Interview experience set ATSU-SOMA apart, student says, support from faculty unmatched
Posted: March 19, 2024
Rebekah Feinberg, OMS I, knew A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) was different from the beginning.
“I view ATSU-SOMA as a superior institution with resources and support that are simply unmatchable,” she said. “For example, during the application cycle when I expressed my intentions towards my professional career, my interviewers helped me secure research opportunities and seamlessly transitioned me into the role of a medical student. No other medical school that I had interviewed with showcased that level of support and genuine desire to assist students in achieving their dreams.”
Feinberg is from Medford, New Jersey, and has an associate of science degree, an associate of science in advanced and continuous studies in biology, and a bachelor of science in biological sciences and minor in law and justice studies from Rowan College.
She has become highly involved with various organizations at ATSU-SOMA, serving as club president of the Ultrasound Interest Group Club, student liaison for the Association of Women Surgeons, cardiopulmonary dissector of the Anatomy Club, treasurer of the Surgery Club, and a student ambassador.
“Becoming a representative of one’s institution is the highest honor a student can achieve, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be an ATSU student ambassador,” Feinberg said. “I became a student ambassador with ATSU because I genuinely enjoy helping others and wanted to share my positive ATSU experiences with prospective/incoming students. As an ATSU student ambassador, I enjoy providing transparency of everything ATSU has to offer for its students and advocating for our DO program.”
Feinberg’s goal is to become a vascular surgeon serving rural and underserved communities, and she said ATSU-SOMA’s curriculum began preparing her to succeed from the first day of classes.
“ATSU-SOMA has built a strong foundation for my future career path. The comprehensive curriculum at ATSU emphasizes hands-on learning and clinical skills development that has been transformative in preparing me for my future as an aspiring vascular surgeon. Through simulation labs, weekly case studies, and interactive workshops, I have gained proficiency in diagnostic imaging interpretation and procedural skills essential for any field of medicine,” she said.
“Overall, ATSU has provided me with the academic rigor, clinical exposure, and research needed to pursue my goal of becoming a vascular surgeon.”
Feinberg is also active outside of school, serving her community through various educational and volunteer opportunities. She was recently accepted into The Academy for Emerging Leaders in Patient Safety, hosted by the MedStar Health Institute for Quality and Safety, and volunteers weekly at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, offering support to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Feinberg is pushing herself to become a great future physician, and enjoying her time on the University’s Mesa, Arizona, campus.
“I enjoy the sense of community between the faculty, staff, and other students. Every individual at this institution genuinely wants you to succeed and will provide you with the resources necessary to do so. A great example of this is the ambassador program at ATSU, which supports students in achieving their goals, starting as early as during their application cycle. Another example of this are the numerous clubs and organizations available for participation at ATSU. There is a club for everyone and when there isn’t, the process of creating a new club is heavily encouraged by all faculty members to enhance one’s educational goals,” she said.