Genetic counseling is a growing and essential field within healthcare, yet one demographic remains significantly underrepresented: men. To better understand this imbalance—and ultimately strengthen diversity within the profession—a new research study is seeking student input.

This project aims to explore why so few men pursue careers in genetic counseling, how perceptions of masculinity and healthcare roles shape career decision-making, and what factors influence pre-health students’ interest in the field. By gathering these insights, researchers hope to raise awareness of genetic counseling as a career path and support the development of a more diverse workforce.

Share Your Perspective

A 20-minute survey has been developed to collect anonymous and voluntary responses from students. Your participation can help:

• Identify barriers that discourage men from entering the profession
• Improve outreach and education around genetic counseling careers
• Support future initiatives to diversify the field

Faculty and advisors are also encouraged to share the survey with their pre-health and pre-med students through listservs, newsletters, or classroom announcements.

Study Details

• Research Approval: Sarah Lawrence College IRB
• Protocol Number: SU_2025_5
• Confidentiality: All responses will remain confidential
• Incentives:
  • Students may receive extra credit at the instructor’s discretion
  • Students who volunteer for a follow-up interview may enter a raffle for a $25 Amazon gift card

Take the Survey

➡️ Survey Link: http://bit.ly/4pnTljh

The Advanced Dermatology/Capital Dermatology Bridge Year Program

For students seeking a meaningful, career-building gap year before medical or PA school, the Advanced Dermatology/Capital Dermatology Bridge Year (BY) Program in Alexandria, Virginia, offers an exceptional opportunity. Now entering its 22nd year in May 2026, the program has supported more than 200 students since 2005, and 95% of participants go on to medical or PA school.

What Makes This Program Unique

• Mentorship from Physicians and PAs
A dedicated team guides students throughout the year.

• Cohort Learning
Join a supportive group of 25+ peers working side-by-side.

• Hands-On Surgical and Clinical Exposure
Participate in procedures and interact with hundreds of patients weekly.

• Daily Educational Sessions
Providers review the day’s cases, deepening clinical understanding.

• EMR Experience
Gain valuable exposure to electronic medical records.

• Community Activities
Book clubs, hikes, and pickleball build friendships and team connection.

A Transformative Year

The BY program offers unmatched clinical exposure, strong mentorship, and lifelong connections. Interested students can apply by emailing their CV or résumé to bridgeyear [at] gmail [dot] com. Hiring begins in early January.

Learn more at adcsbridgeyear.com.

Pre-med and pre-PA students looking for meaningful clinical experience should check out APDerm’s Gap Year Medical Assistant Program. With over 40 locations across MA, NH, RI, and NY, APDerm employs nearly 100 full-time Gap Year MAs each year—offering competitive pay, full benefits, and hands-on training in a real clinical setting.

Virtual Open House — December 12 at 5:30 PM

Students will hear directly from current Gap Year MAs and providers, learn about daily responsibilities, and get access to the 2026 application link.

Kickstart your medical school journey with the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) Insight Series, an engaging lineup of workshops, panels, and interactive sessions designed to help you gain experience, build confidence, and stand out as an applicant. From mastering MMIs to understanding mission-aligned review, here’s your chance to learn directly from experts and future physicians. Register and stay on track!

DGSOM Insight Series I

Check out our upcoming slate of events designed to support and simplify your pre-med journey.

Finding and Getting the Most out of Pre-Med Experiences  NOV. 18 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST Explore how current medical students navigated their pre-med paths and found purpose in their experiences. Register Here

The Anatomy of a Competitive Med School Applicant DEC. 9 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM PST Uncover the key attributes that help applicants shine in a competitive medical school admissions process. Register Here

Mission-Aligned Review and You JAN. 13 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST Learn about mission-aligned review and how to strengthen your med school application, even without your ideal GPA, through utilizing resources and academic support strategies. Register Here

Mock Multiple Mini Interview JAN. 26 | 11:00 – 2:00 PM PST Sharpen your interview skills with a practice Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) session, which includes two mock questions with an interviewer. Space is limited.  Register Here

AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam FEB. 6 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM PST Get a comprehensive overview of the AAMC PREview Professional Readiness Exam—its structure, purpose, and how it can support your application. Register Here

Connect with UsAdditional opportunities to stay on track.

Pre-Health Guidance Center Check-in on your pre-health journey with one of our dedicated staff members. RegistrationAdmissions Virtual Office Hours Join our Admissions Office every Wednesday at 11am PST for an open Q&A Zoom. Registration

Working side-by-side with our staff, Ethnē interns gain invaluable experience practicing holistic healthcare, while having a mission-minded lifestyle that advances Jesus’ love and justice in the vibrant community of Clarkston, Georgia.

Gap Year Internship Program is designed for recent or soon-to-be college graduates who plan to take a gap year before applying to professional programs such as medical school or other healthcare careers. This program offers hands-on experience and exposure to the unique challenges and rewards of practicing compassionate, community-centered healthcare.

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026–2027 Gap Year Class on a rolling basis until March 1, 2026. If you know students who are taking a gap year and may be interested, please share this opportunity with them! Apply here

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Harvard/MIT Early Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Summer Program, a fully funded summer program for undergraduate students interested in MD-PhD training to become physician-scientists. 

The HEART program offers 10 weeks of full-time research, clinical shadowing, and professional development workshops including sessions on the MCAT, personal statement, and MD-PhD program interviews. HEART Scholars are housed near the Harvard Medical School campus in Boston, MA, and receive a competitive stipend. 

Program Dates: May 31, 2026 – August 8, 2026

Application Deadline: February 3, 2026

Link to HEART website: https://www.hms.harvard.edu/md_phd/heart/index.html

Link to HEART application process: https://www.hms.harvard.edu/md_phd/heart/admissions.html