Alumni Spotlight: Alyssa Abram (’20 Health Sciences) Just graduated from California Northstate University College of Medicine class of 2024, earning her M.D.

How did your undergrad experience prepare you for medical school?

Completing the health sciences major was very helpful during medical school. I was able to apply the concepts I learned in Chapman’s anatomy and physiology classes as a medical student, especially in my pre clinical years. Studying health sciences in undergrad gave me an appreciation for the complexities of the human body that carried on into medical school.

What was a favorite activity that you participated in?

I was a peer tutor at Chapman for a handful of science classes. This experience allowed me to pass on the knowledge I gained in class to help my fellow classmates, while solidifying my own knowledge on subjects. I enjoyed it so much that I became a tutor during medical school too.

What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?

I pursued medical school because I knew early on I wanted a career that was both meaningful and challenging. The medical field is so diverse and offers a variety of specialties to choose from. Being a doctor was always a dream of mine. I loved working in the hospital as a medical student and learning how to take care of patients. I’m now looking forward to making an even greater impact on my patients’ lives as a physician!

Was there a favorite professor that you connected with?

Too many to name! But Dr. Ken Sumida was my pre-med advisor while I was a Chapman student. He gave me helpful advice and support when I was preparing to apply to medical school at the end of my junior year. I also loved being a student in his physiology classes! He always made the classes super interesting!

Please share what your future plans and any words of wisdom to our Chapman students?

I will be starting general surgery residency this summer. My advice to recent Chapman graduates and current students is to always stay focused on your goals. Envision what kind of life you want in 5-10 years and ask yourself how you’re going to get there. Seek advice from mentors and take care of your own health to get to where you want to be. Set yourself up for success and keep making new goals for the future. Good luck to all the aspiring medical students and doctors out there!!