Postbaccalaureate Pre-Professional Program (P4)

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

P4 gave me the credits and education I needed to take the MCAT and apply to medical school. More than that, the advising at P4 helped me fully understand the process of applying to medical school and helped me grow to articulate some of the philosophical reasons behind my desire to practice medicine. Also, in a practical sense, P4 introduced me to the Jefferson community, which was welcoming from the beginning and where I’ll remain as a medical student.

Where are you now?

Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Class of 2022.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thanks!

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program gave me the foundations necessary to be successful in the classroom, the clinic, & the community that I serve in med medical school. The core curriculum provided the academic rigor that allowed me to start medical school competent in the foundations of science. The Art and Science of Healthcare taught me about social science aspect of medicine and showed me how to approach health disparities from an epidemiological perspective.

Where are you now?

I am currently a rising 4th year at The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Go Brown Bears!

Anything else you would like to add?

The P4 program is a hidden gem! With access to the same resources, facilities, mentors, & opportunities given to the students at Jefferson Medical College, the only limits are those you artificially ascribe to yourself through your imagination – you can achieve your dream of becoming a physician through the P4 program. 

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

Helped me learn the basic sciences necessary to take the MCAT exam.  Program leadership (in particular Dr. Byrne) was very helpful to me in career planning and the application process to medical school. 

Where are you now?

University of Colorado School of Medicine, class of 2019. 

Anything else you would like to add?

The program does a good job of helping students with individual needs and giving them individual attention necessary to succeed while in classes and then beyond into the application process for medical school. Dr. Byrne is wonderful to work with and is passionate about her students. 

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

It provided me all the classes, preparation, resources and support I needed to successfully apply to medical school.

Where are you now?

I am an M3 at the Lewis Katz school of Medicine at Temple University

Anything else you would like to add?

I would like to thank all of the professors and admissions staff for believing in me and making an investment in my future.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program significantly enhanced my candidacy for medical school through strong academics, preparation for the MCAT, and access to resources (i.e. volunteer opportunities, advice from current Jefferson medical students, information regarding different medical schools and the application process, etc.).

Where are you now?

I am currently a rising third year attending Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. 

Anything else you would like to add?

The facilitators of this program are exceptional, and will do everything in their power to assist you along the career-changing journey.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

As an institution entrenched within Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson’s far-reaching impact reverberates from its intimate campus throughout the city. Being in the heart of Philadelphia, surrounded by a wealth of diversity allowed me the opportunity to work with and alongside so many different people of varying cultures, classes, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, genders, physical and mental abilities. The exposure to such diversity on a regular basis was an intrinsic route to personal growth, increased empathy and priceless knowledge. During my time shadowing in the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, I had the opportunity to add to my cultural competency through observation and discussion with physicians and their diverse patient populations. I was constantly inspired by the Jefferson health professionals’ kindness, patience, positive attitudes, professionalism and zeal for teaching, enlightening all those around them who wish to learn

The sense of community at Jefferson is palpable. The kindness, compassion, collaboration and drive to make a difference are on display daily by the faculty, staff, students and all those who are lucky enough to call Thomas Jefferson their home. As a post-bacc student, I had that opportunity and by joining and actively participating in many clubs and organizations, attending lectures by guest speakers and lecturers, playing intramurals, doing community service, shadowing in the hospital and spending long hours in Scott Memorial library shoulder to shoulder with Sidney Kimmel Medical Students, I took full advantage of the myriad resources Jefferson has to offer. This facilitated daily collaboration and conversation with Sidney Kimmel Medical College students, giving me intimate insight into what to expect as a medical student. As a post-bacc student I quickly learned that if I worked hard and took the initiative, the Jefferson community and the post-bacc family would support me both in and out of the classroom, supplying me with all the tools necessary for success.

Last, but certainly not least… can’t thank Dr. Byrne enough for her tireless efforts and dedication to her students.

Where are you now?

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: MD program
MS2, Class 2021

Anything else you would like to add?

Like the people it invests in, Thomas Jefferson University is not placated by stagnancy, but rather ardently pursues development and growth. In doing so, Thomas Jefferson’s family continues to grow and increase opportunities for their students, patients and health 

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?
I’m a doctor! And I have Dr. Byrne and the P4 to thank for that!!

Where are you now?
I graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical College in 2018 and am currently in my Internal Medicine residency at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The easy answer? It helped me get in to med school. The more complicated answer is that P4 taught me a lot of subtle professional etiquette that isn’t exactly taught in med school; but is still very much expected of students from Day 1.  Professionalism is HUGE in medical school and one would be very surprised to see how many students (both M.D. and D.O.) come freshly into their program lacking it

Where are you now?

I am a MS3 for St. George’s University, currently rotating at St. Peter’s for our pediatric clerkship.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program prepared me for the MCAT and allowed me to complete my premedical requirements.  I was also able to take the time to volunteer and strengthen my resume during the P4 program.  P4 also provided me with the advising and support to apply to and get into medical school at PCOM.

Where are you now?

I just started my 4th year of medical school at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

It helped me get into medical school. Thank you to everyone in the P4 program, I would not be where I am today without all of you.

Where are you now?

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, year 1.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program really gave me the independence to explore what I liked and did not like in regards to all areas of medicine. It prepared me to STUDY HARD for medical school. It taught me how to manage time, how to be independent, how to set and ACHIEVE goals for myself. The P4 program really were two of the best years of my life and I wish I could go back to it all over again.

Where are you now?

I linked to PCOM’s DO program in 2016 and had to take a year off for personal reasons.  I restarted the DO program in 2017, and I stopped attending in February 2018. This was a personal choice for me. I got a taste of medical school and decided that this path just was not for me. During school, I cared more about the mental well-being of my colleagues and friends than I had cared about becoming a doctor. I had always wanted to go into psychology, which was the reason for me going to medical school, but I decided that a different path (PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology, or LPC) were more suited for my wants and needs. I am currently working at the Center for Autism and have plans to return back to school in 2019.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

With a lot of hard work and the help of faculty, advisors, and colleagues, I was able to graduate from Thomas Jefferson with a very competitive science GPA.  Coming into the P4 program, I had almost no science background and felt that I may be behind some of my colleagues (especially with the anticipation of courses like Organic Chemistry and Physics).  However, most of us coming into the program didn’t have much of a science background.  The P4 faculty and advisors follow everyone closely and help to make sure that their students are as competitive as possible.  This includes the accessibility of the professors for tutoring, the advisors for medical and research experience, and the faculty for letters of recommendation.  As such, I was able to put together a very competitive medical school application and came back to Thomas Jefferson where I am currently a second year medical student looking at Orthopedic Surgery for residency.

Where are you now?

I’m currently a second year medical student in Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. 

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

I was fortunate enough to link at Jefferson for medical school where I not only met lifelong friends but mentors who helped me discover my interest in a career in women’s health.  The P4 program allowed me time and resources to explore various medical fields as well, through shadowing and volunteering in the hospital. Since I stayed at Jefferson after finishing the program, I was able to continue to foster these relationships and mentorships.

Where are you now?

I graduated from Sidney Kimmel Medical School at Thomas Jefferson University in May and began my residency in OB/GYN at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in June!

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program provided me with a solid science foundation which prepared me immensely for dental school. Coming from a business background, I was a nervous about how difficult science courses typically are. The P4 program understands that everyone enrolled comes from a different background and ensures that they have success in whatever graduate school they decide to pursue.

Where are you now?

I am currently in my junior year of dental school at Temple University - Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program provided me with a solid foundation of basic science knowledge, networking/shadowing opportunities, community service involvement, and individualized assistance with my applications to Physician Assistant programs.

Where are you now?

I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Thomas Jefferson University. My expected graduation date is August 2018.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

In a few words, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the P4 program. I followed the accelerated (1-year) path and linked directly into Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  Four years later, I’m now a doctor at my top choice for residency. Jefferson provided me with the tools and resources that sent me on this trajectory.

Where are you now?

I graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and went full circle from a psychology major to a psychiatry residency. I matched at Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

I would not be on the path I am today without the P4 program or its faculty. From an education standpoint, the P4 program’s curriculum provided me with core knowledge I am confident will aid me in the future as a medical student and a physician. However, the program truly gave me so much more than an exceptional pre-professional education; the confidence I gained through the encouragement of the faculty, and the opportunities that were available as a student at Jefferson have been invaluable. I am incredibly thankful to have chosen the P4 program for my pre-professional education.

Where are you now?

I will be attending Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University this coming summer, 2018.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

Over my two years as a P4 student, I came to love being at Jefferson and decided I wanted to stay for my medical education.

Where are you now?

SKMC – 4th year student

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

I would not be about to start medical school without the P4 program—I did not know how to study until this program. Studying science is different than writing papers (my whole undergraduate and graduate career); I found the techniques that worked for me and applied the ones that worked best for the MCAT. The advising from Dr. Byrne and Dr. Heine were invaluable, especially their willingness to read every word of my personal statement and AMCAS application. The accelerated program also forced me to perfect my time management and prioritization skills.

Where are you now?

As of August 13, 2018, I will be a MS1 at the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami in Miami Florida. [I was offered admission at the University of Miami, the University of Florida, and George Washington University. I was offered but did not accept an interview at the University of South Florida.]

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

It was my first introduction to the world of medicine and biomedical sciences

Where are you now?

I am attending medical school at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

It got me into medical school! I felt well prepared to tackle the basic science courses at SKMC and Dr. Byrne is an amazing advisor!

Where are you now?

I graduated from SKMC and will be going to Montefiore Medical Center for my residency in internal medicine.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program was a great way to cover my prerequisites and allow me to network with people within the Jefferson community. I was also able to get some great advice on how to apply and set myself up for success in medical school.

Where are you now?

3rd year of medical school at Sidney Kimmel Medical College

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

The P4 program exceeded my expectations and made my career goals possible. After completing the P4 program’s one year accelerated program, I successfully linked with Sidney Kimmel Medical College where I am currently in my fourth year of medical school.

Where are you now?

I am currently a student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

I went to Ohio University for my undergraduate degree. I studied psychology. Then I went to the P4 program, after that I went to Dartmouth for my graduate degree in public health, then I decided to take a gap year, and now finally I am going to med school! During this gap year I have worked on the West Side of Cleveland at the West Side Catholic Center in the Moriah House family shelter. I have worked as a family and youth case manager, working to ensure the physical, social, and mental well-being of our residents. different aspects of medicine and really engage with peers and multi-disciplinary teams.

Where are you now?

I will be attending the University of Pittsburgh! Can’t wait to start!

I am so grateful for the support I received in the P4 program, through all the peaks and valleys (and there can be many on this road!). It really meant a lot that I had people in my cohort that cared about me not only as a student but as a person. The P4 faculty and staff understand that you may not be the “average” pre-medical student, that you have different needs, goals, and responsibilities. This aspect was invaluable to me as a P4 student.

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

In any program, your success, in terms academics and getting into medical school, will be determined by the hard work and dedication that you put into it. I feel that the P4 program gave me the support, environment, and academic setting that allowed me to excel. The classes are small, and the teaching faculty and advisors feel very invested in their students’ success. The structure of the program allowed me to have sufficient classroom time as well as enough independent time to study on my own. The MCAT prep included in the program was also an integral part of my success.

Where are you now?

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

How has the P4 program helped you on your path to your current program/career?

It helped me become a bigger part of the community at Jefferson. I did research, shadowed, and worked here.

Where are you now?

SKMC! Woohoo!