Bryn Mawr College

Welcome to the Office of Health Professions Advising at Bryn Mawr College!

Our office provides information and assistance to students and alumnae who are interested in careers in the health professions.  From the first year onward we help students to explore their academic and career interests, and we support them throughout the application process to professional schools. 

From your first year onward, the Health Professions Advising staff will provide information and advice about preparing for and pursuing professional, graduate level studies in the health professions.  We will work individually with you throughout your Bryn Mawr career and beyond as you pursue academic, community service, and professional opportunities.  We sponsor many seminars, workshops, informal student clubs, and meetings with admissions office representatives to help you learn about the health professions.  The process of determining your next steps in life can be a daunting one; allow our office to work with you in creating a plan and process that works the best for you. 

Bryn Mawr is a wonderful place to prepare for a career in the health professions. Medical schools, dental schools, schools of veterinary medicine and schools of public health favor students who have pursued a challenging, rigorous curriculum during their undergraduate years. None require that the successful applicant major in a science; all seek students who are mature, motivated, curious, and hardworking and have demonstrated commitment to service in addition to their love of science. Applicants with a broad, liberal arts education are at an advantage in the admissions process.

What is the Prehealth Track at Bryn Mawr?

There is no formal prehealth major or academic track at Bryn Mawr.  With careful academic planning, you can major in any field of study and still complete the prehealth requirements.  Many prehealth students do choose to major in science; however, in recent years there have been prehealth students who majored in anthropology, East Asian studies, English, French, history, philosophy, political science, and psychology.  The fundamentals of a Bryn Mawr College education - learning through conversation and collaboration, primary reading, original research and experimentation – all provide an excellent foundation for a career in the health professions.  See the Information for 1^st and 2^nd Year Students for more information about the premedical /predental /and preveterinary course requirements.

What Can I Do To Prepare?

Some students begin their undergraduate careers focused on a career in the health professions while others come to recognize this interest throughout their college years or beyond.  If you are interested in a medical career, there are several things to keep in mind.  Take the time to explore the rich curriculum that Bryn Mawr has to offer; take classes that interest you.  Get involved with activities and service outside of the classroom – these could be related to medicine or not.  These outside activities could have the added benefit of enriching your interests in medicine and in working with others!  Most importantly, take the time to assess your true personal and career interests.  You may find that your career trajectory changes over time.  Over 80% of Bryn Mawr students take a year after graduation to work in biomedical or clinical research or to participate in a service program before attending health professional school.  Careers in the health professions are both demanding and rewarding, so take the time to find the best fit for you.

We encourage you to read through our web site, especially the section for 1st and 2nd Year students , to become more familiar with preparing yourself for a career in the health professions.

Health Professions Advising Staff

Mary Beth Davis, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean and Undergraduate Health Professions Advisor
medavis@brynmawr.edu

Mary Beth Davis is available for individual appointments throughout the academic year and the summer; call the Office of Health Professions Advising to schedule a meeting.   She also has open office hours three days each week during the academic year.  For students and alumnae who are away from campus, telephone and Skype appointments can also be arranged.

Jodi Domsky
Associate Dean and the Director of Health Professions Advising
jdomsky@brynmawr.edu

Jodi Domsky works primarily with postbac students, but is also available to assist undergraduates.

The Office of Health Professions Advising is open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday—Friday.