09/03/2026
She remembered how lost she felt applying to medical school—and decided no one else should have to navigate it alone. 🤝
Meet Kaelie, an MS2 at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, whose passion for medicine has always been rooted in both science and connection.
She was initially drawn to medicine by her love of understanding how the human body works and solving the “puzzle” of disease. But after volunteering in a hospital, she discovered another part of medicine that mattered just as much: connecting with people during some of their most vulnerable moments. 🧩❤️
That same desire to connect with and support others inspired her to create Med Mentors through Cougar Med Ambassadors. When Kaelie was applying to medical school, navigating different curricula, exam styles and day-to-day realities left her searching for honest answers. Connecting with current students helped her most—so she built the program she once needed.
Now, 17 mentors lead monthly Q&A panels that give prospective students a real look at the curriculum, culture and student experience. The first panel received strong positive feedback, and Kaelie calls watching the program come to life “incredibly rewarding.” ✨
Beyond Med Mentors, Kaelie serves as president of the Suture Surgical Collaborative and works with Dr. Clemons on Type 2 diabetes research exploring its connection to Alzheimer’s disease.
And as she looks toward her future career, her goals remain centered on connection: making patients feel heard, valued and supported while mentoring others pursuing medicine.
📆 Next Med Mentors panel: Tuesday, September 8 | 5:30–6:30 p.m.
This is Women in Medicine in action—one student turning her own experience into a path forward for others.
