Next Steps

Pre-Medicine Advising

If you dream of making a difference in people's lives by becoming a doctor, Whitworth's pre-medicine advising program is for you. Pre-medicine is a comprehensive program spanning all the years of a student's Whitworth education that prepares students to be successful, competitive candidates for medical school. The numbers speak for themselves: 100 percent of students who have completed our recommended pre-med program components have been accepted to at least one medical school.

Why pursue pre-medicine advising at Whitworth?

Find your calling. Vocational discernment is interwoven into all aspects of the program, from advising and mentorship to seminars and guest speaker events.
Form connections with professors and advisors who want to see you succeed and will support you every step of the way. Our advisors even continue to assist students after their Whitworth graduation, particularly as they prepare their medical school applications.
Be guided by our road map to medical school, which provides clear instructions on the steps and activities you should complete to be a successful medical school candidate.
Take specialized seminar courses that will help you explore career paths and prepare for the Medical College Admission Test.
Create camaraderie with your peers through the Pre-Med Club, which offers fun activities like ice cream socials, barbecues and frequent guest speakers.
Gain experience working with individuals who are different from you – a critical component of a medical school application. Enroll in a study abroad program that includes a medical internship, or join a student-run club like En Christo that serves low-income residents in Spokane.
Build leadership skills that will strengthen your résumé. At Whitworth, you'll have many opportunities to develop into a capable and compassionate leader, whether by volunteering for a worthwhile cause, getting involved with student government or residence life, or serving as a teaching assistant.
Develop transferable skills that will make you more effective in your future medical career and in all areas of life. A Whitworth liberal arts education will prepare you to think critically and communicate clearly.
Become who you're meant to be.

Our pre-medicine advising grads make a difference (and get jobs)

Our graduates are physicians working in a variety of specialties around the country. An M.D. or D.O. degree can also lead to careers in research or teaching.

Recent job placements include:

Alex Hoffmann, internal medicine resident, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston
Sara Lutz, internal medicine resident physician, University of New Mexico Hospital, Albuquerque, N.M.
Isaac Fonken, physician, Poudre Valley Hospital, Fort Collins, Colo.
Elke Neuenschwander, family medicine resident physician, Alaska Family Medicine Residency, Anchorage, Alaska
Greg Lammert, general surgeon, Confluence Health, Wenatchee, Wash.
Bret DeGraaff, resident physician in cardiothoracic surgery, UC Davis Health, Sacramento, Calif.
Luke Meininger, hematologist/oncologist, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md.

Our recent pre-medicine advising graduates further their studies in top medical programs at institutions including:

University of Washington
Washington State University
Oregon Health & Science University
Tulane University
Creighton University
Loma Linda University
Western University of Health Sciences
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
Tufts University
John Hopkins University

Ask our pre-med faculty advisors

Ask Professor Stevens

Professor Karen Stevens teaches in the chemistry department and advises students pursuing pre-dentistry and pre-medicine.

Ask Associate Professor Epps

Associate Professor Alisha Epps teaches psychology and specializes in behavioral neuroscience.

Ask Professor Abbey

Professor Elizabeth Abbey teaches health science and advises students interested in pre-med, pre-physician assistant and nutrition.

Ask Associate Professor Sardinia

Associate Professor Mike Sardinia teaches biology and advises students pursuing pre-med and pre-veterinary.

What related majors can I explore?

You may be surprised to learn you can choose any major as a pre-med student. While it's more common to choose a major in the sciences, successful medical school applicants have also chosen majors in the humanities like art, English and theology, while completing a significant number of credits in the sciences.

The most typical majors chosen by pre-med students include: