Student Spotlight: Gabby Lee

Undergraduate: UC Davis
Major: Biology
Program Track: Research
Future Health Profession: Medicine

Since completing the UC Davis Health Professionals Post-Baccalaureate Program, Gabby Lee has been working as a clinical research coordinator at the UC Davis Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and has been assisting a UC Davis faculty member with her Clinical Reasoning project. Lee shared her experience in the post-bac program and how it has prepared her for the next chapter in her life—applying to medical schools.  

Why did you decide to pursue a post-bac?

I pursued a post-bac because it provided me with an opportunity to prove to and remind myself that I can become a future physician—that I am capable after taking six years off after undergrad.  

Why did you choose UC Davis for your post-bac studies?


I chose UC Davis for my post-bac studies because UC Davis exhibits diversity, innovation and community, which aligns with my passions and aspirations. In working at UC Davis Health, I found comradery and inspiration and wanted to continue my journey with UC Davis.  

What were your goals going into the program, and how did the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac help you achieve them?


My goals going into the program consisted of gaining confidence, finding support and achieving excellence. The Health Professions Post-Bac program provided challenging courses, passionate professors and mentors with expertise on my career path.  

What did you find most valuable about the program?

I found the culture and compassion within the program to be most valuable. Every person involved with the program had one goal: to help students excel and reach their dreams of becoming a health professional.   

Can you speak to your experience in the program regarding the advising and test preparation?


I appreciated and very much needed the honesty my advisors provided. They had so many different solutions to the obstacles I faced with application and test prep, and the doubts I’d been harboring for many years prior.  

How were the instructors in the program?

The instructors were compassionate and wanted us to succeed. A handful of instructors tailored our lectures to our health profession career paths, allowing us to see how different topics were applicable to our potential futures. That was inspiring and allowed me to enjoy the process of learning and relearning throughout the entire program.  

What was your cohort experience like?


My cohort experience was unique in that it was in the middle of the pandemic. Getting to know my cohort, advisors and professors via zoom for the first part of the program was challenging since I couldn’t read body language or receive reactions. In the end of the program, it was nice to meet everyone in person and continue the relationships offline.  

Why did you choose the Research Track and how has this experience helped you?

I chose the Research Track because I’ve worked in research for a few years and wanted to expand the scope of my research experiences. This track allowed me to build a personal relationship with an incredible mentor and learn more about different fields of research. I learned how to use a statistical program as well as how to write a research paper. I plan to work on a poster to present at my first official research conference and possibly submit my first publication.  

Would you recommend the UC Davis Health Professions Post-Bac?

I would recommend the UC Davis Post-Bac because it provides unmatched support and opportunities. The compassion from the program advisors and staff, as well as the expert resources, cannot be found elsewhere.  

What advice would you give to others who are considering pursuing a health professions post-bac?


My advice would be to proceed with an open mind and heart. Prepare to exercise parts of your brain like never before and accept all challenges that may arise. Acknowledge your doubts, but don’t hold onto them.  

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next 5-10 years?


In the next 5-10 years, I hope to be a leader in medicine, supporting everyone I meet along the way.