Undergraduate: UC San Diego
Major: Public Health Science, concentration in Medicine Sciences
Track: EMT
Future Health Profession: Physician
Health Profession School: Touro University California

As a first-generation college student and non-native English speaker, Diep Nguyen knew she wanted to become a physician but wasn't sure how to get there. The UC Davis Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Program helped her strengthen her academic foundation, build confidence and successfully earn acceptance to seven medical schools. 

For as long as Diep Nguyen can remember, she’s wanted to help others. Growing up in Vietnam, she witnessed the inequities of healthcare access for those in rural communities. 

“Patients would line up as early as 6 a.m. waiting to be seen,” she said of her work with a traveling hospital team providing free medical services. “At the time, I could only register them, but I wanted to do more and someday be in a position where I could truly help.”

Later, when she moved to the U.S. and her grandmother was diagnosed with cervical cancer, she watched her family struggle to receive timely care. When a compassionate doctor offered to treat her grandmother free of charge, Diep knew she had found her calling.

“Thanks to him, my grandmother is alive today,” said Diep. “His kindness and generosity inspired me to pursue medicine and give back to underserved communities as a physician.”

Diep credits the academic advising, MCAT preparation and personalized application support she received in the program as key contributors to her success. Today, she is preparing to enter her first year of medical school at Touro University California. 

What led you to pursue a post-baccalaureate program, and why did you choose UC Davis?

I first learned about the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Program while attending a virtual career fair. At the time, I was debating between pursuing a master’s degree or a post-bac. A former professor of mine at UC San Diego asked me how committed I was to medical school. When I told her I was 100% committed, she recommended a post-baccalaureate program. She also connected me with a former student who had completed the UC Davis program. That student helped guide me through interview preparation and the application process, which ultimately led me to choose UC Davis.

What were your goals going into the program?

I wanted to improve my GPA, strengthen my study habits for rigorous science courses, build foundational skills for the MCAT and obtain updated letters of recommendation from professors. The program helped me achieve all my goals and prepared me to become a stronger medical school applicant.

How did the program support you during your medical school application process?

I received tremendous support throughout the application process, including help with my personal statement, activities section, secondary essays, developing my school list and interview preparation. Bryelle, Jennie, Doug and Robin were incredibly supportive and always willing to guide me whenever I needed help.

Did you receive any acceptances?

I completed seven interviews out of the 15 invitations I received. I was accepted to all seven schools, including one of my top choices, Touro University California. When I received my first acceptance, I cried.

The program pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me realize I was capable of much more than I thought."

What aspects of the program did you find most valuable?

One of the most valuable aspects of the program was how accessible and supportive the advisors were. Many times, the available appointment slots on Calendly did not fit my schedule, but someone would always try to make time for me. Their willingness to support students truly made a difference in my experience.

Can you share a specific example of how you benefited from academic advising and test prep?

Bryelle and Doug were incredible in helping me choose classes that fit my schedule and prevented burnout. On the first day of histology class, I felt completely overwhelmed and understood almost nothing. I panicked and started doubting whether the medical school path was right for me. I met with Doug one-on-one and he calmed me down and encouraged me to reach out to classmates, form study groups, attend Zoom study sessions and seek help from professors when needed. I followed his advice and ultimately did very well in the class.

For MCAT preparation, Doug also taught me how to identify patterns in my mistakes and determine whether they came from content gaps or test-taking strategies. He shared many helpful tips, tricks and mnemonics that improved how I approached the exam.

Which track did you choose, and how has that focus enhanced your preparation for medical school?

I chose the EMT track. Although I did not work directly as an EMT, I have applied many of those skills in my role as a health technician for a school district. 

The EMT training taught me how to think and act quickly during emergencies, ask effective questions to assess injuries and determine how to best support patients. Working independently in the health office has also helped me develop confidence, autonomy and communication skills while collaborating with school staff, students and parents. These experiences have prepared me for the teamwork and decision-making responsibilities required in medicine.

What was your experience like with your cohort?

I built meaningful friendships that continue today. I have attended some of my classmates’ weddings, and we still support each other throughout our medical school journeys. Even friends who matriculated into medical school before me always made time to answer my questions and offer advice despite their busy schedules.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced on your journey, and how did you overcome them?

One of my biggest challenges was the language barrier. English is my second language, and I learned it after moving to the U.S. For a long time, I struggled to fully understand lectures and felt shy speaking in class. To overcome this, I used my strength in math to tutor classmates, which forced me to practice speaking English more confidently. 

As a first-generation college student, I also had very little guidance navigating higher education and the medical school path. I experienced many detours, trial and error and self-doubt along the way. Fortunately, mentors from the Chancellor’s Program at UC San Diego helped guide and support me. In return, I became a mentor myself, helping first-generation incoming and transfer students at UC San Diego. Although I often had doubts and fears, I learned to ask for help when needed, and that mindset has helped me reach where I am today.

Where do you see yourself in the next five to 10 years?

I am still exploring different specialties and keeping an open mind as I learn more through clinical experiences and rotations.

Right now, I am particularly interested in family medicine, oncology and obstetrics and gynecology, but I know my interests may evolve throughout medical school. I look forward to completing my third- and fourth-year rotations to better understand which specialty is the best fit for me.

Would you recommend the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Baccalaureate Program? 

I would absolutely recommend the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac. The program is academically rigorous, with challenging science courses such as genetics, virology, histology, brain disorders and human physiology. Many of these were subjects I had never studied before, so the transition was difficult at first. The program pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me realize I was capable of much more than I thought. 

Beyond academics, I built meaningful long-term relationships. My success and multiple acceptances would not have been possible without the support of everyone in the program. Whether it was meeting with me early in the morning or late in the evening, they consistently showed up for me whenever I needed guidance.

What advice would you give to someone considering a post-bac program?

A post-baccalaureate program can be very challenging, but you don’t need to enter the program knowing everything already. Be humble enough to adjust your study habits and remain open to change and growth. Although the classes are demanding, it is also important to take breaks and spend time with friends and to avoid burning out. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you are struggling. Stay persistent, work hard and trust the process.

As Diep prepares to begin medical school at Touro University California, she remains committed to serving others and expanding access to care. The same determination that helped her overcome language barriers, self-doubt and uncertainty continues to guide her toward a career in medicine.