The Jet to Jayhawk Pipleline

It is no secret that Newman University’s science programs have prepared students well for their future careers in the medical field. For years, junior and senior Jets have gained admittance into The University of Kansas School of Medicine (KU Med) directly from Newman, resulting in a natural pipeline of Jets to Jayhawks. Read on to discover how countless students — and the communities they will serve — benefit from this educational path of excellence.

Alex DeHoet ‘24, a biochemistry graduate who returned to Newman for the Master of Business Administration program, earned early admittance to KU Med. His interest in medicine stemmed from attending his mother’s doctor appointments, where the endocrinologist allowed him to administer insulin shots, as well as a mission trip to Haiti. He minored in Spanish in order “to have less of a language barrier and better interact with my patients,” he said.

Harvey J. Ablah Award winner and biochemistry graduate Joshua Dessenberger ‘24 also gained early admittance. He too was inspired by his mother — a nurse — and said, “As a future physician I’ll continue being a lifelong learner, never taking for granted the knowledge that others can share, and treating patients in times of need.”

In fall 2023, students Angelica Rodriguez, Tiffany Huynh, Emily Pachta and Ashley Dinh were recognized in KU Med’s Scholars in the Urban and Rural Health programs for their commitment to addressing health challenges in their communities.

Pachta’s medical frustrations motivated her to make a difference in health care. “I found that some of the family practitioners did not have the proper psychology training and didn’t understand my emotional struggles that correlated to my physical struggles.”

Rodriguez, a senior, witnessed her grandmother’s challenges to attain medical care and was inspired to make a change.

“Whether it was the language barrier or being uninsured, there was always something preventing her from obtaining care, and made me realize that need is here in Wichita,” she said.

A holistic approach to education and mentorship

For Marisa Zayat ’20, her path to medical school is a testament to the exceptional support provided by Newman University’s science programs.

“The support they offer is incredibly comprehensive and multifaceted,” Zayat said.

Zayat’s journey reflects the seamless combination of rigorous academics, enriching extracurricular activities and the personalized mentorship Newman offers.

Zayat’s Newman experience began with the 33-year-old Investigative Summer STEM Program, which offered a glimpse into university life and deepened her interest in the medical field. The camp’s hands-on approach and engaging faculty convinced her to eventually enroll as a pre-medicine student at Newman.

As a student, Zayat embraced a diverse range of activities, balancing her studies with creative outlets such as theater, swing dancing and gardening. Her involvement in Student Government Association and roles as a tutor and researcher further shaped her academic and professional aspirations.

A pivotal element in Zayat’s success was her membership in the Medical Professions Club. Serving as an executive member, she gained valuable insights into the health care field and leadership skills. The club’s practical advice and community engagement opportunities were instrumental in preparing her for medical school.

Zayat believes her journey highlights the significance of personalized mentorship Newman provides. Professors such as Michael Bradley, Sonja Bontrager and others supported Zayat, guiding her through challenging coursework and offering career advice. This strong faculty-student relationship fostered an environment where Zayat felt encouraged to excel.

“While I am proud of my personal and professional growth, what stands out the most are the relationships I built with my professors and peers,” Zayat said.

Zayat says the value of “servant leadership” was a key takeaway from her time at Newman.

“It emphasizes support and empowerment, and continues to guide my approach as a future physician,” she added.