Tsion Habtamu’s Non-Traditional Path to Medical School

Tsion Habtamu

Med School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
Expected Graduation Year:  2028
College & Major: Virginia Commonwealth University, Political Science / International Relations, 2018

Learn more about:

• Tsion's background
• Her experiences
• Her application
• Why her med school chose her

Background

• Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Tsion was exposed early to medicine and the ravages of disease.
• Moved to the United States in high school, and discovered a deep interest in science, sustainability, and advocacy.
• As an undergrad Political Science and International Relations major, she combined her studies with global shadowing and healthcare experiences during the pandemic, gaining clinical exposure while in Belize, Mexico, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
• After overcoming academic challenges, gap years, and MCAT challenges, Tsion pursued a Special Master’s Program at Georgetown University and a Pre-Matriculation Program at Rosalind Franklin University.
• In 2024, through the VCU ASPiRE program, study-abroad, clinical and volunteer work, and research focused on access and innovation, Tsion strengthened her experiences, helping her to make her medical school application more competitive.

Experiences

Tsion Habtamu didn’t initially dream of becoming a doctor. Not at first. In fact, medicine was the last thing she imagined, because for her, hospitals were places to fear. Growing up in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, she recalled an early exposure to healthcare when she accompanied her family to hospitals, where she witnessed suffering patients in vulnerable states. Tsion shared, “These encounters were not clinical or structured, but deeply personal, shaped by proximity to loved ones and community members who were denied care or sought treatment only when the disease was advanced.”

By the time Tsion finished middle school, her family had immigrated to the United States, and her perspective on medicine began to change. During high school, she developed a strong interest in “environmental science and a passion for sustainability and advocacy.” Then, in 2014, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) pursuing a pre-med track. Although “I hadn’t yet declared a major, I had a desire to serve disadvantaged communities and bridge the gap between healthcare and policy.”

During her sophomore year, Tsion took an international relations course and chose Political Science and International Relations as her major because “it allowed me to explore culture, global issues, and advocacy.” The following summer, she joined the PRE-ALERT research team, a National Institute of Health-funded program that offered her first meaningful exposure to academic medicine. Through this program, she discussed how she worked closely with “Dr. Sherita Chapman, a Black woman in academic neurology, who showed me how dynamic a physician’s career can be—teaching, conducting research, and caring for patients. Her mentorship made the field feel accessible and solidified my desire to pursue medicine.”

"Make your gap year your own. Applying to medical school does not mean your life has to be on hold. The process is demanding, but you should still find joy and purpose in what you’re doing. Whether through clinical work or something more creative, choose experiences that bring you closer to the kind of physician you hope to become," said Tsion.

While on the PRE-ALERT team, Tsion worked as a research assistant on a mobile telestroke project focused on improving in-ambulance stroke diagnosis and shortening time to treatment. She explained how it helped prepare her for medical school, sharing, “This experience reframed how I think about medicine, showing me that improved patient outcomes often depend on systems, teamwork, and execution—not just clinical knowledge. She continued, “Seeing how a concept could move from an idea to a real-world application sparked my interest in hands-on, collaborative work.”

Tsion also participated in VCU ASPiRE, a two-year living and learning community focused on service and community engagement. (More information about VCU’s programs can be found via their Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning.) Through collaborations with Richmond community partners, she shares that “I worked on projects related to affordable housing, education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and public health. ASPiRE opened eyes to the social determinants of health and deepened my commitment to equity while allowing me to apply classroom learning to real-world community needs.” Tsion worked directly with community members, educating families about preventive health measures and helping them access local resources, while also advocating for broader, long-term improvements. Tsion recalled that in some communities, children were unable to play outside due to gun violence. In others, “families lived in food deserts, which significantly impacted nutrition and chronic health conditions. Many neighborhoods were not walkable, limiting opportunities for physical activity, and some children arrived at school hungry because food insecurity meant their first meal of the day was provided at school.”

After graduating from VCU in 2018, Tsion pursued a Special Master’s Program in Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University to strengthen her scientific foundation. Throughout her three gap years, she studied for the MCAT and worked in healthcare-related roles. Tsion was a ophthalmology and clinical laboratory assistant at Curative Inc., Pandemic Response Lab, where she processed COVID-19 samples through plating, extraction, and polymerase chain reaction. She also worked as a public relations strategist and scribe at the Prosperity Medical Center, “contributing through a global crisis, even behind the scenes, felt deeply meaningful.”

In August 2024, she officially matriculated to the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, choosing it for its strong emphasis on interprofessional education. She aims to be “the kind of physician who advocates for underserved communities, bridges medicine with policy and remains grounded in service.”

After medical school, Tsion plans to practice in medically underserved communities, providing “high-quality, culturally responsive care for populations who’ve historically faced barriers to access, representation, and trust in the healthcare system.” Tsion shared, “As my career evolves, I hope to transition into the policy space, where my background in political science will help me to bridge the gap between medicine and legislation. I want to advocate for underrepresented communities and contribute to policies that protect, empower, and ensure equitable care.”

How Tsion Addressed Deficits or Concerns in Her Application

Early on, in addition to academic challenges in Chemistry, she struggled with whether medicine was right for her. After seeking guidance from her professor, she strengthened her perseverance. She shared, “By actively seeking support, asking questions, and engaging with my professor outside of class, I not only improved my performance, but also learned how meaningful faculty mentorship can be in navigating difficult academic terrain.”

She also consulted her prehealth advisor, Dr. Yovanna Pomarico, early in her journey, often meeting weekly or bi-weekly, depending on where she was in the application process. Dr. Pomarico’s advice and support along the way helped her navigate challenges.

Tsion decided to strengthen her academic preparation, service, and clinical experiences to ensure she would be as competitive as possible when applying to medical school. She attended the Pre-Matriculation Program (PMP) at Rosalind Franklin University—a rigorous, funded program for “students from disadvantaged backgrounds or those committed to serving underserved communities.” Tsion continued, “PMP gave me early exposure to medical-school-level coursework, helped with interview preparation, offered AMCAS guidance, and featured structured academic support. It played a pivotal role in preparing me for medical school success.” According to Dr. Pomarico, “participation in the PMP program played a crucial role in preparing Tsion for medical school by providing structured academic support, mentorship, and early exposure to the medical school environment.” The program strengthened her Premed Competencies, such as Critical Thinking, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Scientific Inquiry, while also familiarizing her with the expectations and demands of medical training. “Through workshops on AMCAS preparation, personal statement writing, and mock interviews, the pipeline gave her the confidence and tools to navigate the application process successfully.”

The program strengthened her Premed Competencies, such as Critical Thinking, Teamwork and Collaboration, and Scientific Inquiry, while also familiarizing her with the expectations and demands of medical training. “Through workshops on AMCAS preparation, personal statement writing, and mock interviews, the pipeline gave her the confidence and tools to navigate the application process successfully.”

During her gap years, Tsion was intentional about gaining further clinical exposure to strengthen her application. Balancing MCAT preparation with two full-time healthcare positions during the COVID pandemic, she was able to participate in shadowing opportunities through her hospital and clinic volunteering. During study-abroad trips to Ghana and Ethiopia, she contacted local clinics to observe different healthcare systems. While also working as an ophthalmology medical assistant and a medical scribe, seeking out local physicians during family vacations. “These varied experiences helped me understand the many ways medicine is practiced across cultures and settings,” she explained

When her initial MCAT score did not meet her expectations, she adjusted her study approach by actively learning, using various prep materials, including the AAMC MCAT Prep Hub. Tsion even joined accountability study groups and retook the exam in 2022. Tsion recalled that “this change improved both my performance and my confidence.”

She also worked to create relationships with other premed students, becoming more involved in pre-med organizations like MAPS and SNMA. They helped to create natural pathways to meet peer mentors who‘d already completed the medical school application process.

Although not a traditional medical experience, even Tsion’s undergraduate involvement in ASPiRE deeply enhanced [her] personal and professional growth. She shared, “It strengthened my commitment to serving underserved communities by allowing me to serve in multiple volunteer capacities, from after-school tutor to public health ambassador.” She highly encourages others to seek out similar community-based programs, as “they offer an invaluable perspective on the challenges many patients face. They also helped me to build the skills needed to engage compassionately and effectively with diverse populations.” She suggests starting  with your own university, because “pre-health advisors are often aware of local opportunities, and many schools have a community engagement or outreach office that partners with local organizations.”

When asked specifically about her path to medicine, Dr. Pomarico shared, “In addition to her academic and leadership achievements, what sets Tsion apart was that she consistently went out of her way to support peers, often sharing resources, study strategies, and encouragement.” Beyond the PMP, Tsion remained actively engaged with incoming cohorts as a mentor and served as Class President during her M1 year.  She continued, “her ability balancing heavy responsibilities with genuine compassion and a strong work ethic makes her exceptionally well-suited for a career in medicine. I would also highlight her openness to feedback and her determination to improve continuously, qualities that will serve her well as a medical student and future physician.”

Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science on Why They Chose Tsion

For Dr. Michael Ellision, Associate Dean of Admissions, Tsion was a candidate whose story, presence, and purpose aligned with the institution’s mission. She explained, “Tsion immediately presented as a strong candidate due to her personable nature and excellent communication skills.” Dr. Ellison recalled, “She made a very favorable first impression through her positive demeanor, poise, genuine interest in helping others, and well-thought-out answers to questions during our in-person meeting.”

Dr. Ellison emphasized that her first impression never once faded, saying, “Each time we speak, she continues to demonstrate several Premed Competencies from her AMCAS application, personal statement and supplemental application, including Resilience and Adaptability, Capacity for Improvement, Critical Thinking and Reasoning Skills, Written Communication, Service Orientation, and Understanding Others.” Dr. Ellison continued, remarking that Tsion’s experience section further reinforced her competencies, highlighting “a strong record of volunteer and paid healthcare experiences, research involvement, service to underserved populations, leadership roles, and a genuine interest in people.”

However, it was during her interview that Tsion really made an impression on the medical school. Dr. Elision recalled, “Tsion’s oral communication skills were excellent, and she consistently demonstrated compassion and empathy. She presented herself as genuine and authentic, allowing her personality to shine beyond what was evident in her application.” Even in a virtual interview setting, “she was respectful of her peers and, when appropriate, engaged others thoughtfully in conversation, highlighting her interpersonal and collaborative skills.”

Tsion was granted admission to CMS because she strongly aligned with their mission through her lived experiences, background, and dedication to serving individuals and communities with the greatest need. Dr. Ellison went further, saying, “She approaches her work and assignments with a smile, genuine interest in helping others, and enthusiasm for new opportunities to grow. The way she presents herself today has been consistently how she presented herself during the application and interview process: kind, thoughtful, professional, hardworking, and deeply dedicated to serving others.”