Joseph D.

Joseph Distefano Mendoza

5.0

(3)

First-Gen MD Student | Med School AdCom Insights | UMass Chan

UMass Chan Medical School Logo

Admissions Committee at UMass Chan Medical School

The Valedictorian Project Logo

Works at The Valedictorian Project

Successful clients at

Available today at 9:00 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, AMCAS Application Edit, 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

AMCAS Application Edit

Application Strategy

Casper Test

Financial Aid & Scholarships

General Exploration

Letters of Evaluation

MD PhD Essays

Multiple Mini Interview

Personal Statement

School Selection

Secondary Essays

TMDSAS Application Edit

Traditional Interview

Waitlist Strategy

Joseph also coaches for College and USMLE. View all.

About Joseph

Originally from Guatemala, but grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts. I'm currently living in Boston with my wife. I'm planning on applying to Family Medicine residency.

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

The Valedictorian Project Logo

Peer Mentor

The Valedictorian Project

May 2023 - Present

As a junior mentor, I help high school students from underserved school districts in Massachusetts navigate the transition to college. We meet regularly to discuss academics, social challenges, and professional skill building.

Brigham and Women's Hospital Logo

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.

Boston Food Allergy Center Logo

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.

Massachusetts General Hospital Logo

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.

Boston University School of Medicine Logo

Research Assistant

Boston University School of Medicine

July 2019 - January 2020

Research assistant in The Pulmonary Center under Dr. Yang Jin.

BUNITED Logo

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

BUNITED Logo

Committee Member

BUNITED

May 2018 - April 2019

Education

UMass Chan Medical School Logo

UMass Chan Medical School

Doctor of Medicine - MD

2022 - 2027

Admissions Committee Experience

Boston University Logo

Boston University

Master of Public Health - MPH, Epidemiology/Biostatistics

2020 - 2022

Boston University Logo

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

Loading reviews...
Joseph D.

Joseph D.

5.0

 
Sign in
Free events
Programs