PPC Student Spotlight - Laura Wilson

KGI Student Government PPC (Post-baccalaureate Premedical Certificate Program) Representative, Laura Wilson, graciously spared a few moments of her time to share some of her experiences in this newly instituted program.

After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from UC Santa Cruz, Laura continued to achieve her teaching credential from UC Irvine. She taught high school biology and health education, and also spent a summer working with developmentally disabled adults before considering a post-baccalaureate program. In her search, Laura considered programs at Midwestern, Drexel, and Tulalne but ultimately settled on KGI because of its innovative curriculum.

“All of the programs looked the same and offered the same courses, which seemed like courses I would eventually take in medical school anyway. KGI’s program offered unique graduate level courses that would teach me different subjects that would still be useful.”

Although Laura admits that the coursework is challenging, she also acknowledges that life at KGI has introduced her to new ways of thinking and improved her skills in teamwork and organization. Laura also notes that the staff have also been flexible in helping PPC students tailor their educational experience to their own needs and interests.

“The staff has allowed us to choose the classes we are most interested in, including independent study courses. Some of the PPC students are finishing heir medical school pre-req’s (such as Physics or Organic chemistry) at Harvey Mudd, which is a unique opportunity utilizing the Claremont Colleges Consortium.”

In addition to offering resources available as a result of membership in the Claremont University Consortium, KGI also strives to provide other opportunities for its PPC students to prepare them for the trials that will come with applying to medical school.

“Each week, the PPC students get to meet with a doctor or a professional who works/has worked on a medical school admissions board. This gives us the opportunity to ask questions about life as a doctor and what to expect in medical school. Dr. Ian Phillips, the director of our program, has also helped us sharpen our interviewing skills.” Professor Phillips has also offered the students his advice and guidance in crafting and perfecting their ever-so-vital personal statements.

Outside of schoolwork, Laura is an avid participant in the co-curricular activities offered by KGI Student Life including intramural water polo and bowling, Writing and Editing for Professional Publication Club, and was even involved in a dance performance during KGI’s recent Diwali celebration.

You can learn more about the PPC program or request more information.

By Christina Lai (MBS '11)