HEALTH  PROFESSIONS ADVISING OFFICE

The Health Professions Advising Office exists to advise students who are interested in entering a health profession. The information contained on this site is basic to starting toward a career in a health-care field. It is important that you read it and then visit the advising office (3002 Steele Building) in person for complete information and answers to your questions.  

The Health Professions Advising Office:  
If you are thinking about a career in any of the health care fields, we will provide information about the field, and tell you about entrance requirements. We have literature and handouts designed to help you move forward in pursuit of your goals. We have information about options you may never have considered. Included in the information we provide is:  

• required courses to become eligible to apply

• schools/programs available

• application procedures

• required entrance tests

• characteristics of the current applicant pool

• ...and much more

Information for All Pre-Professional Students:  

Videotapes which describe a number of Health Professions are available at House Undergraduate Library, nonprint reserve under "Health Professions Advising Office". Be sure to take note of Osteopathic Medicine, Optometry, and Podiatry.  

The Volunteer Services Office of UNC Hospitals (966-4793) is located on the first floor of the Hospital. Registration is during the first week of each semester.  

Many worthwhile community service volunteer opportunities are available through the Campus Y (962-2333).  

Interview Workshops are available during the Fall semester only. Format includes handouts, mock interview and videotaping for critique. Check the interview workshop page for more information and to sign up.

The Learning Skills Center in Phillips Annex offers programs to enhance reading skills and study development. A group program for MCAT/DAT/GRE preparation is given by Mr. Frank Kessler (962-3782).  

Letters of Evaluation: The Health Professions Advising Office functions as a service to students seeking advice about entry into a health profession. Two faculty coordinators and peer (student) advisors staff the office. We represent the major pre-medical advisory effort on this campus. There is no pre-medical committee. Our office does not write letters of recommendation for individual students. There are no other “officials” to write letters. Letters are written by faculty who have had a first-hand opportunity to evaluate the student’s skills and abilities.
You must get to know some faculty who have taught you so that they can write letters of recommendation when you apply to professional school. Collection of letters and distribution to the professional schools of your choice can be handled through the University Career Services in Hanes Hall.  

Office hours: During the regular school year when classes are in session, the office is open most of the day. No appointment is necessary. During Summer sessions and during exam periods, the office is open one day per week. For specific days and times that the office will be open check this semester's office schedule. In addition to Dr. Hilger and Dr. DeSaix, the office is staffed by Peer Advisers, senior students who are interested in entering a health profession. Students interested in becoming a Peer Adviser may apply in the spring of their junior year.  

Email links  
Dr. Hilger: thilger@med.unc.edu  
Dr. DeSaix: jdesaix@email.unc.edu