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2011 Entering Class Profile

In 2011, we saw the largest number of applicants to GW and matriculated a diverse class of 178 students in August. Our class was not only diverse in race, ethnicity, age and geography but also in experiences. 

Our entering class participated in global missions all over the world from Bolivia to Zambia, one traveling on a Fulbright award. They showcased a commitment to service through the ACLU, AmeriCorps, Habitat for Humanity, Teach for America, Peace Corps, Public Health Reserve Corps, United Nations and in working in clinics and shelters for underserved populations. Twenty-three (23) were licensed Emergency Medical Technicians. 

Our students also possess many talents and pursue passions in non-academic arenas. In our class we have athletes: black belts, marathon runners, and a professional lacrosse player to name a few. We have those interested in photography, guitar players, salsa dancers, teachers tutors and coaches. Our class also includes those who have pursued other careers and fields before pursuing a medical career. One student was a Captain in the United States Air Force Pararescue, one worked in a congressional office on Capitol Hill, another interned for the white house and we had two J.D.s who had been practicing law. 

As one can see, GW's class represents a variety of interests, majors, education, backgrounds, languages, races, ethnicities, talents and life experiences. How will you contribute to this diversity?

Class Snapshot:

*178 students matriculated
* 49% female, 51% male
* Average age of 24 years, ranges from 20 to 41 years of age
* 29 states, D.C. and Canada represented
*Varied ethnic backgrounds including African-American, Alaskan/American Indian, Chinese, Cambodian, Nepalese and Puerto Rican
* Average MCAT scores: VR: 9.65, PS: 10.16, WS: P, BS: 10.72
* Average Undergraduate GPAs: Science (BCPM): 3.64, All Other (AO): 3.79, Overall: 3.71
* Average Graduate GPA: 3.70 
* 89 Undergraduate Schools and 17 Graduate schools represented
* Majors/Areas of Study: 109 Science, 45 Non-Science, 24 Dual Degree

 

 

 


Meet Alexandra Sims

First-Year Medical Student
Community Health Track
ISCOPES participant
Class Representative for Harm Reduction Interest Group
Member of the Student National Medical Association

WHY GW?
The People
I love my classmates. Not only are they interesting, smart, and fun, but they each bring a unique perspective to the table from which I can learn—both inside and outside of the classroom.

The Place
What better place than Washington, D.C.—with its diverse population and endless opportunities for community involvement—to experience the field of medicine and to discover where you best fit?

Set in a city with such a rich cultural environment, GW encourages you to strike a healthy balance between your studies and your life – which, I think, will make you a better doctor, and a better person.

The Curriculum
The curriculum is set up to keep things in perspective. We don’t just focus on knowing the information, but also understanding why we need to know it, while remembering who it is going to affect. I am really learning what being a doctor is going to mean—both to me and to my community.

Meet Matt Goldshore

First-Year Medical Student

As a graduate of the GW School of Public Health and Health Services, Matt represents a growing cohort of health professionals recognizing the importance of synthesizing public health and medicine.

I chose GW with the goal to practice both public health and medicine.

As a student in the GW School of Public Health and Health Services, I worked with the HIV/AIDS Administration in the D.C. Department of Health and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. These experiences brought to life how different medical and social predictors of disease vary by location. When surveying the District, it is clear that socio-economic status and race correlate with health outcomes. I am committed to practicing medicine in the areas most in need of health care providers and am confident that GW will prepare me for a career as both a physician and an advocate for my patients.

Meet Catherine Kim

Third-Year Medical Student

Global Health Track

Surgery Interest Group

Student Volunteer with HHVI

I worked with the Sabin Institute and GW’s Human Hookworm Vaccine Initiative (HHVI), which is conducting a vaccine trial in Americanihas, Brazil. I shadowed the HHVI physician as she rotated between clinics, and conducted heart, lung and abdominal exams for the patients. This experience allowed me to interact with patients and work on a vaccine clinical trial while learning about the Brazilian culture, language and health care system.

After medical school, I will continue to focus on the global health interests that GW has fostered by pursuing an M.P.H. after finishing my residency. My ultimate dream is to organize medical missions to developing countries while advocating for reform for global health policy.

Meet Margaret Tejani

Third-Year Medical Student

Global Health Track

Intern, International Centre for Migration and Health in Switzerland

By working for the International Center for Migration and Health, an NGO in Geneva, Switzerland, I had hands-on experience with health policy reform. I saw the complexity of implementing international health prevention and reform programs: developing programs, forming collaborations with partner organizations, gaining cooperation from the focus region, and more. It will be more valuable going into the field having seen first-hand the challenges of implementing international reform programs.

GW offers abroad spectrum of opportunities to choose from—you just need to filter through them to see what suits you. I have been a student interviewer for GW medical admissions and volunteered at the student-run HEALing clinic.

Meet Bruce Shaver

After serving as a Marine for over 20 years, starting a family, and traveling the world, Bruce decided the time was finally right for him to attend medical school. As one of many “nontraditional” students, Bruce adds to the diversity of GW’s student body.

Since the beginning of the application process, GW has been exceptionally user-friendly, kind, and professional. They promote a clear commitment to student welfare, are proactive in helping students succeed, and empower us to show our true colors. They also offer one of the best clinical education programs in the country.

In effect, by attending GW, I am developing the confidence and clinical skills to provide my patients with exceptional care and respect—qualities that reflect the way GW treats me.

Further, the central location, the exceptional level of instruction, and the encouraging—rather than competitive—atmosphere make GW a perfect fit.