Meet Rebecca Varghese, a UNT biology major and pre-med student who was recently accepted to the UNT Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC TCOM)! Though she initially came to UNT for the excellent scholarship and financial aid opportunities, Rebecca learned about the 3+4 Pathway Program in freshman orientation, which encouraged her to accelerate her path to medical school.

 

 

Rebecca was first drawn to healthcare after witnessing relatives struggle with health issues, including her beloved grandmother, Ammachi, who was diagnosed with dementia.

 

"Seeing your close family deal with these hardships is not easy. Through these experiences, I saw just how much of a difference compassionate and knowledgeable physicians can make, not only in treating disease, but in supporting patients and their families through difficult transitions,” she explained. “Inspired by how the doctors were there for my family, I have always wanted to try my hardest in college and medical school to become a reliable and compassionate future physician.”

 

Rebecca appreciated beginning her academic journey at a university close to home.

 

“I have been able to commute to the UNT campus with ease and go home after classes without any added stress,” she said. “Family means the world to me, so having them nearby has been so rewarding and I’m so grateful for their constant support these past few years.”

 

As part of the 3+4 program, Rebecca completed an internship at TCOM that gave her opportunities to attend research seminars and conduct her own independent research.

 

“I dedicated much of my time to studying barriers to prenatal care for pregnant women in rural communities,” said Rebecca, who went on to receive third place for a presentation on her findings. “Presenting this work helped me understand the importance of research and improved my confidence in public speaking.”

 

Rebecca is looking forward to the next chapter of her journey, especially finding her place in the community and gaining more independence.

 

“I understand that medical school can be a challenging experience, but my internship at TCOM showed me what a tight knit community it is and how quick people are to help,” she said. “I look forward to exploring Fort Worth, making new memories, and enjoying the transition to the journey ahead!”

 

Rebecca wants other students who may be curious in pursuing the 3+4 Pathway Program to know that they don’t need to worry about having “thousands and thousands” of hours to be a strong applicant. “I was very stressed at the time thinking that what I had wasn’t enough, but it was!” she said. “You only have three years of undergrad, and the admissions committee understands that. Don’t spread yourself too thin trying to do everything; focus on what matters, stay consistent, and make time for yourself as well!”