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There's a story behind every application. Read about some of the inspiring journeys others have made from applicant to medical student to physician.
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Isiah Duggan
Isiah initially struggled academically, but was inspired by his parents who believed with hard work, he could achieve any dream he set his mind to. Today he is a first-year medical student at UCSF along with his twin brother.

Issac Duggan
Witnessing family illness, shadowing physicians, and working as a paramedic inspired Issac to pursue a career in medicine.

Deena Ragab Mohamed
Her sister's cancer diagnosis, an unsuccessful first application cycle, and a pivot to study aviation were all milestones along Deena’s path to medicine. Deena encourages aspiring applicants to ‘never take no for an answer’ and make resilience your superpower.

Aaron Hollis Palmer
Aaron grew up in project housing and dropped out of college twice before applying to medical school.

Abdul Hassan
Abdul is inspired by his mother's nearly fatal medical complications and his late mentor's battle with cancer.

Abraar Karan
Abraar explored journalism, photography, and entrepreneurship but decided on medicine so he can care for people in low-income regions of the world.

Adam Benjamin
Adam's Crohn’s disease diagnosis at the age of nine, and knowing that so many others struggle with the disease, has motivated him to pursue a career in medicine.

Ahmad Hider
After his younger brother was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, Ahmad was inspired to go to medical school to be a voice for those living with chronic illness.

Aisa Iyawe
Aisa, an immigrant who experienced homelessness after moving to the US, says her hardships provided opportunities for growth and motivated her to become a doctor and work with underserved populations.

Alexa M. Mieses
Alexa shares that no matter where you come from or who you are, you can be a doctor. Often the tricky part is finding the support and guidance necessary to realize your dreams.

Alex Gannon
As a gay and transgender med student, Alex tells applicants it's okay to be themselves when applying and selecting a medical school.

Allison Lyle
Allison got accepted on her fourth application to medical school. She shares mistakes from her first three applications and how she stayed motivated.

Amber Rae Wang
Because of her interest in biology, law enforcement, and death investigation, Amber knew in high school she wanted to be a forensic pathologist.

Ana Jimenez
A former nurse, and mother of three, Ana decided it wasn't too late to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.

Analise McGreal
Analise, the first in her family to attend college, changed career paths from psychiatric research to medicine because she was inspired to work with patients.