It’s been a few months since students from the MSBS Class of 2018 started their studies at RVUCOM. And we wanted to check in on them and find out how the MSBS Program has effect the beginning of their journey through medical school.

"The MSBS program has more than prepared me for the demands of the COM. Although the program was challenging, choosing RVU was one of the best decisions of my life. The faculty at RVU truly care about your education and the student body is very supportive, which makes for an amazing community. The MSBS program has allowed me to make professional strides, gain confidence in my ability to succeed, and make friends that will last a lifetime."

Amy Drabant
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVUCOM Class of 2023

Toni Nicastro - RVU MSBS Graduate Class of 2018

“Rocky Vista’s MSBS program helped me develop great study, communication and leadership skills that prepared me not only for first year of medical school, but for the rest of my life as a physician. I am so thankful for the program and the faculty at RVU that challenged and supported me throughout the rigorous 9-month program and made me realize what I am truly capable of. I would not be where I am today without the MSBS program.”

Toni Nicastro
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVUCOM - Class of 2022

“Although the 9 months in the MSBS program were quite challenging, both physically and mentally, I can’t emphasize enough how much it has helped me during my first year of medical school. Additionally, the small class size enabled me to form invaluable connections with each of the professors, who teach in both the MSBS program and the COM. Overall, doing the MSBS program was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

Michelle Militello
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVUCOM - Class of 2022

“The MSBS program gave me so much more than I could have ever asked for. It afforded me time to sort out study habits, testing and time management skills. The program provided a time and place for me to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes and become a better person through them. I knew that someday I would make it into a COM however this program took me from being able to survive in medical school to being able to thrive.”

Kyle Pierce
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVUCOM - Class of 2022

"When I look back at my undergraduate experience, I feel like the MSBS program here at RVU has done a great job in preparing me to be successful in medical school. This program has filled a knowledge gap that I had after finishing my undergrad. In addition to gaining knowledge, I have learned to be a responsible and disciplined student. I now prioritize things and focus on the most important ones. My experience in MSBS program not only has shaped my life and made me an active member of the society due to several team projects and services in the community, but has also given me a step ahead here in medical school. As a physician in training and a future doctor, I will continue to be grateful for the decision I made to attend the RVU MSBS program before entering medical school."

Mukanya Tchombela
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVUCOM - Class of 2022

"The MSBS program prepared me for the COM in ways that I could not have even anticipated. The program gave me a strong foundation of knowledge, but more than anything, it taught me how to problem solve and think about information in a clinical and applied manor. My time in the program allowed me to not only be surviving medical school, but to be thriving!"

Onilia Zorio
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVU COM - Class of 2022

“My favorite part about the program is that I already feel like I am in medical school. I am challenged, I learn from the same professors as the medical school, I learn about actual medical topics, and I even get to interact with standardized patients.

Devin Monroe
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2018
RVUCOM Class of 2023

“I think it is important to have classes that teach both basic biomedical principles and, more importantly, clinically relevant cases. The MSBS program at RVU incorporated both. I know that having this exposure and wealth of information will contribute to my success in the COM.”

Lacie Phibbs
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2019
RVUCOM Class of 2023

“The faculty and staff were outstanding and so supportive was the best decision I could have made to prepare for medical school.”

Diego Puentes
MSBS Graduate - Class of 2017
RVUCOM Class of 2021

RESOURCES

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MSBS STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Ricky Oshakuade

MSBS Class of 2021

Hometown: Wichita, KS

Why did you choose the MSBS Program?
I chose the MSBS program because of the curriculum which provided a thorough coverage of the foundational knowledge we will be learning in the college of medicine. Additionally, the culture of curiosity that is cultivated by the students and faculty further supported my decision in choosing the MSBS program.

What do you like most about RVU MSBS Program?
What I like most about the MSBS program is the culture of curiosity and the ways that the faculty encourage us to ask questions and grow inside and outside of the classroom.

What are your medical interests?
Emergency Medicine

What are your plans after completing the RVU MSBS Program?
Attending RVUCOM and specializing in Emergency Medicine.

What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor biking, videography, and cooking.

Why did you opt for Osteopathic Medicine?
I chose osteopathic medicine for its holistic approach to medicine. To me, it makes the most sense to view the body as one unit of mind, body, and spirit when providing patient care. Additionally, I was drawn to the ways that osteopathic medicine focuses on preventative care.

What advice do you have for prospective students?
My advice for prospective students would be to use every semester as a platform for growth not only as a student but outside of the classroom as well. In your pursuit to becoming a healthcare provider, working for good grades is just as important as working on your character outside of the classroom. Your future patients will remember you more so based off of your character rather than solely based upon your medical knowledge.

Click here to read previous student spotlights

CONTACT THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS

COLORADO CAMPUS
8401 South Chambers Rd.
Parker, CO 80134
303-373-2008

For faster response, please direct inquiries to the campus email:
admissions@rvu.edu

SOUTHERN UTAH CAMPUS
255 E. Center Street
Ivins, UT 84738
435-222-1290

For faster response, please direct inquiries to the campus email:
admissonsUT@rvu.edu.