“I completed the MATS program in 2022, and it was an incredible experience. Initially, I applied somewhat blindly to the program, since it was near my aunt’s house in Maryland. The program presented itself as an opportunity to dive into research and prepare for the early years of medical school, and it exceeded my expectations. Through this experience, I grew personally, embraced the challenge of living in a new city, gained valuable clinical research experience, and built a strong foundation of knowledge for the preclinical years. The level of teaching, comprehensive materials, and the dedication of the professors mirrors the rigor and depth one would expect in a medical school curriculum. Dr. Hawley and Dr. DeVaul are excellent advisors and provided unwavering support during the program and throughout the application process. They are an amazing resource for anything you might need help with in your application—whether it’s finding opportunities for shadowing, volunteering, or clinical experiences. Even years after graduation, they remain invested and committed to our journey. As a current third-year medical student, I can confidently say that the MATS program prepared me to excel in my journey toward becoming a physician. I highly recommend it to anyone committed to pursuing a career in medicine.” - Dayna K. Rivera Arroyo MATS C/O 2022; UPR-SOM C/O 2026
“I completed the MATS program in the spring of 2022 and am now a second year student in the Computational Genetics Track of the Ph.D. Program in Human Genetics and Genomics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. With both the hands-on mentoring provided by the advisors, Dr. Hawley and Dr. DeVaul, and scientific research I was able to perform in Dr. Efimova’s laboratory at the GW Cancer Center, I regard my experience in MATS as absolutely integral to my development as both a scientist and researcher. The small class size, biomedical-centered curriculum, and opportunities for research make this program an optimal building block toward a career in both the biomedical research and clinician-oriented medical fields.” - Katarina Micin MATS C/O 2022
“Completing both the GCATS and MATS programs at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences from 2018 to 2020 was truly transformative for my educational journey and future career in medicine. Without hesitation, I can say that joining these programs was one of the best investments I’ve ever made. Those years were pivotal, as they challenged me to test my resilience and determination while preparing me for the rigors of medical school and beyond. The MATS program, in particular, offered unparalleled opportunities to deepen my understanding of medicine. Through hands-on research and unique shadowing experiences that I hadn’t encountered during my undergraduate studies, I was able to refine my medical interests and confirm my passion for this field. I am incredibly grateful to Drs. Hawley and DeVaul, who have been steadfast mentors and advisors throughout my journey. Their guidance, encouragement, and expertise not only nurtured my love for medicine but also provided me with the confidence and skills to thrive in this challenging yet rewarding path. To anyone considering applying to GCATS or MATS, I wholeheartedly recommend it. These programs have been invaluable to my growth, and I am confident they can have the same transformative impact on you. You won’t regret it!" - Aloysius James Hora GCATS C/O 2019; MATS C/O 2020; GW Medicine C/O 2027
"My experience in the GCATS program completely surpassed my expectations! What attracted me to this program was the rigorous curriculum as well as the research opportunities. Having graduated from GW with a Bachelors, I knew I would be learning from phenomenal faculty. The professors in this program are so dedicated to the success of their students. They truly made learning in a pandemic such an enjoyable experience. Dr. Hawley has been a wonderful advisor and I have greatly appreciated his guidance throughout my time in this program. Now that I have finished the GCATS program, I can happily say that my knowledge in Anatomy and Embryology has grown exponentially. Moreover, I am thankful for my experience in Dr. Chung's lab throughout my time in this program. I am very excited to continue my journey in the medical school application process." - Abby Yohannes GCATS C/O 2021; Pitt Med C/O 2027
"The GCATS Program at GW is an amazing post-baccalaureate program. The clinically oriented curriculum and small class size are two of the many great aspects of the program. The professors really care about each student’s success and are always willing to provide extra help. They work hard to create a collaborative and engaging class experience. Dr. Hawley and Dr. DeVaul are great advisors and resources to have throughout the application process. My success in the GCATS Program has helped me feel more prepared to start medical school. I am grateful to have participated in this program and look forward to continuing my medical education at GW SMHS!" - Kristen Bougher GCATS C/O 2021; GW Medicine C/O 2025
"I completed the GCATS program in 2020 and was accepted to GWSMHS through their linkage program that same year. GCATS-MATS is a phenomenal program that not only benefited me during my gap year, but throughout my first year of medical school as well. Not only are the classes highly relevant to preclinical material, but the lectures are given by the same professors who teach the medical students. This instruction was so high caliber, I often found myself referring back to notes I had taken during the program to help me study for exams in medical school. This reason alone would be enough for me to recommend the GCATS-MATS program to anyone who is interested in maximizing their success in their preclinical years of medical school. Students are also given a wide variety of opportunities that they can take advantage of to really tailor the experience to their needs. My application benefited the most from the strengthening of my science GPA, while some of my friends focused on gaining more research experience. The program directors, Dr. Hawley and Dr. DeVaul, are both genuinely invested in making sure every student succeeds and continue to be resources for us even after we have completed the program. I am very grateful to the GCATS-MATS program, as it remains one of the most beneficial things I did to prepare me for my journey into medicine. " - Margot Day GCATS C/O 2020; GW Medicine C/O 2025
