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John Maldonado, Junior and Integrative Physiology major is one of several current McNeill scholars participating in the Undergraduate Pre-Health Program (UPP) at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

UPP works with students who are historically underrepresented within health care professions and supports them in their journey to health professional school. UPP provides academic and professional development opportunities via workshops, training, and community projects.

John first learned about the UPP program while studying in the SASC Study Hub. His IA was a UPP participant and encouraged John and his classmate to look more into the program. John attended a social event hosted by the McNeill Emerging Health Professionals (EHP) where he was able to meet  Dominic Martinez, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Office of Inclusion and Outreach at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and many UPP participants. After networking with UPP folks, he decided to apply to the program.

After the social with Dominic Martinez, John attended an application workshop hosted by EHP and Pre-Health advising. He received support in drafting his application essay responses and tips on how to strengthen his overall application.

John was accepted into UPP along with fellow McNeill scholars Wacim Benyoucef, Massiel Moncada, Sana Zulali. When asked what he most enjoys about the program he said his volunteer work at the DAWN clinic has been especially impactful. The DAWN clinic is a free student-run clinic providing care to Aurora community members. The DAWN clinic serves many Spanish speaking patients and John enjoys being able to communicate with and serve these community members as they navigate the healthcare system.

John’s participation in UPP has provided him opportunities for professional development, allowed him to broaden his professional networks and supported him in leveraging the skills he already possessed.

The UPP application is currently open and closes May 11, 2021.