In this issue:

As the Spring 2026 semester comes to a close, it’s a good time to pause and take stock of how far you’ve come. Pre-health paths are demanding by design, and the long nights, tough exams, and packed schedules can make it easy to focus only on what’s left to do. But finishing strong doesn’t mean being perfect; it means being intentional. Whether you’re preparing for finals, wrapping up lab work, or completing shadowing hours, small, consistent efforts right now can make a meaningful difference in both your grades and your portfolio.

This final stretch is also a good reminder to be kind to yourself. The pre-health journey is demanding, and it's okay to acknowledge that. As you finish strong, try to stay mindful of where you're putting your energy. Focus on what matters most, study smart rather than spreading yourself thin, and remember that your professors, advisors, and support system are here to support you. Taking care of your mental and physical health isn't a step back from your goals; it's actually one of the most important things you can do to prepare for a long and fulfilling career in healthcare.

Finally, remember that this semester is just one chapter in a much bigger journey. Strong finishes build momentum, but they also build habits (time management, perseverance, and adaptability) that will serve you far beyond this term. As you push through these last few weeks, keep your “why” in mind. The effort you’re putting in now is laying the groundwork for the kind of future clinician you’re becoming.

This is our last newsletter of the school year! We look forward to having more programming and exciting features in the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Roll Tide,

The Office of Pre-Professional Mentoring and Advising

Prehealth Advising Team

 

🎓Celebrating the Class of 2026!

As we prepare for the final few weeks of the semester, I wanted to send a note of congratulations to all of our graduating seniors. We are so proud of you and everything you have accomplished during your time at The Capstone. 

It has been an honor to be a part of your journey towards becoming a healthcare provider, and watching you grow--not just as students, but as compassionate, driven, and capable future providers--has been one of the greatest privileges of this work. Whether you are heading into medical school, dental school, pharmacy, physical therapy, or any of the many other health professions programs you have worked so hard to reach, please know that you carry with you the skills, the resilience, and the heart to make a real difference in the lives of your future patients.

The path ahead will have its challenges, but you have already proven both inside and outside of the classroom that you are more than ready to meet these moments! Believe in the strong foundation you have built here at The University of Alabama, trust in yourselves, and never lose sight of your "why".  

We look forward to hearing great things about you as you step into this exciting new chapter. Congratulations, Class of 2026! We believe in you!

Congratulations again and Roll Tide,

Mrs. Denham

Director  of Pre-Professional Mentoring and Services

 

🕓April is Peak Advising Season

During the busy registration period, pre-health advisors will have limited availability for scheduled appointments. To better serve students through April 10, we will offer all-day, no-appointment-needed drop-in advising Monday through Friday from 9:00 – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in 200 Clark Hall.

We will have appointments available from April 13th through May 8th. To book an advising appointment, visit the Barefield College of Arts & Sciences scheduling page, sign in with your myBama credentials, and select an available time under the Prehealth tab. Appointments open up to two weeks in advance, so check back daily for new availability. Please note that our drop-in days have changed and will now be Monday through Wednesday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.

Please note that all advising will conclude on Friday, May 8. Advising appointments will return in late August, after the Add/Drop date. Students with questions during the summer can email prehealth@ua.edu 

**For drop-in advising, please specify that you are a prehealth student so you may be seen by a prehealth advisor. 

 

First-Time Applicants
Students who have completed Phases I and II of the Cycle 2027 OPMA P.H.A.S.E. program are now scheduling their committee interviews. Interviews will run from Wednesday, April 15, through Thursday, May 7. All eligible applicants have received email instructions with the next steps.

Cycle 2027 OPMA PHASE is closed to new applicants. Please visit our prehealth website for more information. https://prehealth.ua.edu/preparing-to-apply/

OPMA P.H.A.S.E. Reapplicants

If you went through the OPMA (formerly OHPA) P.H.A.S.E. program in a previous cycle and are looking to reapply for the 2027 Cycle, please fill out this form:
https://universityofalabama.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bpgFljlhDs1VSnA 

Students who fill out this form will be added to our Cycle 2027 OPMA PHASE course and have a small set of requirements to complete if they want an updated committee letter. Reapplicants will not need to re-interview with our committee. Our general guidance for reapplicants can be found on our prehealth website here: https://prehealth.ua.edu/application-process/re-applicants/

 

If you are planning to apply to a health professions graduate program this summer, we strongly encourage you to review all application materials before getting started, even if you have applied in a previous cycle. Taking the time to go through all materials can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure a smoother application process.

Below, you will find a quick reference guide with opening dates for the various centralized application services (CAS).

Medical, Dental, and Optometry

Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Medicine 

📚 New Course Highlight! Introduction to Health Professions

The College of Community Health Sciences (CCHS) is excited to announce a new course, Introduction to Health Professions (CHS 225), for the fall 2026 semester. This course will introduce pre-health students to a wide range of healthcare careers and the academic pathways needed to pursue them. Students will learn about admission requirements for various professional programs while gaining insight into the roles, responsibilities, and impact of healthcare professionals in today’s society.

The course also focuses on preparing and connecting students to future opportunities in the health professions. Guest speakers from professional schools and healthcare organizations may join throughout the semester to share real-world perspectives and advice.

Students may register for the class by using the "Add or Drop Classes" or "Schedule Builder" feature in myBama.

 

🧑🏾‍⚕️ Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM) Mock Assessment Interviews for Sophomores and Juniors

Sophomore and junior pre-medical students have a great opportunity coming up next week! Ms. Linda Goodson, Director of Admissions at Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, will conduct mock assessment interviews on April 7 and 8th on our campus! 

These 1:1 mock interviews will be in 200 Clark Hall. Students who sign up will have the chance to ask questions, gain insight into the admissions process, and receive personalized feedback on their transcripts and CVs, an invaluable step in preparing for medical school applications. Think of this opportunity as an advising appointment with an actual medical school! 

Interview Schedule:

Tuesday, April 7: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (CT)

Wednesday, April 8: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM (CT)

Interview spots are limited, so be sure to secure your time early. Sign-ups are now available in 200 Clark Hall. 

 

👩‍🏫AED Meeting with Ms. Linda Goodson

Join Ms. Linda Goodson from the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine for an engaging session designed for pre-medical students on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 PM (CT) in 227 Gallalee Hall 

This is a great opportunity to learn what to expect throughout the medical school application process and gain insight into the key competencies admissions committees look for in strong candidates. During your conversation with Mrs. Goodson, she will share practical ways to strengthen your academic foundation, build meaningful experiences, and develop the professional skills that will help you stand out, not only as an applicant but as a future physician.

Whether you’re just starting your pre-med journey or getting ready to apply, this session will leave you with valuable guidance, actionable tips, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in medicine.

 

👩‍⚕️UAB Heersink School of Medicine Visit **

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine will conduct mock assessment interviews for sophomore pre-medical students on campus on Wednesday, April 22.

These one-on-one sessions hosted at the UA Career Center offer a valuable chance to ask questions, gain insight into the admissions process, and receive personalized feedback on your transcript and CV, an important step in preparing for medical school applications.

Interview Schedule
Wednesday, April 22: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CT)

Interview spots are limited, so plan to reserve your spot early. Sign-ups will be available in 200 Clark Hall beginning Wednesday, April 8.

 

**This opportunity is open only to second-year students with sophomore standing, defined as those who have earned at least 31 UA credit hours or have completed or are currently in their first year of the Organic Chemistry course sequence.

 

💼Job and Internship Fair

Join the UA Career Center on April 7th from 12:00 – 4:00 PM (CT) in the Student Center Ballroom (3rd Floor) for a job & internship fair! This is a great opportunity for pre-health students to connect with recruiters from a wide range of industries, including the medical field.

Whether you're exploring career paths, looking for clinical experience, or searching for internships, this event is a valuable step toward your future in healthcare. Don’t miss your chance to network and discover exciting opportunities!

Remember to sign up and view more information. You may also see the flyer below.

🔊Study Invitation: Claremont & Kaiser Med School Study Seeking Pre-Med Participants  

Claremont & Kaiser Medical School is conducting a research study exploring the experiences of individuals along the physician training pathway (pre-med students, medical students, residents, and practicing physicians). The goal is to better understand factors that shape development and well-being across stages of physician training.
 
Participation involves completing a single anonymous online survey that takes approximately 15 minutes.
 
As a thank-you, participants may choose either:
•    a $10 Amazon gift card, or
•    a $10 donation to the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation.
 
Survey link: https://cgu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1OnrhlJSKxveeXQ
 
For more information, please see the flyer below.

** Please note: This study is specifically intended for individuals pursuing the physician (MD/DO) pathway and is not designed for PA, nursing, PT, or other health professional tracks.

 

👩🏽‍⚕️Attend a University of Pittsburgh Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) Information Session

If you're a pre-med student interested in research, come learn about the University of Pittsburgh’s Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) on April 6, 2026, at 7 PM (ET)! The PSTP is a 5-year medical school program that adds a year of basic or translational research to the regular Pitt Med experience. The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is a research powerhouse with great clinical training and welcomes applications from students residing outside of Pennsylvania.

Secure your spot for this meeting and learn more about the program here. 

 

⚕️Register for a National Virtual Public Health Leadership Conference

Join a dynamic virtual public health leadership conference hosted by United Against Inequities in Disease on April 12th, 2026. This annual event brings together passionate students and early career professionals from across the country to connect, collaborate, and lead the charge in addressing health inequities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to showcase their work and talents through community health needs assessment poster presentations and community health improvement project presentations, all while earning 4 hours of continuing education or professional development credit.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with changemakers, share research and innovative solutions, and take action for health equity! 

Please visit the UAID Conference page for more information and to register.

 

🏥Webinar on Patient Management Reasoning

Making a diagnosis is just the first step. What really matters is what comes next. As AI tools become better at identifying conditions, future clinicians will need strong decision-making skills to choose the right tests and treatments based on each patient’s unique situation.

Join Sketchy for Educators for “Beyond Diagnosis: Teaching Patient Management in the Age of AI” to explore how healthcare professionals are learning to navigate these complex decisions in an AI-driven world.

📅 Monday, April 13, 2026
⏰ 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET) / 9:00 – 10:00 AM (PT)

Led by Andrew S. Parsons, MD, MPH (University of Virginia School of Medicine), this session offers a glimpse into the future of clinical thinking and what it means for aspiring healthcare providers like you.

Save your seat for the webinar.

 

🪖Military Medical Community April Presentation

Pre-health students interested in combining medicine with military service are invited to an exciting upcoming session hosted by the Military Medical Community. Join them on Monday, April 13th, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM (ET) for a feature presentation highlighting ENT, Ophthalmology, and Neurosurgery.

Experienced military physicians will share practical advice on excelling during interview rotations, discuss how battlefield experiences translate into academic training, especially in ocular trauma, and explore how military leadership skills can enhance your impact in civilian healthcare settings. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into the intersection of military service and medical careers.

ENT, Ophthalmology, Neurosurgery: Main Presentation

 

🫶🏻Summer Service Opportunity in Nauvoo, Alabama

Students interested in nursing, medicine, therapy, or other health-related fields are invited to apply for Special Session, a week-long summer camp in Nauvoo, Alabama, serving adults with disabilities. This hands-on experience allows high school and college students to serve as counselors, partnering one-on-one with campers to assist with daily living and mobility needs while participating in activities like swimming, canoeing, and arts & crafts.

Now in its 28th year, Special Session offers a meaningful introduction to clinical care and caregiving in an inclusive, supportive environment. The 2026 session runs May 30 – June 6. The cost is $150 (including meals and lodging), and scholarships are available.

Applicants must be ages 16–23. To learn more or apply, visit: https://mcdowellsummercamp.org/special-session-of-alabama or email alabamaspecialsession@gmail.com.

 

📆Open House Events

💊 McWhorter School of Pharmacy Virtual Open House 

📅 Thursday, April 9

🕰️ 5:00 - 6:00 PM (CT)

Register here

 

👨‍⚕️ Feinberg School of Medicine MD Admissions Webinar

📅 Tuesday, April 21

🕰️ 6:00 - 7:00 PM (CT)

Register here 

 

👨‍⚕️ UAB Heersink School of Medicine Admissions Webinar

📅 Thursday, April 23

🕰️ 2:00 - 3:30 PM (CT)

Register here

🛜Virtual Shadowing Opportunity 

Pre-Health Shadowing invites you to upcoming free virtual shadowing sessions, open to all students, including undergraduate and graduate students interested in healthcare! Each session allows you to earn a certificate for shadowing hours, making it a valuable addition to your résumé or application as you explore and apply to different healthcare careers.

Here are the upcoming sessions for April:

👨🏼‍⚕️Shareef Syed, MBChB, MRCS, FACS, MAEd
📅Friday, April 3, 2026
⏰ 4:00 - 5:30 PM (PDT)

👩🏽‍⚕️Krystal Privette, DNP, CRNA
📅Monday, April 6, 2026
⏰ 5:00 - 6:30 PM (PDT)

👨🏼‍⚕️Joseph Alzagatiti, PhD, MS, BS
📅Tuesday, April 7, 2026
⏰ 4:00 - 6:00 PM (PDT)

👩🏼‍⚕️Apurva Bhatt, MD
📅Monday, April 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 - 6:30 PM (PDT)

👨‍⚕️Thomas Nelson, MD
📅Tuesday, April 14, 2026
⏰ 4:30 - 6:00 PM (PDT)

👨‍⚕️Sheldon Benjamin, MD
📅Wednesday, April 15, 2026
⏰ 4:00 - 5:30 PM (PDT)

👩🏽‍⚕️Myrtis Sullivan, MD
📅Monday, April 27, 2026
⏰ 6:30 - 8:00 PM (PDT)

Stanford Medical Postbaccalaureate Fellowship (COMET)

Interested in a gap year opportunity in medicine to strengthen your application portfolio? The Clinical Observation and Medical Transcription (COMET) Program at Stanford University School of Medicine is a post-baccalaureate fellowship that offers hands-on clinical exposure, mentorship, and a closer look at the physician experience. If you’re looking to strengthen your application while gaining meaningful experience, this is a great option to explore.

COMET is hosting virtual info sessions on April 22, May 20, and June 17 at 6:00 –7:00 PM (PST), where you can meet the team and learn more.

Applications open May 1 and close June 22, 2026. Check out the flyer and sign up for an info session to learn more!