Joseph Distefano Mendoza
5.0
(3)
First-Gen MD Student | Med School AdCom Insights | UMass Chan
Admissions Committee at UMass Chan Medical School
Works at The Valedictorian Project
Successful clients at
Available tomorrow at 11:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Joseph's Coaching Offerings
Custom hourly · $35/hr
Get help with Activities List Edit, Personal Statement, and .
Joseph’s Medical School Qualifications
As someone who is first generation, both as an immigrant and a college student, I know firsthand the challenge of applying to higher education. I remember feeling adrift during the process, unsure of how to best structure my applications and highlight my strengths. I successfully taught myself how to navigate these systems. Additionally, I went on to become a student member of my medical school's admissions committee; I saw first-hand what made an applicant stand out and what were considered potential red flags. This experience, combined with my self-taught knowledge as a first-gen student, means I am best qualified to help you on your journey through higher education.
Joseph can help with:
Activities List Edit
Personal Statement
Multiple Mini Interview
General Exploration
Casper Test
School Selection
Secondary Essays
Application Strategy
Financial Aid & Scholarships
AMCAS Application Edit
Traditional Interview
Letters of Evaluation
Waitlist Strategy
Why do I coach?
I coach because I recognize the value in having someone to call a mentor during the higher education application process. It can be a process that brings out the most challenging imposter syndrome; having a mentor allows you to not only recognize your strengths and talents, but also know how to best highlight them in your application. It was this support that I hope to give to others that I didn't have myself.
Work Experience
Peer Mentor
The Valedictorian Project
May 2023 - Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Massachusetts General Hospital
October 2020 - Present
As a member of the Perinatal Substance Use Research and Advocacy, or PRISM, team, I primarily conduct clinical chart review on projects both related to perinatal toxicology testing equity and outcomes for substance-exposed dyads at MGH and MGH HOPE Clinic. I will be conducting a summer research project completing a quantitative analysis of data on substance-exposed dyads.
Practice Assistant
Brigham and Women's Hospital
October 2021 - June 2022
As a Practice Assistant in the Day Surgery Unit/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, I efficiently check-in patients for surgery, as well as track their progress and recovery for families members.
Intern
Boston Food Allergy Center
January 2021 - April 2021
Interned at Boston Food Allergy Center, a private allergy and immunology practice in Boston, as a part of my undergraduate practicum. Worked in a front-desk role, where I was responsible for checking-in patients, verifying their insurance and referral information, then rooming them and taking their vitals. I also responded to patient calls, messages, and emails.
Events and Communications Manager
BUNITED
May 2019 - May 2020
As Secretary/Events and Programming Chair, responsible for scheduling events leading up to the BUNITED Conference, as well as scheduling speakers and workshop leaders for the Conference
Research Assistant
Boston University School of Medicine
July 2019 - January 2020
Research assistant in The Pulmonary Center under Dr. Yang Jin.
Committee Member
BUNITED
May 2018 - April 2019
Education
UMass Chan Medical School
Doctor of Medicine - MD
2022 - 2027
Admissions Committee Experience
Boston University
Master of Public Health - MPH, Epidemiology/Biostatistics
2020 - 2022
Boston University
Bachelor of Science, Health Science
2017 - 2021
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Joseph has helped Leland clients get into Suffolk University
Joseph has helped Leland clients get into Dana-Farber Cancer Institute