The UTSA Mock Interview Program, now in its eleventh year, brings together a network of physicians and healthcare professionals who volunteer to interview UTSA students. It is also one of the many ways UTSA creates a community for first-generation students who may not have been exposed to such academic or professional opportunities in the past. More and more former participants are returning as alumni to support the program and mentor the next generation of healthcare professionals.
“Coming into college, I had no leadership experience,” said Eduardo Calderon ’24, a UTSA biology graduate and past president of the UTSA chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, a national pre-health student organization. “It really helped me build relationships with these people and also find myself and really gain confidence in myself when I was applying to a healthcare professional program.”
Organizations like the AED Pre-Health Honor Society, Latin American Medical Students Association (LMSA)And Pre-Dental Society help cultivate a community of support for pre-health students, including additional professional development opportunities, peer support, and networking that help students navigate the challenges of pursuing a health career .
“If you want to go to medical school, you can’t do better than having a mock interview with people who have been through it or who work in medical schools,” said Angel Gonzálezassociate dean for academic opportunity and educational excellence at UT Health San Antonio. “Not all schools offer such opportunities, and programs like UTSA’s really make a difference.”
Programs like the Mock Interview Series reflect UTSA’s commitment to creating from class to career educational experiences that prepare students for impactful careers. By 2028, UTSA’s goal is to have 75% of students complete some form of experiential learning before graduation.
Students interested in learning more about health professions can attend the UTSA Healthcare Professionals Fair on February 20 on the Main Campus. There, they can network with representatives from more than 60 undergraduate and graduate health professional programs and learn about application processes, admissions requirements, prerequisite course requirements and much more.
As UTSA and UT Health San Antonio prepare to integrate, the strengths of both institutions will combine to create an academic and medical research center of national and global significance. This collaboration will expand opportunities for students, faculty and the community, particularly in the areas of healthcare education, research and workforce development.