A few short years ago, I was in your shoes – a hard-working pre-medical student looking for that special opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. I found that amazing opportunity in the MPS program at California Northstate University. The MPS program, with its top-notch faculty, rigorous curriculum, and close-knit supportive culture, provided me with a strong foundation for medical school and gave me the life-changing opportunity I had always dreamed of. I could not be happier with my decision to join the MPS program, and I truly believe that the program could have the same life-changing impact on you as it has had on me.

Michael Roche
MPS | Class of 2021
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2025 California Northstate University


As an aspiring physician, it is important to me to be well-versed in the field of medicine at molecular and clinical levels. With intent to be involved in future clinical trials and build on my existing pharmaceutical experience, CNU’s MPS program is a pillar to my education through its modern curriculum, renowned faculty, and copious research opportunities. I look forward to integrating all my experiences, knowledge, and future endeavors to leave a lasting and more global impact in medicine.

Caroline Goswami
MPS | Class of 2021
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2025 California Northstate University


I have learned so much about pharmaceutical mechanisms and the applications of pharmaceutical sciences. MPS provided me with a strong foundation to be on top of my medical school’s curriculum. It has also provided me opportunities to do research and publish papers. Finally, MPS has an encouraging and welcoming culture. For me, MPS is more than a program, it is a family!

Mengyao Liu
MPS | Class of 2021
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2025 California Northstate University




The MPS program has provided an invaluable academic, research and community service opportunities. It has not only bolstered my application and prepared me for medical school through its solid academic and research curriculum, but also invigorated my passion to serve the Elk Grove community in a healthcare setting from volunteering at the CNU COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic during the peak of the pandemic. And none of this would have been possible without the kind and caring support of the excellent faculty members who all seek for each and every students success. It has been a joy and honor to be part of the MPS family.

Satori Iwamoto
MPS | Class of 2021
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2025 California Northstate University


As a Sacramento native, the MPS at CNU was the perfect stepping stone between undergraduate and medical school. I learned things I didn’t even know I didn’t know! The smaller class size made it impossible to be anonymous and forced me to take control over my own learning. The opportunities here have been enormous for me, and the professors genuinely care about and get to know each of us. MPS helped me every step of the way through studying for the MCAT and the medical school application process. They still treat me like family even though I’m in the medical program now!

Kat Arnott
MPS | Class of 2022
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2026 California Northstate University


As a non-traditional student, I seized countless opportunities in the MPS program to further my research interests, hone my skills at the bench, bolster my CV, and refine my study skills in preparation for medical education. I chose the MPS-to-MD pathway, and the end result was acceptance to the MD program here at CNU! I look fondly on the support and encouragement that I received from both newfound friends and our excellent MPS faculty.

Jonathan Clement
MPS | Class of 2022
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2026 California Northstate University


As a non-traditional medical school applicant, the MPS program at CNU supported me throughout the application process by providing advice and interview prep. Not only does the program offer a stellar combination of engaging courses, like Medical Immunology and Advances in Drug Delivery, but also several research opportunities with different faculty. Now as an M1, I can use the skills that I learned during the MPS program to help me succeed in medical school and in my dream career!

Priya Manhas
MPS | Class of 2022
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2026 California Northstate University


The MPS helped me strengthen my academic and professional profile through its unique curriculum and research experiences that it has to offer. I have built the confidence, being a more rounded student, and the scientific background to continuously grow in achieving my goal in medicine. To me, there is no better way to prepare myself before medical school than to take the MPS program.

Anh Nguyen
MPS | Class of 2022
M.D. Candidate | Class of 2026 California Northstate University



The MPS program helped me find a family where the professors become your friendS and will be your support system even after you leave the program. The program makes your ideas come to life and the professors support you through any idea, interest or experiment that crosses your mind. The MPS program is the only program that I personally have been in that stands by the quote, “If you dream about it, you can do it”. I give credit to Dr. Elshamy and Dr.Farahat for helping me finalize my career choice of working towards becoming a Physical Therapist. I will forever cherish my memories at California Northstate University and feel proud to be an alumna of this school. 

Farah Hakim
MPS | Class of 2022
D.P.T. Candidate | Class of 2026 UCSF/SF State



The MPS program was an exciting and rewarding experience! I came into the program without much research experience or clinical knowledge as it related to pharmaceutical science. However, I was quickly integrated into research and found myself readily learning clinical concepts through excellent and well-taught courses. It was surprising how many opportunities, both research and otherwise, are available to MPS students at CNU! Through these experiences, I was able to learn significant amounts of material and gained memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Furthermore, the MPS program gave me the background required to be accepted into the medical school of my choice. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I would strongly recommend the MPS program to any future students who may apply!



Ryan Lovell
MPS | Class of 2023
M1 Student | Class of 2027 University of California Irvine.





CNU’s MPS program helped me achieve my dreams of matriculating into CNU COM. Through the MPS program, I mastered my study habits through interesting classes, fostered lasting relationships with professors through a supportive environment, and aligned myself with my peers through our shared goals. I also found myself in a leadership position throughout the program, as I tutored my fellow peers through student-led study groups. Through the MPS capstone pathway, I worked with an excellent advisor through weekly meetings, which culminated in my capstone paper being accepted in the Journal of Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. The Dean of Medicine, Program Director, and associated professors provide vital guidance on the medical school application process, and I attribute their assistance and encouragement to my success. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have graduated from the MPS program and would highly recommend it to any prospective student.


Mia Borlongan
MPS | Class of 2023
M1 Student | Class of 2027 California Northstate University



I am grateful to the MPS program for helping me tremendously in coming closer to my call of being a medical doctor. All of this happened while I was dealing with the death of my brother and adjusting to new environments away from my family who is my main source of support. This program has tested and strengthened my perseverance, dedication, resilience, and determination.

My being in the program has afforded me the opportunity to confer with diverse thinking and cultures, thus enhancing my ability to relate to people across cultural lines.

The program has provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to refine my focus and improve my time management through opportunities such as tutoring in the challenging immunology course. The rigorous coursework and research requirements have prepared me for the challenges of medical school. These will undoubtedly serve as a strong foundation for my medical studies and future medical practice.

Arleigh-Ann Byer
MPS | Class of 2023
M1 Student | Class of 2027 California Northstate University



The MPS Program at CNU challenged me with graduate level courses, which prepared me for the rigor of medical school. I also aligned myself with a passionate mentor and PI who taught me “wet lab skills”, such as western blot, RT-PCR, and in vitro culturing. Through the program, I networked with other like-minded individuals to build a strong Pharmaceutical Science foundation, and I enjoyed the close-knit environment. CNU is also a very welcoming and altruistic campus, as I was honored to volunteer in the vaccination clinics. The skills and knowledge I developed from the program will continue to help me through my journey in medical school and beyond, as a future compassionate physician.

Thomas Rodriguez
MPS | Class of 2023
M1 Student | Class of 2027 Loma Linda School of Medicine