Alumni Testimonials
Our graduates share the ways in which the SMP prepared them for professional success.
Want to be featured here? We’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at physio@georgetown.edu.
Rob Bellmore
- B.S., University of Arizona ’98
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ’06
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ’10
- Residency in Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic
“As an older, non-traditional student, I had little hope of attending medical school. The SMP gave me the platform to prove to admissions committees, and to myself, that I have what it takes to be an outstanding physician.”
Garrett Buechner
- B.S., DePaul University ‘18
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP (GTDT) ‘19
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ‘23
“Attending Georgetown’s SMP was one of the best decisions I’ve made on my path to medical school. While the curriculum is especially rigorous, it taught me what I was capable of academically. The professors and faculty truly do everything they can to see you succeed, whatever your goal may be. The SMP has given me so many tools to not only become a better applicant but also a better student and future physician.”
Candice Cody
- B.S., UNC Chapel Hill ‘05
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘07
- M.D., George Washington University SOM ‘11
- Residency in Anesthesiology, Georgetown University
“Completing the Physio program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It helped me develop the academic background and study habits to succeed in medical school, and assured me that I didn’t have to give up my dream of becoming a doctor. It’s a tough year, but given the choice, I would do it all over again! It was certainly worth the investment in my future!”
Vinny DiMaggio
- B.S., Boston College ‘07
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘09
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ‘13
- Residency in Pediatrics, University of Chicago
“With the SMP, I was able to acquire a basic medical sciences education from some of the best faculty in the world while also exploring avenues of involvement in the field. The program and the supportive community have helped me and countless other students grow into compassionate, competent individuals, ready to achieve our dreams!”
Mary Jenkins
- B.S., University of Notre Dame ‘10
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘15
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ‘19
- Residency in Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, Tulane Medical Center
“I enrolled in the SMP as a path to medical school, but the program was so much more than just a means to an end. The SMP provided me the opportunity to regain confidence in my own academic abilities and build meaningful relationships. For example, Dr. Adam Myers taught cardiovascular physiology, coached me through my application process, and now continues to work with me on outreach projects with local high schools. These opportunities for mentorship are what really helped me find my path and are what makes the SMP such a unique and meaningful experience.”
Jessica Kang
- B.S., Duke University ‘14
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘19
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ‘23
“During the SMP year I learned from passionate professors and studied alongside supportive peers. This was one of the most challenging years academically, mentally, and emotionally. However, I benefited greatly from this program and learned so much about myself and my abilities. This program has allowed me to find the confidence and skills to handle the academic rigor of medical school.”
Vanessa Karimi
- B.S., George Washington University ‘14
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘16
- M.D., SUNY Stony Brook ‘20
“As a student in the SMP, I was floored by the enormous amount of support I received from the SMP faculty members as early as the first day of orientation. The SMP gave me the confidence boost I needed to pursue medicine. Being a member of this community of hardworking and driven students increased my motivation to continue to work towards my personal dream. My year as an SMP student helped me shed the fears and doubt I had during my undergraduate career thanks to the supportive and amazing SMP faculty! This was a rewarding year and I will always be grateful for my experience.”
Matt McCormick
- B.S., Collage University ‘09
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘12
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ‘16
- Residency in Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
“I applied for the Special Master’s Program after not receiving a single medical school interview. For me, the program was a last-chance effort at achieving my dream of becoming a doctor. My SMP year was academically grueling and at times stressful, but there is no doubt the program was critical in my eventual acceptance into medical school. The SMP taught me what it takes to succeed academically and I finished the year confident and ready for the next challenge. I credit my successes as a medical student to what I learned both about physiology and about myself during my SMP year.”
Erin Meierhenry
- B.S., University of California San Diego ‘07
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘09
- M.D., University of California Davis SOM ‘13
- Residency in Internal Medicine, TBA
“My first application to medical school was unsuccessful, leaving me with a desire to do something that would truly make a difference and strengthen my candidacy. Succeeding in medical school courses at a highly esteemed university and simultaneously earning a master’s degree gave my application the extra boost that led to my success in being accepted to a great medical school.”
Rakib Rayhan
- B.S., University of Maryland ‘08
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘11
“Under the auspices of one of the nation’s premier institutions and outstanding professors, the SMP provided me with the perfect blend of clinical knowledge and biomedical education to pursue my dream of getting into medical school. This was further enhanced by the amazing and supportive advising that has made my application stand out during the harrowing process of matriculating into medical school.”
Ben Swaby
- B.S., Allegheny College ‘16
- M.S., Georgetown University SMP ‘19
- M.D., Georgetown University SOM ‘23
“Enrolling in the Special Master’s Program was the best decision I made as a pre-medical student. Not only did the SMP program help to improve my academic credentials, but it also facilitated the development of study skills and test-taking strategies relevant to medical school. Between the collaborative student body and the passionate and accessible faculty and support staff, the quality of education at Georgetown made all the difference.”
Alumni Highlights
Alumni
SMP Alumna Rupa Lalchandani, SMP’09
Rupa Lalchandani (SMP’09, G’14) completed her PhD in Physiology in the laboratory of Dr. Stefano Vicini this past October. She will be working in the laboratory of Jun Ding, PhD,…
August 15, 2019
Alumni
Sam graduated from the Special Master’s Program (SMP’12), and is now in his third year at Georgetown School of Medicine. As the premier program of its kind in the country, SMP’s…
August 15, 2019
Alumni
Each year we host an alumni panel and reception for current Physios and alumni in GUSOM. Alumni from different years come back for this event and share their experiences, wisdom, and successes…
August 15, 2019