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Two University of North Georgia (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) students gained invaluable experience this summer through the program hosted by Foothills Area Health Education Center (AHEC).

Halle Pierce and Rosalyn Sanchez emerged from the five-week residential program feeling even more optimistic about their ability to be accepted into medical school and excel once they start. The program included 180 hours of clinical shadowing, community-based research and instructional sessions.

Pierce, a senior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in chemistry with a biochemistry concentration, is looking at multiple areas but mostly focused on becoming an OB-GYN as she applies to med school. She appreciated learning about rural health care and meeting with med school admissions officers through Pathway to Med School.

"This program gave us insights that a lot of people struggle to find on the med school application process," Pierce said. "Now I feel like I can market who I am."

She worked with Dr. Greta Giles, professor of chemistry, in fall 2025 on research using light to speed up enzyme activity on particles and presented the project at an American Chemical Society conference. Pierce is now researching DNA on particles, with a potential future implication being targeted drug release to certain portions of the body.

"She seems genuinely fascinated by understanding how things work," Giles said. "And that's really kind of cool when you have a student come along who takes real ownership of their project and starts to do it because they want to."

Dr. Brad Herbert, a professor of chemistry, said Pierce is one of the top five students he has taught in 32 years at Â鶹ÊÓƵ and probably the best who isn't planning to pursue a Ph.D. He is impressed at her ability to balance a 4.0 GPA, undergraduate research and being a leader in her sorority. Pierce is also a member of Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Honors Program.

Herbert said it's easy in the medical school application process to volunteer or take other important steps simply to check the box, due to how competitive it is. That's never been the case with Pierce.

"She really is a caring person who wants to use medicine to make things better for people," Herbert said.

Sanchez, a senior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, has been a member of the American Medical Student Association chapter for two years at Â鶹ÊÓƵ. She previously conducted research with Dr. Andrew Thomas, a professor of chemistry, on the potentially dangerous interactions of vape ingredients.

Dr. Neal Lin, assistant professor of biology, has seen Sanchez's ability to excel both in her own classes and through peer tutoring in the SPARK program as she assists other biology students. Lin said Sanchez is always engaged in growing her skills.

"If she didn't understand something, she would make the time and seek out help. She knew how important it was. She wanted to understand and not just memorize content," Lin said. "Rosalyn understood what she needed to do, recognized her challenges and found solutions."

Thomas said Sanchez has far more than book knowledge as she approaches the medical field.

"She's a well-rounded person," Thomas said. "In addition to being a strong student and her knowledge, her personality makes her stand out. People like to be around her because they can count on her."

Sanchez said Â鶹ÊÓƵ has prepared her well for medical school.

"The small size of the school is so nice. You get a lot of specialized attention," Sanchez said. "Your professors care about who you are. It's made me want to be more invested in my classes."

Thirteen Â鶹ÊÓƵ graduates have participated in Pathway to Med School, with nine being accepted or attending med school and another three applying in upcoming cycles. The program has a 98% overall acceptance rate for those who apply to med school.

Jenn Dunahoo, a 2016 alumna with a degree in psychology, serves as special projects consultant for Foothills AHEC and oversees Pathway to Med School. She was grateful to see Pierce and Sanchez embrace the program.

"Both Halle and Rosalyn were thoughtful in approaching building their networks. They asked thoughtful questions and truly embraced each element of the program with an open mind," Dunahoo said. "The process of applying to medical school can feel daunting and extremely competitive. But having a supportive group of other students who are in the same boat — ones who are also taking the MCAT or trying to find additional shadowing hours — can be helpful."

Applications for the 2027 program open Nov. 16 on the . Dunahoo said the group also plans to host an information session on the program in November at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Gainesville Campus.