Mission
The Pre-Health Society welcomes everyone interested in the healthcare field, whether it be a profession in Medical School, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Physician's Assistant, Physical Therapist, etc. We provide members with advising, research, volunteer/job opportunities, and internships. Guest speakers and recruiters present at meetings to provide maximum resources for all members. If you would like to have access to resources on our Canvas Page which lists information for applying to professional programs and announcements about upcoming events of interest, please contact our Advisor Dr. Van Laar with your Stan State issued email.
Pre-Health Society Event Calendar
Contact Information:
Contact us: Stanprehealth@gmail.com
Instagram: @stanprehealthsociety
Advisor: Dr. Tricia Van Laar
Email: tvanlaar@csustan.edu
Officers About Us:
President: Melisse Lopez
Hello everyone! My name is Melisse Lopez and I am a Senior majoring in Psychology with a minor in Kinesiology, where I blend my organizational skills with my passion for community engagement. My aspiration is to get my Doctorate in Occupational Therapy where I will help individuals enhance their quality of life whether they are a child with sensory issues or an elderly person suffering from symptoms after a stroke. I am currently the student assistant of the Faculty Mentor Program, and the President of the Women's Health club on campus. If you have any questions or would like to collaborate/guest speak please reach out to stanprehealth@gmail.com
Vice President: Julia Magnu
Hi everyone! My name is Julia Magnu, and I am a senior majoring in Exercise Science. After graduating, I plan on attending PA school to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. I am very active on campus as I also work in the Learning Commons as a Peer Educator for STEM and general education courses. I am also an officer in the Women’s Health Club and I am a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Outside of school, I volunteer as a Medical Assistant at a medical and cosmetic spa, and I coach club volleyball. If you have any questions or would like to reach out, our club email is stanprehealth@gmail.com
Secretary: Emelda Grek
Hi everyone! My name is Emelda Grek and I am a Junior majoring in Chemistry. After graduating, I plan on attending Pharmacy school where I will pursue my career as a Pharmacist. I am involved on campus as I work in the Learning Commons as a Peer Educator. I am also involved with the Warriors Chemistry Club as the secretary. I am excited to meet everyone and work with the officers to bring in new ideas and grow the club.
Treasurer: Sviny Malko
Hi everyone! My name is Sviny Malko and I am a Junior majoring in Biology. After I graduate, I plan on taking a gap year to work as a medical scribe and gain experience. Afterwards, I will apply to PA school hoping to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. I am excited to serve as the Treasurer for the Pre-health Society and work with everyone to support events, workshops, and the members
Social Media Chair: Abigail George
Hi everyone ! My name is Abigail George and I am a Senior majoring in Biology. After graduation I will be going to Pharmacy school to pursue a career as a Pharmacist. I am involved on campus , as I am a Peer Educator in the Learning Commons. I look forward to working with everyone this next year and bringing new ideas for the club!
Student Event Coordinator: Juan Zarate
Hello everyone! My name is Juan Zarate and I am a senior majoring in biology. After graduating I plan on working to increase my patient care hours before then applying to physician assistant school. I volunteer with Science in our Community, visiting hospice patients, and in the emergency room at Kaiser Permanente. If you have any questions or would like to collaborate/guest speak please reach out to stanprehealth@gmail.com
Warrior Wednesday Coordinator: Janessa Percaido
Hi everyone! My name is Janessa Preciado and I am a freshman in the pre-licensure nursing program. After I graduate, I plan on working in the ICU or the ER to gain more experience for about 3 years, and then my goal is to go back to school to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Currently I volunteer in the emergency department at Emanuel Medical Center, and I work on campus at the front desk in Learning Commons. I look forward to the upcoming year, and bringing support to everyone in the club!
Resources
Preparing for a career in the health professions is a multi-year journey that begins well before the application process, which typically starts 15 months before matriculation. Successful applicants demonstrate strong academics, leadership, research or scholarly activity, service, and a clear understanding of the challenges and rewards of a health career.
Key steps include:
- completing required coursework
- engaging in clinical and volunteer experiences
- pursuing leadership roles
- cultivating meaningful relationships for strong letters of recommendation
Applicants should also reflect on their motivations, personal obstacles, and commitment to serving diverse communities. Scholarships are available for Stanislaus County residents interested in health careers, with most application cycles opening in November. Our resources—including timelines, personal statement guidance, and examples from medical students—are designed to help you navigate the process and strengthen your application while discovering your unique path to the health profession.
Check out the Pre-Health Resources page to see more information.
Updated: September 09, 2025