2024 PBPH Success Stories

It’s back to school season and we at NWHSU have a lot to celebrate! This fall, 34 Post Baccalaureate Premedical (PBPH) alums are starting their next chapter: medical school, dental school, and PA school. NWHSU’s program prepares motivated students to pursue their dream careers in healthcare, and we couldn’t be prouder of what this class has accomplished. 

They came to NWHSU for different reasons. Some needed to complete pre-requisites and hadn’t ever taken college-level science. For others, their GPA from undergrad wasn’t competitive. Maybe they weren’t even quite sure which health career was right for them.  

Each of these students worked hard and put in the time, and this fall it’s all paying off. Congratulations to the medical school class of 2028, and to all our successful students this fall—we’re excited to see what you accomplish!

Medical School (MD and DO)

• Rachel Bane, Des Moines University

• Ryan Best, Creighton University

• Jenna Birch, A.T. Still University

• Roger Brosnahan, University of Minnesota-Duluth

• Yeoryia Christoforides, University of Illinois-Chicago

• Madison Cutler, University of Minnesota-Duluth

• Matt DesMarais, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Joel Dumonsau, Creighton University

Future Dr. Dumonsau hopes to become an oncologist after witnessing his mom’s recurrence of cancer. “I saw the trouble she had getting a diagnosis and unclear communication from her doctors about what was going on and what to expect. My background in communication convinced me that I could take the skills and work experience I had and finally pursue medicine.”

At NWHSU, he not only got a “tremendous pre-medical education,” he also gained friendships and “the best advising resources any pre-med student could ask for.” His advice for future students revolves around the sacrifices they’ll need to make to succeed.  “As a non-traditional student, you will balance post-bacc studies with life and work responsibilities that others might not have. Understand why you’re doing this – why you want to become a physician, dentist, etc. – and regularly engage in activities that bring that to the forefront to lift you through stressful or busy weeks.”

• Na’eem Gibson, Rutgers University

• Allison Gronli, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Jerry Hanlon, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Marcela Hanson, University of North Dakota

• Katie Johnston, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Jason Kells, University of North Dakota

• Nadia Koranteng, University of Michigan

• Mary O’Rourke, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Future Dr. O’Rourke graduated with a degree in dance, and started to explore other interests during the pandemic. “The main topic of interest was the human body,” she shared. “The more I learned the more I wanted to know.”

At NWHSU, she found an abundance of resources and tools. “Beyond the resources, I found such a rich community,” she said. “It was so unique to undergo a career pivot alongside like-minded people doing exactly the same thing. I am so grateful to call the people I met at NWHSU my colleagues for life.”

Her advice for others? “It’s going to be hard. Let it be. Let yourself go through it. You are strong. You will build resilience. You will be successful. Believe that.”

• Victor Raikar, Touro University

• Siddharth Ravula, Kansas City University

• Kacey Reed, University of Minnesota-Duluth

• Lizzie Reschenberg, A.T. Still University

• Cass Roland, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

• Peter Sawtell, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Future Dr. Sawtell worked in health care data before realizing that he wanted to directly help the people behind the data. As an MD, he hopes to serve rural and immigrant populations and increase accessibility to healthcare in a “tight-knit community” like the one he grew up in.

READ MORE: What’s Stopping You From Switching to a Healthcare Career?

Of the PBPH program, he said” “It was inspiring to surround myself with so many driven individuals dedicated in their shared pursuit of a career in medicine. I still regularly meet up with classmates and see many of them as lifelong friends!” He also commented on the faculty, “some of the best and most caring professors I’ve ever had, truly going out of their way to help students succeed.”

His advice for future students? Be true to yourself, rather than simply doing what others are doing. “Seek out activities that excite you in your pursuit and avoid activities that you are not passionate about. Ask yourself why you want to be a doctor and do your best to authentically test this idea.”

• Dalicia Simpson, Medical College of Wisconsin

Future Dr. Simpson aspires to be a child and adolescent psychiatrist, establishing a holistic clinic where individuals in urban communities feel safe seeking medical care. “I aim to dedicate my career to advancing health equity and enhancing health literacy through various initiatives,” she shared.

“I chose to pursue medical school due to my love for the complexity of the human body and my observations of the mistrust that exists between underrepresented communities and the medical system. My goal is to bridge the gap between medicine and minority groups, becoming a physician who fosters trust and openness within these communities.”

She has taken on leadership opportunities in student clubs and organizations like American Medical Student Assocation (AMSA) and Minority Association of Pre-Medical students (MAPS) while at NWHSU, and her advice to prospective applicants it to start preparing early and to have confidence. “Select a school that values your unique experiences and attributes, and where you will be appreciated for all you have to offer.”

• Lai Jing Su,  Rocky Vista University Colorado

• Wei Wei Xia, Frist Medical College-Belmont University

Dental School (DDS/DMD)

• Moira Duverneau-Salifu, Kansas City University

Physician Assistant School (PA)

• Lillian Bailey, Duke University

• Newell Fisk, University of Pittsburgh

• Michaela Haugh, College of St. Scholastica

• Elizabeth Justice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

• Hilary Kreager, Lincoln Memorial University

• Ariana Novak, Utah Valley University

• Joe Wells, Bethel University

• Greta Hendrickson, College of St. Scholastica