Academic Peer Support Leaders

Hi, my name is Nick Durstock and I am one of the Student Coordinators for the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations on beginning your medical school journey, we are all very excited for you to take this next step on your path to becoming a doctor. I am from West Chester, OH and studied Chemical Engineering at The Ohio State University, where I was also a member of the club golf team. Here I worked as a teaching assistant for several courses and worked as a patient care associate at the Wexner Medical Center. Some of my favorite hobbies are golf, hiking, and just spending time outdoors.Some of my favorite subjects are ophthalmology, neurology, pharmacology, and GI. As you begin medical school, make sure to take the time to find a study strategy that works for you. Everyone studies differently, and there is not one right or wrong way to learn the needed information. I found that meeting with Learning Specialists and APSLs to discuss potential study resources and strategies to be very beneficial and I would urge you to utilize these people too. I am looking forward to meeting you all and to helping you on your journey in any way that I can.

Hi! My name is Emily Ziliak and I am one of the Student Coordinators for the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment and welcome to HCOM!I am from Columbus, Ohio and studied Biology with minors in Compassionate Care and Science & Patient Advocacy at The University of Notre Dame. After graduating, I took a gap year and worked as a Medical Scribe in Hematology Oncology at The James Cancer Hospital at OSU. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching hockey, and taking walks with my dog.Some of my favorite subjects include GI, renal physiology, endocrinology, histology, and clinical skills. As you embark on this journey, give yourself time to figure out which studying methods work best for you and be kind to yourself throughout the process. I highly recommend attending each weekly ASPL session and meeting with the APSL tutors, as well as reaching out to the Learning Specialists to establish studying and exam-taking strategies. I, along with the other APSL tutors, want nothing more than to guide and support you throughout your first year, so please do not hesitate to ask for help! You are exceedingly capable and deserving of being here, and with a bit of hard work, you will succeed!

Hello! My name is Caleb Bell, and I am one of your of your APSL session leaders for the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations on making it to medical school and beginning your journey to becoming a physician. Welcome to the HCOM family!I am from Logan, Ohio and I studied Biology and Pre-Medicine at Bluffton University, where I was also a member of the men’s basketball team. During undergrad, I also participated in EMT training and a summer research 
program at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio. In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, running, basketball, and being outside. Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy, physiology, cardiology, gastroenterology, and pharmacology.
The best advice I could give would be to maintain balance and to not lose interest in what you enjoy. Medical 
school is all about balancing your academics with your other hobbies and interests that make you who you are. 
You need to find something outside of medicine that you enjoy so that you can give your mind a break. I fully 
utilize breaks when studying to keep my mind fresh and to stay engaged with the material. Finding the right 
resources and utilizing a studying strategy that fits you will help you tremendously throughout your first year. I 
look forward to meeting you all and helping you throughout your first year!

Hello! My name is Coby Bell, and I am one of your APSL session leaders for the Athens Learning Community. I would like to say congratulations on making it to medical school as it is a huge accomplishment. Welcome to the HCOM family and I hope you are excited to start your journey to becoming a future physician. I am from Logan, Ohio and I studied Biology and Pre-Medicine at Bluffton University. At Bluffton, I was also a member of the Bluffton men's basketball team, which taught me how to balance academics and college athletics. During undergrad, I participated in experiences that involved my community hospital and did volunteer work with my high school athletic trainer. In my free time, I enjoy playing basketball and anything that involves Marvel Comics. Some of my favorite subjects include anatomy, physiology, immunology, and psychology.My advice when navigating the first year of medical school is to find what best works for you. Before I would have a specific way of studying until I entered medical school. During my first year I had to adjust and change my studying so that it was more effective. Another piece of advice is to not lose what brings you joy outside of school. Take breaks and enjoy the things that bring you excitement, as it is best to balance your academics with your hobbies. I am looking forward to meeting you all and getting the opportunity to help during your first year of medical school. 

Hello! My name is Collin Coriell, and I am one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSL) this year. Congratulations on your acceptance to medical school and welcome to the HCOM family! I am from Lucasville, Ohio. I studied biology at the University of Cincinnati for two years and earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Shawnee State University (SSU). At SSU, I was member of the pre-med club and was a part of a research group that studied limb development in chicks. In my free time, I enjoy pickleball, sports, hiking, video games, and hanging out with friends and family.Some of my favorite subjects are cardiology, anatomy, neurology, pharmacology, and psychology. Transitioning to medical school is a big change that takes time to adjust and find the right habits for you. Don’t get discouraged if you have a slow start. We are all here to help! I am excited to meet you all and look forward to working with you! 

Hello! My name is Alyssa Cottrill and I’ll be one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) in Athens this academic year! I’m both honored and excited to be a part of your academic journey! Congratulations and welcome to the HCOM family! I am from Akron, Ohio and studied Biology and Sociology at Kent State University. In my free time, you’ll likely find me tending to my personal zoo, including a dog, two cats, and a bunny. We all love being outdoors and exploring and Athens is a perfect place to do so! My favorite academic subjects include physiology, geriatrics, clinical skills, and social medicine. As you begin your journey through medical school, I encourage you to do what feels right to you and your goals. Comparison is truly the thief of joy. Everyone finds their own way at their own pace. If you find yourself having a difficult time adjusting, please reach out. There are so many people and resources available to you that are focused on your success. I hope to be a part of your support system, however that may look. Please feel free to reach out anytime, and I look forward to meeting you!

I'm thrilled to welcome you to the OUHCOM Family and congratulate you on your decision to pursue a career in medicine. My name is Victoria Cruz, and I am delighted to be an APSL tutor. Originally from San Diego, CA, I obtained my B.S. in Biology from San Diego State University and my M.S. from California State University, Long Beach. Before pursuing medicine, I gained 11 years of experience working in various fields such as environmental consulting, adjunct biology teaching, high school biology education, and medical office administration in a rheumatology clinic. In my leisure time, I love hiking with my husband and dog, experimenting with new recipes, reading, and exploring new places. I understand that every student has unique learning needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to studying. It's essential to discover the techniques that work best for you and to simplify your study resources. Avoid comparing yourself to others and take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and support available at OUHCOM, including Learning Specialists, APSL tutors, and experienced physicians/professors who are dedicated to helping you succeed.My expertise lies in subjects such as biochemistry, physiology (specifically endocrinology, cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology), genetics, pathology, histology, and clinical skills. I am here to assist you with any challenging topics, provide valuable study tricks and tips, and offer guidance on navigating your journey through medical school.

Hey everyone! My name is Dustin Darnell, and I am thrilled to serve as one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSL) here at HCOM. Congratulations on your journey to medical school! Originally from Wheelersburg, Ohio, I pursued my undergraduate studies in Exercise Science at Marshall University. During my time at Marshall, I was involved in many research studies regarding the kinematics and anatomy of the knee and shoulder. Outside of academics I enjoy staying active, golfing, outdoor activities, etc.

Academically, I find some of my favorite subjects to be cardiology, anatomy, endocrinology, and pharmacology. I encourage everyone to remain open and flexible in their approach to studying until they find what works best for them. Sometimes it can take many exams to find out what study method works best! Also, emphasize maintaining a healthy balance between academic pursuits and personal interests. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to being a part of your journey at HCOM!

Hello! My name is Mahima Deekollu and I’m one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs). First, congratulations and welcome to HCOM! We’re excited and committed to supporting you as you begin your medical school journey! 
I am from Columbus, OH and earned my degree in Biology from The Ohio State University. During my gap year, I worked as a laboratory technician and vaccine coordinator at GnomeDx. My academic interests are physiology, histology, endocrinology, immunology, and pathology. Outside of my academic interests, I am passionate about cooking, painting, reading, crocheting, and volunteering. 
As medical students and future physicians, we’re all committed to a lifelong journey of growth and discovery. Therefore, it’s important to find strategies that work best for you as every learner is different. I hope to facilitate this process by encouraging you to seek support, ask questions, experiment with different techniques, and engage with your peers. Your learning specialists and APSLs are here to help reflect on your own learning process, comprehension, and performance to discover what study strategy works best for you. Some strategies that work well for me are discussing content aloud, peer teaching, creating visual aids, spaced repetition, and active recall. As an APSL, I am here to help you understand content, develop study strategies, and promotepositive learning. Please feel free to reach out—I look forward to meeting you!

Hi! My name is Lindsay Eichhold and I am one of your APSLs this year. Congratulations on beginning your first year of medical school at HCOM. I cannot wait to work with you all and support you on your journey of becoming a physician .
I am from Cincinnati and have a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville. I have over a year’s worth of experience in industry before matriculating in medical school and have found that engineering and medicine go hand in hand. Outside of school, I enjoy reading (surpassed my Goodreads goal for the year in May), walking, playing golf, hanging out with my new puppy, and spending time with my friends.
The biggest thing to remember during your first year is not to compare yourselves to others, and not to expect the things that bring them success will also yield the same results for you. Everyone has different learning styles and skills, so it is important to find the strategies that work for you – and be willing to change them when needed! Some of my favorite subjects are physiology, cardio, pulm, endocrine, repro, nephrology, clinical skills, and anatomy. I did not have any anatomy courses coming into medical school from chemical engineering so if any of you find yourself in the same boat, I am happy to help you on that journey. 

Hello! My name is Sheldon Faller, and I'll be one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders. I'm from Columbus, Ohio, and I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology from The Ohio State University. My academic interests include physiology (especially cardiology, pulmonology, and neurology), pharmacology, and microbiology. However, I'm more than happy to help with any subject that medical school throws your way. In my free time, I enjoy working out at Ping, working part-time as a firefighter/paramedic, playing pickleball, chess, and enjoying the various social events on Court Street.My philosophy on learning involves identifying your learning style and leveraging your strengths to maximize your study efforts. Personally, I'm more of a visual and auditory learner and find text-based learning more of a struggle. If you think you require accommodations (which I do and I am more than happy to discuss with you), please reach out to Learning Services or me for assistance—there's absolutely no shame in it. HCOM promotes a culture of teamwork and mutual support. I can also assist with test-taking strategies, navigating questions, and how to create an effective study schedule/plan. I'm excited to meet you and support you in your first year of medical school! 

Hi! I’m Soaiba Fatima, and I’m so excited to welcome you to HCOM as one of your APSLs this year! I’m from Chicago, IL and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience. Before starting at HCOM, I worked as a scribe in various specialties including gastroenterology, emergency medicine, oncology, ENT, and orthopedics. Some of my favorite subjects to teach are clinical skills, OMM, ob/gyn, neurology, GI, and anatomy. My biggest piece of advice as a first year is to trust yourself and be confident in what you know works for you. Also, attend the weekly APSL sessions! They are such a good summary of the high yield info from the week, and truly will shorten your study time by giving you a guideline of what to focus on. I hope to help you in any way I can in your journey throughout this first year of medical school, whether it’s by reviewing content, practicing OMM/clinical skills, or helping you find a learning style that works best for you. No question is too silly, so please reach out at any time- I look forward to meeting you all! 

Hello! My name is Sara Fields, and I am an APSL Session Leader for the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations and welcome to the HCOM family! We are excited to meet you and support you during your first year of medical school! I am from Fairfield, Ohio and I graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Biology and a minor in Medicine in Society. During undergrad I was also a physics TA, volunteered at a hospital where I performed delirium screenings, and worked as a caregiver in an assisted living facility. In my free time I like to exercise, read, hang out with friends and family, and build Legos. My academic interests include cardiology, neurology, endocrinology, anatomy and physiology. There are many resources available to you through HCOM to aid in your learning. My advice is to pick two or three resources that you find work the best for you, otherwise you will be overloaded with resources. Everyone has different methods of studying that work best for them. Take the time early in the semester to figure out what type of learning works best for you and be consistent. Feel free to reach out any time for help figuring out new study methods or to go over tough topics. Good luck!

Hello! My name is Joshua Gadelsayed, one of the APSL Session Leaders for the Athens Learning Community. First, congratulations on your admission to one of the most supportive environments, both academically and personally, that I have ever been a part of. I am excited to have the opportunity to help anyone navigate the confusing lifestyle of medical school. I am from Cleveland, Ohio. I attended John Carroll University, where I was a member of the soccer team, and received my major in biology and minor in chemistry. During my gap year, I got my master's in medical sciences at University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. In my free time, you can find me playing soccer, cooking, maxing out my bench press at Ping, or playing Rocket League.Amongst all the noise during your first year, do what works for you and be honest with yourself. Keep it simple and use only a few of the many resources available to you. My favorite subjects include anatomy, physiology, neurology, and behavioral science. I want to help in any way that I can whether it is reviewing content, strengths and weaknesses, or learning methods. Please feel free to reach out. We all want the best for you!

Hello! My name is Anna Gehret, and I am one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) on the Athens campus. First, I just want to congratulate you all and welcome you to HCOM! I am excited to have this opportunity to support you on your journey to becoming a physician. I am from Versailles which is a small town in western Ohio. I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2022 with a bachelors in Neuroscience. During my gap year, I worked as a scribe in the Emergency Department. In my free time, I enjoy binging my favorite TV shows, reading, and playing pickleball with my fiancé. The subjects I am most interested in are anatomy, physiology, neurology, OB/GYN, psychology and clinical skills. Just last year I was in your shoes, and I remember being intimidated and overwhelmed by the transition into medical school. My best advice is to utilize the resources provided to you and to explore different study strategies. By keeping an open mind in the first few weeks, you will learn what works best for you. As an APSL, I am here to not only help you understand content but also develop these study strategies so that you can succeed throughout your time in medical school. Please feel free to reach out, and I look forward to meeting you all!

Hello! My name is Jenna Ginsberg and I am super excited to be one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) this coming year. Congratulations on your acceptance into medical school and I look forward to assisting you in your journey! I am originally from a small town near Rochester, NY, and I graduated from John Carrol University where I majored in biology and minored in Population and Public Health and chemistry. While at JCU I was also a member of the women's lacrosse team and worked as a medical scribe in an ICU in Cleveland. I took a gap year and spent my time working at an ophthalmologist's office as an ophthalmic technician.Some of my favorite subjects include reproductive health, social medicine, physiology, and histology. Medical school can be difficult but being able to know when to ask for help is one of the most important things you can learn. There is an abundance of people who want to see you succeed here at HCOM. I am so excited to welcome you to HCOM, and I am excited to be able to work with you all!

Hi! My name is Waleed Hussain, and I am one of your APSLs at the Athens campus. Welcome to the HCOM family and congratulations on getting accepted to medical school and starting this journey towards becoming a physician! We are excited to support you through your first year! I am from Dublin, Ohio. I went to The Ohio State University for my undergraduate degree where I majored in biology. After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in the Advanced Endoscopy research team. In my free time, I like to play soccer, cricket, read non-fiction books, and spend time with friends and family.The most important task in your first year of medical school is to find the study method that works for you. I would love to work with you and discuss different study methods that students use for HCOM’s curriculum. I can help with preparation for clinical skills assessments, content exams, OMM practicals, and can support you in your learning of difficult concepts. My favorite subjects to teach are physiology, pathology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and cardiology. Please feel free to reach out if you need any assistance or support!

Hello! My name is Grant Johnson, and I am one of your APSL Session Leaders for the Athens Learning Community. I want to say congratulations and welcome to the HCOM family. There are so many great people and resources at HCOM that are here to support the beginning of your medical school journey! 
I am from Waynesville, Ohio, and earned my Bachelor of Science from Defiance College in 2023, majoring in Molecular Biology and minoring in Chemistry. I was also a member of the men’s basketball team and golf team. You will probably find me enjoying OU’s intramural leagues playing basketball and flag football, golfing, exercising at The Summit, volunteering around the community, serving in multiple HCOM clubs, or hanging out with friends. Allowing yourself to enjoy the amenities and opportunities our campus provides will maximize your experience in medical school!
Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy, physiology, OMM, cardiology, immunology, and clinical skills. As a first year, I reached out to multiple APSL tutors who provided me with excellent tips and strategies to succeed. Through this, I learned we are all unique learners, and everyone has their own way of studying and understanding concepts. I combined their suggestions into a personalized study routine and plan for myself. The biggest advice I was given and want to pass on is - stay patient and find what works for YOU. Once you find it, be confident and TRUST your preparation. I will be more than happy to assist you as you take this next step in your academic journey and overall phase of life. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. Go into the year with gratitude and remember your why. I look forward to meeting you all! 

Hello! My name is Tyler Kelly, and I am one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) for the Athens campus. Congratulations and welcome to the HCOM family, we are so excited for you to embark on your medical school journey! You have begun a journey in an ultra supportive community, both academically and personally! I am from Maumee, OH, which is a suburb of Toledo. I studied Exercise Science at the University of Toledo and graduated in 2023. During my undergraduate years, I served as a hockey coach for multiple high school and travel clubs and worked as a medical scribe in my extra time. In my free time, I enjoy playing hockey and golf, staying active, and hanging out with friends and family!Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy, physiology, and neurology. The best advice I have for any first-year medical student is to find what works for YOU. I have come to learn through my first year that everybody studies differently than the person next to them. Just because you might have a different routine from the rest, does not mean it is wrong. We are all unique; find what works for you! I am happy to help in any way that I can this year. Please feel free to reach out if needed!

Hi! My name is Megan Kowal. We are all so excited to welcome you to the HCOM Family! I'm from Cincinnati, OH.  I studied Biology and Dance at Ohio Northern University, graduating in May of 2023. During undergrad, I was involved in my sorority (Zeta Tau Alpha) and worked as a scribe in the ED at Lima Memorial Hospital. I'm from a wrestling family, but I love all sports. Sundays are always reserved for RedZone during football season! I also love to go on walks with my friends and play video games on my PC and Nintendo Switch.I did two years in ONU's 6-year PharmD program before switching to a bachelor's track, so pharmacology is one of my favorite subjects. Pharm can feel overwhelming, but I promise that a solid foundation will seriously work wonders! I would love to help you understand it on a fundamental level. I also enjoy histology and microbiology, but I'd be happy to help you with just about anything. Please reach out any time, and I would be happy to help explain tricky concepts, walk through practice questions, or even just try to get a good study plan in place!

Hello :)! My name is Toni Kuhns, and I am an APSL Session Leader on the Athens campus. Congratulations and welcome to the HCOM family! I am from Westerville, Ohio and studied Neuroscience with a Molecular and Cellular specialization at The Ohio State University. During undergrad I was a research assistant in the department of Human Nutrition at OSU, a STNA at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and a student professor at Columbus State Community College in the biological and physical sciences department.

Some of my favorite subjects are neurology, clinical skills, and endocrinology. Make sure to take advantage of all the spectacular resources available to you! One of the most important things is finding what works best for YOU. Sometimes what the majority do/use helps them, but it may not be the best for you and that’s perfectly okay. There are several different strategies and it’s important to learn what is best for you as we are all unique learners. This year I’d love to help you in any way that I can, such as strategizing diverse ways to study, going over tricky points, or giving general advice. Please reach out anytime, and I look forward to meeting you!

Hello! My name is Hannah Long, and I’m one of the APSLs on the Athens campus. Congratulations on starting your journey in medicine and welcome to the HCOM community! I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from Ohio State University. Following graduation, I took a gap year and worked as a medical scribe for an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. Some of my hobbies include binge watching my favorite TV shows, crocheting, reading, and playing with my cat, Bunny.Some of my favorite subjects are cardiology, neurology, and psychology/psychiatry. It’s important to explore different learning styles early in your medical school career so that you can find what works for you personally. It took me a while to find my unique learning style, but trust me, putting in the effort up front is worth it in the long run. I’m here to help you find your unique learning style in addition to reviewing content material, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you are struggling. I look forward to meeting with you!

Hello! My name is Abby McAllister, and I am excited to be an APSL on the Athens campus. Congratulations and welcome to HCOM! We are all excited to support you on your new medical school journey. I am from Medina, Ohio. I studied public health and Spanish at the University of Kentucky for my undergraduate degree. I then took a gap year and worked as a medical scribe in the emergency department at UK. I love reading, hiking, and horseback riding during my free time. If anyone needs hiking trail recommendations in the Athens area, feel free to ask! My favorite areas of study in medical school thus far have been anatomy and physiology (especially muscles), cardiology, neurology, and clinical skills. The rigor of study in medical school is different from what we all experienced during our undergraduate degrees, and it will take some time to adjust to your new schedule. However, the course load is manageable, and we are all here to give you the best educational experience possible at HCOM. I am excited to work with you!

Hello! My name is Jess McGrath and I am one of the Session Leaders for the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations and welcome! We’re so excited to have you in our HCOM family. I’m originally from Strongsville, a suburb of Cleveland, OH. I am an alumnus of Ohio University where I graduated from the nursing program. I worked as a cardiac surgery clinic nurse in Seattle, WA for about five years and moved back to the Cleveland area in 2021 when my husband and I were expecting our first baby. I worked as a lymphoma clinical research nurse for two years prior to matriculation. In my free time, you’ll find me exercising, taking long walks with my little family, baking, attempting complicated recipes or drinking coffee at Donkey. Some of my favorite subjects include cardiology, clinical skills, OB/GYN, endocrinology, and OMM. It’s a huge accomplishment to have made it into medical school. Make sure you take advantage of the resources available because everyone truly wants to see you succeed. You deserve to be here. There are endless study methods; just be sure to find what works for you. If you try something that doesn’t work, don’t be discouraged! Take a deep breath and keep going until you find your groove. Feel free to contact me for help, whether for content review, learning methods, or CTAC practice. I look forward to meeting you all! 

Congratulations Class of 2028! I am thrilled to welcome you to the OUHCOM family and even more excited to support you on this journey successfully. My name is Maham Naviwala, and I am one of your many amazing Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) Session Leaders. I am from Long Island, NY and completed my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University. While applying for medical schools, I pursued my master’s at Case Western Reserve University. My academic interests include anatomy, physiology, neurology, pharmacology, and pathology. Outside of my studies, I am an avid runner and enjoy hiking, rock climbing, skiing, cooking, and hanging out with my friends and family.Transitioning into the rigorous curriculum of medical school can be daunting, particularly due to the rapid influx of information. I understand firsthand the challenges associated with managing this volume of material. Thus, I am eager to guide you in effectively navigating and mastering the content, thereby alleviating the need for relearning concepts in subsequent semesters. I am enthusiastic about helping you overcome the challenges of your academic endeavors. Most importantly, I am dedicated to tailoring my instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring that each of you receives the personalized support necessary for your success. In addition, I am committed to assisting you in effectively managing your time and stress. I firmly believe that these skills are not only essential for success in medical school but also for maintaining consistent performance throughout the duration of your studies. I look forward to helping you in any way I can. Please feel free to reach out!

Hello! My name is Alexis Neri, and I am so excited to be one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSL) this year! Congratulations on your acceptance to Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. We are thrilled for you all to begin your medical school journey! I am from Columbus, Ohio and studied Neuroscience and Global Public Health at The Ohio State University. Additionally, I earned my master's in public health, specifically Epidemiology. At Ohio State I played a season of club soccer before ultimately hanging up my boots and focusing on getting more involved in my local community. I was involved in several research projects and studied abroad in Japan and Peru. After graduating in 2020, I began working in clinical research at Ohio State in OBGYN and worked for the CDC Foundation. I love spending time outdoors – running, playing soccer, biking, and hanging out with friends!Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy, histology, female/male reproductive, neurology, GI, and immunology. I cannot stress this enough – everyone studies differently. Give yourself some grace to try to figure out what works for you. I highly recommend utilizing resources such as Osmosis, Bootcamp, and the APSLs. I love to teach and help students achieve their academic goals. I look forward to meeting and working with you this next year!

Hello! My name is Daniel Parnes, and I am one of the Session Leaders in the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations on beginning an incredible medical education at OU-HCOM!I am a nontraditional student from Columbus, Ohio, where I studied Allied Health at Otterbein University. After graduating, I spent several years working as a licensed massage therapist and figuring out what would come next. I felt I was not done learning, and I was craving a deeper understanding of the sciences. This, and my love of patient care, was ultimately what led me to return to school and pursue medicine.To me, a defining aspect of the physician’s role is to have an extensive and nuanced understanding of human biology. As such, I place immense value on the material we learn, and I strive to make sense of it in a cohesive and interconnected manner. I love to know the “why” of medicine, and I hope to help you do the same! I particularly enjoy studying physiology, pathophysiology, and cell biology, especially in the realms of immunology, endocrinology, and neurology.

Hello! My name is Anthony Rabe and I’m one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSL) on the Athens campus. Welcome to the HCOM family and congratulations for coming so far already! I’m excited to help support you as you begin your medical school journey! I am from Cincinnati, Ohio and went to undergrad at The Ohio State University. I majored in biochemistry and had a minor in pharmaceutical sciences. I took two gap years, during which I was the lab manager for the Fishel and Yoder labs where I focused on retroviral gene therapy research. In my free time, I enjoy staying active. I like to work out, play golf, and be outside. I also enjoy cooking, reading, and trivia. Academically, some of my favorite subjects are pharmacology, cardiology and pathology.My best advice would be to stay open and flexible until you find a routine that works for you. Maintaining a strong balance between medicine and other things that you enjoy is the most important part of medical school, in my opinion. Be willing to try new study strategies but don’t feel like you must switch to what “everyone else is doing” when you’ve found something that works. We are here to support you in all aspects of school. I’m happy to help you to find your balance, to develop good study habits, or simply help with any concepts that are giving you trouble. I'm looking forward to a great year!

Hello everyone! My name is Shashank Reddy, and I am one of the APSLs for the Athens Learning Community. Congratulations on starting medical school at HCOM! I understand that this can be a stressful time, but there are several helpful resources provided by the school and I hope to be one of those resources. I am from the Cincinnati area, and I completed my undergraduate degree at Xavier University, studying Life Sciences for Business with a minor in Biomedical Sciences. Most of my time was spent playing tennis for their Division I team while I was there and am always happy to play. I also worked as a medical scribe during my nights.Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy, physiology, endocrinology, and cardiology. As you know, there is a lot of information coming your way in the next year. Because of this, I believe the most important things to do is to understand your learning style and what works best for you. Everyone can have different strategies, and it is important to find one that plays to your strengths. Personally, I had to try a few different strategies and can help you create one for yourself. Please feel free to reach out to book me for tutoring, and I am excited to meet with you all!

Hi! My name is Nita Reddy, and I am one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) this year. Congratulations on one step closer to becoming a physician, and we’re happy to have you at HCOM! I’m from Cleveland, Ohio and studied Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh. During undergrad, I was involved in a variety of activities ranging from D&I initiatives to neuroscience and neuroradiology research at UPMC. I then found an interest in the business side of medicine and went on to earn my MBA from Drexel University before starting at HCOM.Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy, physiology, psych, and neurology, but I’m happy to work through any subjects you may need more time with. When it comes to studying in medical school, there are tons of resources, but it is important to focus on the resources that work best for you. I found it most helpful to keep an open mind in the beginning and then gradually narrow down the most effective study methods for me. This helped me balance school and my personal life, so I’m always happy to help you find your balance. Please feel free to reach out and I look forward to working with you!

Hello everyone! My name is Garrett Rees, and I am an APSL session leader for the Athens Campus. Congratulations and welcome to HCOM! We are so excited to have you with us for your medical school journey! I am from Pomeroy, Ohio, and I studied Biology at Ohio University. I have lived in Athens for a while, so if you’d like any recommendations on things to do, feel free to ask. Personally, I enjoy golfing, listening to music, and reading in one of the many coffee shops.My favorite subjects include histology, microbiology, and pathology. I’m basically really interested in anything cell bio related and understanding how and why things happen the way they do. The help I received from the APSL tutoring sessions when I was a first year really made a big difference in understanding some of the more complex materials and the subjects that I had problems with. I am excited to work with you and hopefully provide the same support. Whatever you need, I’d be happy to do what I can to help you, whether that be working one on one or just talking things out when things get stressful. I look forward to working with you!

Hello everyone! My name is Allie Rioch, and I can’t wait to be one of your APSLs this year. Huge congratulations and welcome to the HCOM family, we are so excited for you to begin your journey to becoming a physician. I am from Marysville, Ohio and studied Medical Sciences and Spanish at the University of Cincinnati. During my time in undergrad, I spent a lot of my time volunteering with children in inner-city schools as well as the immigrant population in Cincinnati. During my gap year, I worked as a chiropractic assistant where I gained a lot of valuable face-to-face time with patients. When I’m not studying, I usually spend time with friends or catch up on the latest show.Some of my favorite subjects include cardiology, reproductive health, nephrology, and anatomy. Beginning your first year, it is essential to find what study strategies work best for you, not just what works best for others. Try a little bit of everything and see what sticks! It is important to be patient with yourself during this process: it can take a bit to find what works for you, but it is so worth it and your APSLs will be here to help you along the way! I’m so excited for this year and I hope you are too!

Hi! My name is Lauren Rodgers, and I am one of the Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) this year. Congratulations and welcome to HCOM! I am excited to have the opportunity to help and support you as you begin your journey to becoming a physician! I am from Liberty Township, Ohio, and earned my degree in Molecular Genetics with a minor in Clinical Psychology from The Ohio State University. During my gap year, I worked as a healthcare assistant at Planned 
Parenthood. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, running, being outdoors, volunteering at the local elementary school, and spending time with my friends and family. The Athens campus has so many amazing clubs, volunteer opportunities, and activities; make the most of it while you are here!
My biggest advice would be to focus on what strategies work for you. There are hundreds of different ways to study and so many different resources. You don’t need to use every single resource or change your study habits if what you are doing is working for you. You know yourself best and you know how you learn, so focus on that. I am here to help discuss study strategies, difficult concepts, or find the right resources that work for you. Some of my favorite subjects include cardiology, endocrinology, reproductive health, microbiology, psychology, and clinical skills.

Hello hello! My name is Amisha Saini, and I am one of your APSLs for the Athens Learning Community. Welcome to HCOM and congratulations on this new chapter that you are starting! I am excited to support you through it! I am from Centerville, Ohio. I went to the University of Cincinnati for undergrad where I majored in Neuroscience and minored in French, Psychology, and WGS. In Athens, you will find me all over the place - either at HCOM in an SGA meeting, outdoors learning to play soccer or on a walk, or just hanging out with my peers at trivia or Donkey. My favorite academic topics are neurology, psychology/psychiatry, pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology. I can also help you organize your Anki! Something I learned during my first year of medical school is that study strategies change according to the topic you are learning and how confident you are. It's important to remember that changing things up is OKAY. What matters is that you learn key concepts and ideas thoroughly. Hopefully, I will be able to help you with that. You are not alone on this journey, so, please reach out!

Welcome to the HCOM community and congratulations on starting our medical school journey! My name is Sydney Shaffer, and I am one 
of the Session Leaders for the Athens Learning Community. I am from Spencerville, Ohio and studied biochemistry and Spanish at Heidelberg University where I also obtained a Master of Business Administration degree during my gap year. At Heidelberg, I was a member of the women’s soccer and lacrosse teams. During undergrad, I was a Spanish tutor, biology teaching assistant, and gained clinical experience as a scribe and nurse aide. In Athens, I enjoy playing intramural sports, participating in service opportunities, spending time with friends, and taking my dog, Stella, for walks.
My favorite subjects are anatomy, clinical skills, reproductive health, social medicine, and OMM. There are so many amazing resources available to you as a first-year medical student. My advice is to find what works for you. Explore different study strategies and remember that it can take time to find what works best. The Learning Services team is here to help you, so please reach out to them if you need anything. I am excited to work with you!

Hi! My name is Mirisha Sheth, and I am one of your APSLs for the Athens Learning Community. Welcome to HCOM and congratulations on starting this journey towards becoming a physician! We are excited to support you through your first year. I am from Centerville, Ohio. I went to The Ohio State University for undergrad where I majored in biology and minored in Human Nutrition. After undergrad, I got my master’s in biomedical sciences at The University of Toledo. In my free time, I love to do anything outdoors, spend time with my friends, and play with my cat, Dino. Athens has some beautiful trails if you love hiking or running like I do! My favorite academic subjects are endocrinology, anatomy, physiology, and neurology. When it comes to studying in medical school, the way you learn may be different from how your peers may approach something, but it is important to focus on what works best for you. It might mean you need to switch up your study strategies multiple times when you first get started but keeping an open mind is key. I would love to help in any way I can- whether it is finding new ways to study, going over difficult concepts, or general advice. Please feel free to reach out, and I look forward to meeting you!

Hi! My name is Ben Trenka, and I will be one of the APSL Session Leaders on the Athens campus. Congratulations on making it to medical school and welcome to HCOM! We are all very excited to meet you, and we are ready to answer any questions you may have as you are beginning your first year of medical school. 
I grew up around Toledo, Ohio and completed my undergrad at the University of Mount Union with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. I was also a member of the men’s soccer team and worked in the learning commons all four years of my undergrad. Over my gap year, I became certified as an EMT and did research at the University of Toledo. I love sports (intramurals here are very fun FYI), anything to do with being outside, and hanging out with friends. 
Some of my favorite subjects are anatomy and physiology, metabolism, GI, cardiology, pulmonology, pharmacology, clinical skills, and OMM. Transitioning to medical school can be difficult for many people but we are all here to help! I love teaching and would be happy to work with anyone to figure out what learning styles/resources work best. All of us were in a similar spot last year so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything!

Hello! My name is Ashley Vosler, and I am one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs) on the Athens campus. Congratulations on starting your medical school journey and welcome to the HCOM family!I am from Springboro, Ohio, and I hold a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience from Miami University. While in college, I tutored general and organic chemistry and worked as a phlebotomist in my free time. Some of my hobbies include boxing, playing the piano, traveling, and scrapbooking. I also love playing Euchre, so if you don’t know how to play, I’ll teach you ;).Some of my favorite subjects include endocrinology, pharmacology, anatomy, OMM, and cardiology. While medical school is undoubtedly challenging, it’s entirely manageable. Remember, there's no single correct way to study—we all have our unique learning styles. If you have any questions or need guidance on resources, study strategies, or ways to approach the curriculum, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You've got this, and we are all cheering for you!

Hello! My name is Brittany Walterbusch, and I am excited to be one of your Academic Peer Support Leaders (APSLs). Welcome to HCOM! We’re excited to support you as you start this incredible journey into medical school. I am from Coldwater, OH and earned my degree in Biology at Miami University. My academic interests include anatomy, physiology, pathology, cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, and OMM. Outside of academics, I enjoy running, strength training, playing pickleball, hiking, working on my photography skills, volunteering, and hanging out with family and friends. I love to stay busy!Everyone learns differently, so it's important to find what methods work best for you. For me, discussing topics aloud, teaching others, and practical application is beneficial. It's also good to regularly reflect about what study strategies work for you and which don't. And remember, the Learning Specialists are always here to help too! As an APSL, I'm here to help you with your courses, develop good study habits, and tackle tough topics. Feel free to reach out anytime. I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your academic goals!

Hey Y’all! My name is Dawson Wervey. I am looking forward to being your APSL this year, but more importantly, being a resource for questions about navigating your study process and how to approach HCOM exams. I’m sure you’re excited to hit the ground running in your medical career, but we are all here if you need a hand along the way! I am from Hudson, Ohio, a small town right outside of Akron. I went to Miami University where I studied kinesiology while competing in long jump, triple jump, and the 400m on the track-and-field team. I have been doing research in cardiology with Vanderbilt University Medical Center since 2020, and recently presented a paper I was the PI on at the International Anesthesia Research Conference in Seattle. I am now the Vice President of the Student Research Club, where I would really like to help. I think there’s so many great opportunities at HCOM for funding, traveling, and getting involved that can be confusing for anybody, but having a friend to help can be so beneficial! My favorite subjects are cardiology, nephrology, and anesthesia. I would say that if you ask anyone, they will tell you that there is no one true study method that works for everyone, which is true. I would add to that and say that besides the sheer amount of content, medical school is also about how to take the test. Keep in mind the types of questions asked and find your study process. I’ve been a coach my whole life. If you need any help, or have any questions, please feel free to ask! So excited to meet y'all, and excited for this whole year!

Hello! My name is Marty Zimmer, and I am so excited to be your APSL this coming year! I am so grateful to the previous APSLs and all the helpful information they gave me to succeed in my first year, and I am looking forward to passing on the information. The start of medical school can be overwhelming and creating a plan that works for you is crucial in succeeding. I am from Loveland, Ohio which is a small town outside of Cincinnati. I went to Bowling Green State University for undergrad where I studied psychology and neuroscience. I was also the president of my Fraternity Kappa Sigma. During undergrad, I worked with young adults with severe autism as a direct support specialist. In my gap year, I worked as an MA in dermatology where I mainly assisted in skin cancer surgeries. I am now the President of Oncology Club and on the executive board of Medical Mentors.My favorite subjects are psychiatry, neurology and dermatology. As you start your first year, it is important to remember that everyone has a studying strategy. It is easy to feel like you are not doing enough, or that you are doing something wrong, as everyone will give you different tips to succeed. I would recommend asking people what works best for them and then slowly incorporate elements in your own study plan. I am very excited to meet you all this fall! Feel free to reach out if you need any help!