The first woman to receive a medical degree in America, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell graduated from Geneva Medical College (a precursor to Hobart and William Smith) at the top of her class in 1849.
YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR PRIORITY
Hobart and William Smith is an ideal place to prepare for a career in the health professions. Over the past five years our placement rate for medical, dental and veterinary school applicants has exceeded 80%, well above national averages. Recent graduates are now successful physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physical therapists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and a variety of other clinical practitioners.
Our small class sizes, high-quality faculty, and community of collaborative, diverse and high-achieving students promote strong learning outcomes. Professional schools know this, and value our graduates for what they learn at HWS and for their records of success in taking on new challenges after college.
Students at HWS also extend their education beyond the classroom. Our students take part in research on campus, pursue service learning and community service projects, and study abroad all over the globe. Pre-health students at HWS are at the forefront of generating new knowledge, and their obvious and effective commitment to improving the lives of others is informed by real-world understanding of the challenges that face our local and global communities.
Student SpotlightLina Hassini '26
majors: biology, chemistry
“As a Biology major and Chemistry minor on the pre-health track at Hobart and William Smith, I've had the opportunity to engage deeply with faculty across departments. Meeting regularly with pre-health advisers Scott MacPhail, Justin Miller and my academic advisor, Professor of Biology Kristy Kenyon, has helped clarify my post-graduate goals of attending medical school or pursuing medical research. “Microbiology,” with Professor of Biology Patricia Mowery, has been a challenging yet engaging course that highlights the passion professors here bring to their teaching. They truly invest in their students’ success, offering office hours and support. Over the past two summers, I conducted undergraduate research exploring how the Malate dehydrogenase enzyme responds in different pH conditions and the enzyme’s relationship to cancer. I’m grateful for the guidance and resources I’ve received since my first year, which have shaped my path and made my college journey at HWS rewarding.”
nicholas short '27
Major: Biology Minor: Chemistry
“The supportive community and dedicated faculty at Hobart and William Smith have allowed me to explore my passion for healthcare through meaningful coursework in classes such as “Genetics” with Professor of Biology Kristy Kenyon, hands-on experiences in the “Organic Chemistry” lab and connecting with my local community with the Health Professions Association. These experiences have given me the confidence and preparation to attend dental school, my next step after HWS.”
Meet Our Team
At HWS pre-health advising is individualized. Our mission is to advise both undergraduates and alumni/ae regarding all aspects of the admission process to professional schools in health services.
Whether you intend to pursue an MD/PhD, join Doctors Without Borders, become a large animal veterinarian, or serve your community as a specialty or primary care provider, we will work with you to help you achieve your goal.
FACULTY ADVISoR
Responsible for helping students interpret the academic requirements of particular professional schools and choose the appropriate course work at HWS.
JUSTIN MILLER
Associate Professor of Chemistry E-Mail: jsmiller@hws.edu Phone: (315) 781-3884
SCOTT MACPHAIL
Associate Director of Health Professions Counseling and Fellowship Advising E-Mail: macphail@hws.edu Office: (315) 781-3514
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
In addition to advising students interested in health professions, the committee pre-reviews applicants for dental, medical and veterinary school.
A major advantage of attending HWS is the opportunity to request a Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) recommendation in support of an application to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school. The HPAC letter provides a detailed review of the applicant's overall preparation for professional school, and is part of a packet that includes supporting letters that students obtain from faculty, research supervisors, medical professionals and mentors as part of the HPAC application process. Students should apply for the HPAC recommendation in the spring semester before they apply to medical, dental, optometry or veterinary programs. Seniors planning “gap” time before applying to professional school should complete the request process before leaving campus. An informational meeting about the application process is held in early December. HPAC letters are kept on file in the Health Professions Advising Office in the Career Center.
Alum ImpactEnlightening Experiences
lauren jackson '24
The university of Rochester neurology movement disorders Dvision
Inspired by a course on exercise physiologyat Hobart and William Smith, along with research, job shadowing opportunities and personal experiences, Lauren's path has led her tocoordinate and manage patient interactions for research studies focused on movement disorders in the University of Rochester’s Neurology Movement Disorders Division.
