Boots2Meds Podcast

In this episode of boots2meds, Bart Gillum sits down with Robert Andrews, a first-year medical student at NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine. With a 10-year career as an EOD tech in the Navy, Robert's journey to medicine is anything but conventional. He candidly shares his early struggles in college, how he turned things around by finishing his degree online while serving in the military, and his transformative experience in GW's postbac program. Tune in to hear Robert's insights on perseverance, navigating the med school application process, and how he's leveraging his military background in the world of medicine.

In honor of Veterans Day, we are bringing you a special episode featuring Dr. Jill Foster, Assistant Dean of Pipelines and Pathways, and Mr. Chris vanBrenk, Director of Education and Training at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Together, they share the story behind their pioneering initiative that provides former military medics a unique pathway to medical school. Tune in to learn about the origins of the program, the application requirements, and the valuable veteran resources offered by the university. This episode celebrates the courage and adaptability of veterans, honoring their continued journey of service.

In this week's episode of boots2meds, we sit down with Sam Harcourt, a second-year PA student at George Washington University. Sam's journey to PA school has been anything but straightforward. Starting as an Army medic, then transitioning to a career as a paramedic, followed by an unexpected shift into banking, Sam ultimately found his way back to the medical field as a PA student. Tune in to hear about the challenges he faced, the lessons he's learned, and his advice for others considering a non-traditional path to healthcare.

In this episode of the boots2meds podcast, we're diving into the unique journey of Jenny Chen, a current PA student at George Washington University. Jenny's path to PA school is anything but conventional—she made a seamless transition from GW's post-baccalaureate premed program straight into their PA program through a special linkage option.

But Jenny's story begins long before her academic achievements. She first served in the Air Force as a medic and later as an LPN, gaining a wealth of clinical experience that set her up for success in PA school. In this episode, Jenny shares how her military service provided her with invaluable skills and insights that give her a distinctive edge in the healthcare field.

If you're a veteran thinking about a career in healthcare, or simply interested in how military experience can translate into success in advanced medical programs, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Don't miss out on Jenny's powerful story of resilience, dedication, and the impact of hands-on experience.

In this episode of the boots2meds podcast, host Bart Gillum sits down with Lucus Traunero, a former Flight Paramedic with the Army National Guard and volunteer firefighter, who is now on his way to becoming a physician. Lucus shares his unique journey, detailing how his extensive experience in emergency services led him to pursue a career in medicine.

Having recently completed George Washington University's Postbac Premed Program, Lucus discusses the challenges he faced transitioning from fire fighter and Army National Guard Flight medic to pre-med student and how his background in high-pressure situations has prepared him for medical school.

Whether you're considering a similar path or simply looking for inspiration, Lucus's story offers valuable insights into the resilience and dedication required to make the leap from serving in the field to serving in the clinic.

Tune in to hear more about Lucus's inspiring journey and gain practical tips for navigating the transition from military to medicine.

In this episode of boots2meds, host Bart Gillum sits down with Nicole Albertson, a PA in the Army National Guard, to discuss her journey through the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) at Fort Sam Houston as a reservist. Nicole shares invaluable insights into the IPAP program and provides practical tips for securing one of these highly sought-after Reservist spots. Whether you're a current service member or considering a career shift into the PA field, this episode is packed with essential advice and firsthand experiences. Tune in for an inspiring and informative conversation!

In this episode of the Boots2Meds podcast, we're exploring a groundbreaking opportunity for veterans at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Jackie Chudow, the Assistant Director of Admissions, joins us to discuss the U.S. Military Institutional Program, a unique pathway that helps enlisted soldiers with a college degree transition to medical school.

Jackie shares the origins of this program and emphasizes the important skills and traits veterans bring to the medical field. Don't miss this engaging conversation that highlights how your military experience can give you a competitive edge in medical school applications.

Tune in now to learn more about how Mount Sinai is leading the way in supporting veterans on their journey to becoming physicians.

In this episode of "boots2meds," we sit down with Aaron Henry, a remarkable individual whose journey from Navy corpsman to physician assistant (PA) and faculty member at George Washington University's PA program is truly inspiring. Aaron shares his experiences enlisting in the Navy, his transition to civilian life, and the challenges and triumphs he faced while pursuing higher education. Tune in to hear about his dedication to the medical field, his passion for teaching, and valuable insights for anyone considering a career in healthcare. Don't miss this compelling story of resilience, determination, and success.

In this episode of the Boots2Meds podcast, we sit down with Ian Hines, a former Army Intelligence Officer now pursuing a career in rural medicine. Join us as we explore how Ian's military experience has equipped him with unique skills that align with the AAMC premedical competencies. Discover the insights Ian shares on the intersection of military service and medical education, and gain a deeper understanding of how discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking can pave the way for success in the medical field. Whether you're a veteran considering a medical career or a premed student looking for inspiration, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and motivation.

In this episode of "Boots to Med," we are thrilled to welcome Christian Essman, the renowned host of the "All Access: Med School Admissions" podcast. Christian brings a wealth of experience from his numerous interviews with medical school admissions experts. Together, we dive deep into the concept of holistic admissions, exploring its importance and impact on the medical school application process. Join me for an enlightening conversation with one of the leading voices in medical school admissions.