Meet Jessica Dalkiran
MD Program Class of 2028
Hometown: Winter Haven, Florida
Undergraduate: Florida Gulf Coast University, BS in Finance
Graduate: Drexel University College of Medicine, MS in Biomedical Sciences (DPMS)
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you came to Drexel?
I started my career in corporate finance, working for the Walt Disney Company for a few years. Shortly after marrying my husband, I decided to move to his home country of Turkey, where I worked as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher. Toward the end of my time in Turkey, I gave birth to my son. My experiences with the physicians who supported me throughout pregnancy and birth inspired me to make the pivot toward medicine. I feel especially privileged to be on this path as a mother, wife and non-traditional student.
How did your undergraduate experiences prepare you for medical school?
Although undergrad was nearly 10 years ago for me, the lessons I learned as a collegiate athlete have stuck with me the most. I played both volleyball and softball for my school, so I had to learn quickly to juggle many obligations simultaneously.
How did the Drexel Pathway to Medical School (DPMS) program prepare you for medical school?
Not every story will fit the cookie-cutter mold of the “ideal medical school candidate.” I wanted to be a voice for those who may have taken a different route.
I cannot say enough about the Drexel Pathway to Medical School program. It was extremely challenging, but the rigor of it made the transition to medical school much smoother. Not only does the material overlap with a lot of the M1 material we are currently studying, but I was able to figure out how I learn best. The support we received from faculty and alumni during Drexel Pathway to Medical School continues to be an invaluable resource now as a first-year medical student.
Why did you choose to get involved as a student ambassador and admissions student representative during your first semester of medical school?
As a 32-year-old parent and career-changer, I believe I offer a unique perspective. Not every story will fit the cookie-cutter mold of the “ideal medical school candidate.” I wanted to be a voice for those who may have taken a different route. And ultimately, a diverse medical school class contributes to more informed physicians and better outcomes for future patients.
What are you enjoying about your time in medical school so far? What do you enjoy about studying in West Reading, Pennsylvania?
Perhaps the best part of medical school so far is that there is always something to get involved in that fits your interest, whether academic, community outreach or extracurricular activities. Being a part of the College of Medicine at the West Reading campus is especially rewarding as we have built an incredibly supportive and collaborative environment, even between the different classes. This also holds true for the faculty. Being such a small cohort compared to the Philadelphia campus, our professors know each of our strengths and weaknesses individually, and they are proactive in recognizing when a student needs additional help.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Office of Admissions
60 N. 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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