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May 22, 2023

Alumni Spotlight

Alyssa Ryan '19

Biology/Pre-Medical graduate Alyssa poses in her doctor's lab coat.

Alyssa is a 2019 graduate of the Biology/Pre-Medical program at Kutztown University. After graduating from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2023, she is slated to begin a residency in South Carolina's Prisma Health Children's Hospital.

How did KU’s biology program prepare you for medical school?

The biology program was fantastic in my preparation for med school because there was such a wide variety of classes with different topics, many of which showed up on my MCAT exam. Juggling multiple science classes at one time as well as the labs gave me a great opportunity to solidify my studying and organization skills, which were crucial to have heading into medical school. I also learned laboratory techniques and the steps of the research process which I utilized in my own medical school experience.

Why did you choose KU? 

There were multiple factors in my decision to go to KU. I wanted a school that would allow me to continue my athletic career playing soccer and challenge me in academics. I knew I wanted to go to medical school, and I was aware that KU had sent students to medical school in previous years. I was confident that I would get the education I needed to apply. I was also looking to stay in Pennsylvania, so Kutztown checked off all of my boxes!

Where would you like to be professionally in five years?

In five years, I will be finished with my pediatric residency! Right now, I think I would like to pursue a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship, which would be another three years of learning. I would also really like to find a way to teach medical or pre-medical students in my career!

What advice would you give to a prospective students who would like to major in the biology: pre-medical program?

My advice: Kutztown University gives you all of the tools you need to be successful as a student, but the work doesn’t do itself. There is incredible support from faculty as well as your peers that will make your journey easier, but at the end of the day, it will be up to you to put in the effort. As a KU graduate, I can confidently say that being a pre-medical student is not easy, but KU is a truly welcoming and comfortable environment that will provide you with endless opportunities to succeed.

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