Pre-Health Network Continues to Grow at Seton Hall

Chantal Vergara, director of the PPAC, along with PPAC peer advisors and mentors at the Mentorship Network launch.

The Pre-Professional Advising Center (P-PAC) at Seton Hall University continues to strengthen its support for aspiring healthcare professionals through an expanding mentorship network. With a rising number of pre-medical students, the P-PAC values mentorship as an essential component of academic and personal growth. By connecting freshmen with upperclassmen mentors and partnering with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine to pair undergraduates with medical student mentors, the P-PAC ensures that students have access not only to expert advising but also to a peer network that understands their journey.

Mentorship Mixer: Building Connections for Success

The P-PAC's Mentorship Network brings students together through events like the Mentorship Mixer, where pre-health students meet their mentors, learn about the benefits of mentorship and connect over shared goals. At the mixer, freshmen mentees receive their mentors' contact information and spend time getting acquainted, discussing the challenges of transitioning to college, planning academics, pursuing co-curriculars and setting future goals. Mentorship pairs are encouraged to stay connected throughout the year, as this support provides an additional layer of social and emotional encouragement for students embarking on their pre-med journey.

Chantal Vergara, director of the P-PAC, along with P-PAC peer advisors and mentors, attended the Mentorship Network launch.

A Comprehensive Resource for Future Health Professionals

PPAC mentors and mentees benefit from the support of one another as well as from the PPAC which provides opportunities for mentor/mentee pairings to connect throughout the semester and with resources they may need to succeed.

Mentorship is invaluable for pre-health students facing the complexities of coursework, extracurriculars and career planning. Through the peer mentorship network, freshmen gain insights that help them build confidence, manage their workload and make informed decisions about their future. Mentors provide guidance from their own experiences, and mentees receive vital support in navigating the often-demanding pre-med path.

The mentorship network is one of many resources at the P-PAC. Students also have access to expert pre-health advising, which guides them through medical school prerequisites, test preparation and application strategies. Together, these resources empower students to make the most of their undergraduate experience and build a foundation for a successful journey in the health professions.

P-PAC mentors and mentees benefit from the support of one another and from the P-PAC, which provides opportunities for mentor-mentee pairings to connect throughout the semester and with resources they may need to succeed.

Expanding Connections: Undergraduate and Medical Student Mentorship

In partnership with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the P-PAC provides undergraduate pre-med students with the opportunity to connect with medical student mentors. Launched in 2023 with the support of fourth-year HMSOM student Benjamin Perrin Hee, the initiative was designed to make the medical school application process more accessible. Last year, more than 100 students participated, gaining valuable insights and practical advice from mentors who recently completed the pre-health journey themselves.

With an expanded leadership team of HMSOM student mentors, including recent Seton Hall graduates, this year's program emphasizes mentor-mentee relationships for junior and senior undergraduates. This cohort helps students connect to valuable resources and receive tailored support for the application journey, equipping them with practical guidance and inspiration from mentors who were recently in their shoes.

Alyssa DeAngelis, a Seton Hall University alumna and current first-year medical student at Hackensack, is now participating in the mentorship program to support Seton Hall students.

Alyssa DeAngelis, a Seton Hall alumna and current first-year medical student at Hackensack, is now participating in the mentorship program to support Seton Hall students.

A Supportive Community for Future Health Leaders

As the mentorship network grows, the P-PAC remains committed to building a supportive community that nurtures success. Alongside peer mentorship, expert pre-health advising at the P-PAC serves as the foundation of students' pre-health journeys, helping them build resilience and confidence as they prepare for healthcare professions.

Through the P-PAC's comprehensive advising and mentorship resources, Seton Hall's pre-health students are building a strong foundation, supported by advisors and mentors dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. The growth of the Pre-Professional Advising Center's Mentorship Network is a testament to Seton Hall's commitment to empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Categories: Education

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