Undergraduate: Michigan State University
Major: Neuroscience
Track: Research
Future Health Profession: ER Physician
Health Profession School: Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School

For Jason Hirsch, a career in medicine has always been about more than science. 

"Growing up in California's Bay Area, I witnessed a lot of medical inequities,” said Jason. “I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.” 

That desire led him to pursue a career as an emergency room physician. 

After earning a bachelor's degree in neuroscience from Michigan State University, Jason needed additional preparation before applying to medical school. 

“The UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac stood out to me,” he said. “It’s a quarter system, so I could take many classes in a short period of time. It also has well-rounded MCAT preparation and offers the opportunity to conduct research during the summer quarter.” 

Finding His Footing in a Rigorous Program 

When Jason started the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Program, he set three goals for himself: improve his GPA, gain research experience and prepare for the MCAT. 

“I increased my GPA, gained research experience and got a great starting point for my MCAT studies through the test prep course,” said Jason. 

Despite achieving his goals, Jason admitted that the academic rigor of the curriculum challenged him from the start. His biggest obstacle was his first-quarter anatomy class. He quickly learned that success required more than simply working hard. 

"It was the most challenging class I have ever taken, but also the most rewarding," he said. 

The course pushed him to rethink how he approached his studies. Rather than go through it alone, he leaned on support from the program. 

"I developed new study strategies and reached out to peers and the professor when I was really struggling," he said. 

Building Research Experience for a Future in Medicine 

In addition to building a strong academic foundation, Jason appreciated the opportunity to gain research experience. He entered the program with EMT and volunteer experience, but research was an area he had not yet explored. 

The program connected him with Professor Keith Baar's Functional Molecular Biology Lab, where he worked alongside faculty members, postdoctoral researchers and fellow students. The experience introduced him to the scientific process from a new perspective and helped him better understand the role research plays in advancing health care. 

For Jason, the opportunity was about more than strengthening his application. It helped him develop skills he can rely on throughout his career. 

"Physicians are also researchers,” said Jason. “They must be able to read and digest the newest information to guide their practice.” 

According to Jason, the opportunity to gain research experience was one of the most beneficial aspects of the program. 

“There is a lot of value in the program,” he said. “But if I had to pick one thing, it would be the summer learning experience tracks. Being able to choose a specific interest for the summer quarter is huge and a unique part of the program.” 

Support Through the Medical School Application Process 

As valuable as the coursework and research opportunities were, Jason said one of the greatest strengths of the program was the support he received throughout the medical school application process. 

"Applying to medical school is rough. New challenges that you never expected come up every day and having a team to help you navigate all the craziness is so valuable,” he said. “The academic advising staff is incredible at helping you identify areas where your application is lacking and providing resources to fill those gaps.” 

Throughout the application cycle, Jason relied on the program's advising team for guidance and support. Whether he was building a school list, refining application materials or preparing for interviews, he knew he had experienced professionals available to help guide him through each step. 

“There were plenty of times I reached out in a panic,” said Jason. “They quickly responded to help me solve whatever problem I had.” 

The program's MCAT preparation course also contributed to his success. By identifying areas for improvement and creating targeted study plans, Jason was able to approach the exam with greater confidence and a clearer strategy. 

Beyond the program’s academic and professional support, Jason also relied on the relationships he built within his cohort. Spending long hours together studying, preparing applications and working toward similar goals, the group developed friendships and a support network that extended beyond the classroom. 

"We have all gone our separate ways now, but when we are in the same place, we make an effort to see each other and keep up with each other's journeys and lives," he said. 

Four Acceptances and a Full-Circle Goal 

Jason’s hard work, persistence and preparation paid off. He received four acceptances. This fall, Jason will attend Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School, taking the next step toward his goal of becoming an emergency room physician. 

The moment he received his acceptance remains one of the most memorable experiences of his journey. 

“I was at work on an ambulance and had just dropped off a patient when I got the acceptance,” he said. 

“I immediately started running around the ambulance lot calling my family and friends to let them know the good news.” 

For students considering a post-baccalaureate program, Jason encourages them to arrive with an open mind and a willingness to grow. 

“The UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac is a great program that will allow you to achieve your goals if you are motivated,” he said. “You will have a lot to do, and you will need to develop good time-management skills.” 

Looking ahead, Jason hopes to return to the Bay Area after completing medical school. His long-term goal is to return to work as an emergency room physician serving underserved communities in the area, bringing his journey full circle to the place that first inspired him to pursue medicine.