing longitudinal care, advocacy, and education in addition to my desire to provide care for all age groups and backgrounds.” Nadeem says he is “excited for what the future holds!” Given his experience here at WesternU, we are confident Nadeem’s future will be filled with success as he humanistically helps many people in need. Good luck Nadeem!

Alivia’s advice to other students focuses on finding the time to get involved. “You will surprise yourself with how much fire is in you. You will build your network, gain a support system, and become the leader you always dreamed of.” Additionally, Alivia suggests “Manage your work/life balance. When you’re studying, give it your all. When you take a break, disconnect completely from the books, do the things you love, and live your life.” Alivia adds “I just wanted to say how thankful I am for the opportunities and friendships WesternU has given me. Even through it all, the last four years have been incredible! I know times are tough right now but hang in there and know that so many people care about you, support you and love you. We can do this!!!”

Alivia S. completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 2021. Given the success Alivia had at WesternU, we know her future is bright and filled with many great opportunities.

Emily offers two pieces of advice for other students. The first is to focus on setting aside personal time. “Remember to take time for yourself once a week, do something you enjoyed doing before you got into school,” says Emily. “When you take time for yourself you will remain motivated to work hard and avoid burnout.” Emily’s second piece of advice is to put pride aside and ask for help. “I also would recommend to never feel embarrassed to talk with LEAD or professors if you start getting overwhelmed with all of the exams and other stresses.” Emily adds “everyone at LEAD is willing to help and the professors are as well. They all want you to succeed, and part of success is sometimes admitting you can’t do it all.”

Emily A. completed her MSPA program and PANCE passing in 2020. The future is bright for Emily and wish we here the best in all of her future endeavors.

In addition, David reflects on his positive experiences, “I participated in the SPaRC program when I entered Western U, and it was one of the best decisions I could have ever made for myself.” David continues by adding “I was 3 years out of school, and very nervous to continue my education after being so out of the game for so long.” Specifically, David says “SPaRC helped me realize my test-taking anxiety.” After participating in SPaRC, David continued to support the summer program by working as a TA for 3 years. In explaining his motivation to continue his SPaRC involvement, David says “I believe that the humanism aspect of WesternU aligns with my core beliefs to serve those that need it the most.” David goes on to add even after SPaRC ended, the Office of LEAD offered him long-term “moral and academic support, and a safe-haven from the daily stress of higher education.”

David’s advice to other students focuses on being resilient. “The best advice I can give you is to not be afraid of failure. There will always be shortcomings in life, what matters most is what you choose to do with the failure” says David. Further, David wants other students to understand the dental curriculum is challenging but encourages everyone to utilize available resources and “Ask for help, nobody got to where they are alone, never be afraid to reach out to someone if you feel like you are struggling, or if you feel like you may struggle.” David continues by stating “I’m forever grateful for everything the LEAD office has done to give me the confidence to achieve my goals.” David concludes by saying “Know that people at WesternU want to see you succeed. Your success is their success.”

David P. completed his DMD degree in 2021. We are proud to wish David continued future success as he carries on and embodies WesternU’s humanistic tradition working in a Federally qualified health clinic in his hometown of Salinas, California.

Angelica appreciates the support she received from LEAD. “I made appointments with the LEAD team throughout my time at WesternU,” says Angelica. Angelica recognizes the challenges of attending graduate school, “Unfortunately, life does not stop or slow down when you are in graduate school.” She continues that LEAD “was always there for me whether I needed to talk about hardships or if I needed academic advice.” Angelica recalls “one time, my car died the day of an exam and I could not reach the school. Luckily, the LEAD team answered and was able to communicate with the school and reschedule my exam while I dealt with my car. They are true life savers!”

In addition, Angelica reflects on her positive SPaRC experiences. “In the SPaRC program, we were able to preview material from the optometry program to gauge the level of difficulty. There were time management skills that I learned in SPaRC that I was able to apply when the semester started,” says Angelica. According to Angelica, “graduate school was a difficult transition from college. There was a new level of expectations from professors as well as learning time management.” Overall, “I felt more prepared for the level of expectations,” says Angelica.

Angelica’s advice to other students focuses on finding and maintaining a support system. “It is important to have a strong support system because there are days that are going to be more difficult than others and you need someone to keep you motivated,” says Angelica. “In addition, it is good to make friendships with people in your class because they understand what you are going through because they are there going through it with you” says Angelica.

Angelica N. completed her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2021. The future is full of options. We see great things in her future.

Garrett advises other medical students to feel more comfortable pushing their academic, physical, and emotional limits. “Patient care is a large responsibility that will become tiresome and overwhelming,” says Garrett. Garrett strongly believes in the rewards of persistence and that by overcoming the pressures and challenges of medical school, one reaps many benefits. “Embrace the challenges, the failures, the frustrations, and defeats as this will lend you a greater perspective to increase your bandwidth to help more people. While exertion of medical school may be challenging, the outcomes are rewarding and necessary as an individual worthy of taking on the responsibility to help others properly,” says Garrett.

Garrett remains grateful to his DPT training and support he received at WesternU. “I was reminded this throughout my time at Western and those in SPaRC made sure I remembered to stay grateful for the opportunity I had been granted.” Garrett believes strongly that staying connected is important for every medical student. “I would not have been successful if not for those family, friends, and colleagues who grounded me when I became narrow-focused and irrational.”

In addition, Ashley reflects on her positive SPaRC experiences. “Being a part of SPaRC helped me feel much more prepared before I started my first year. I was able to get a great introduction to anatomy and become acclimated to the rigors for the upcoming school year,” says Ashley. According to Ashley, SPaRC made the transition into the podiatric program easier. “The SPaRC sessions and support from TAs helped tremendously to get a kick start and to understand the curriculum beforehand” says Ashley. In addition, SPaRC helped Ashley make life-long friends. “I am grateful I met other students from other programs which was great for networking and connections,” says Ashley.

Ashley’s advice to other students highlights the importance of persistence. “My advice would be to NEVER GIVE UP,” says Ashley. Ashley recognizes there are times during the academic journey where school is overwhelming, and life can get in the way. “Just keep on going and know you are heading the right direction. Hard work and perseverance are key,” says Ashley. In addition, Ashley shares reminders to other students about available support. “LEAD helped me to stay positive during my 4 years in school and they can do the same for you,” says Ashley.

Congratulations to Ashley P. on completing her DPM degree and best wishes in starting her Southern California residency.

Eric’s advice to other students focuses on wellbeing. “My advice would be to take it one day at a time,” says Eric. Eric wants other students to recognize that graduate medical education can be daunting and that an attitude of one day at a time will surprise students with how much they can accomplish. “Remember to take time for yourself, your mental wellbeing is essential during this exciting and challenging time,” says Eric.

Congratulations to Eric C. on completing his DO degree and best wishes as he starts his residency in Emergency Medicine in Philadelphia.

Shannon’s advice for other students focuses on being courageous during the learning process. Shannon advises other students to “be okay with making mistakes.” According to Shannon, “you will never get better if you are scared to mess up or try something new. Faculty, staff, and administrators will offer plenty of opportunities to allow you to grow, don’t be afraid to go for it.”

Congratulations Shannon on graduation and pursuing a career in physical therapy practice with a focus on orthopedics or acute care.

Chan plans to work in a primary care setting where he can guide patients to achieve their healthier selves while offering individualized management plans for each patient. “I am excited to be part of their lives and honored to play a role of huge responsibility and commitment,” says Chan.

Chan’s advice for other students focuses on resilience and the importance of seeking help from others.

“I experienced the so-called imposter syndrome many times at WesternU,” says Chan. “I would compare myself to someone smarter than me and think “someone must have made a mistake for selecting me on the interview day. Why am I not smart enough?” But thinking back, there had to be a valid reason that I was chosen. The faculty must have seen something in me that made me a good candidate. Now that I am in my second year of PA program, I finally believe I belong here,” says Chan. “LEAD will help you believe it too If you have any doubt, go seek help. Speak up, rather than hiding

Joshua has been extremely happy with the education he received at Western University of Health Sciences.   Joshua appreciates how the campus draws students who really support the values of WesternU including humanism, collaboration, and accountability.  “I feel well trained to take on patient care independently,” says Joshua.  After graduation, Joshua started a 1-year General Practice Residency in Utica, NY for Hospital dentistry at St. Luke’s Hospital. After completion, Joshua will be moving back to Southern California to look for a job as a general dentist.

Joshua’s advice for other students focuses on staying balanced, “Keep your head down and make time to have fun” says Joshua.

James chose to pursue his Masters of Science in Physician Assistant studies at WesternU as this institution displayed a commitment to producing medical professionals who are both competent and compassionate. “WesternU is committed to community involvement and empowering students to utilize the tools we garner through the various graduate programs to positively impact and advocate for under-served communities”, says James. “Service events have been woven into our curriculum and there are countless opportunities to participate in community service activities.”

Following graduation, James pursued job opportunities in the areas of medicine and education. “I will continue designing lectures on preventative medicine to present in the community and will be pursuing a doctoral degree with the goal to one day join an academic institution as a physician assistant educator”, says James. “Medicine and education are my passion and I hope to one day inspire budding students of medicine just as the faculty and staff at WesternU inspired me.”

James believes that WesternU is ripe with opportunity but that it is important avoid burnout by not overcommitting to too many things. “Instead, pick one or two extracurricular activities that sets your passion on fire, and do them well”, says James. “Learn to appreciate the value of these experiences on top of your rigorous graduate program at WesternU. Learn to say ‘No’ to the good things, so you can say ‘Yes’ to the great things.”