Health Professions Advising
If you're interested in working in the health industry, our Health Professions Coordinator, Dr. Stu Walker, offers guidance in designing your academic experience to prepare for your career. Dr. Walker walks students in the proper steps toward any health-related profession, particularly careers in allopathic or osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, physician’s assistant, or other graduate level training in the medical sciences. Drawing on his experience as a member of the IUSM Admissions Committee, medical school campus Dean, and longtime medical educator, Dr. Walker aspires to help students develop a plan that will make them competitive for admission to the school and program of their choice. His passion is to help students achieve their dream of becoming a Health Sciences professional.
Personal Advising
The Health Professions Coordinator meets with students to provide ongoing advice about their path and act as a sounding board for students with questions about the Health Sciences. Set up a meeting with Dr. Walker to review your plan for preparation for professional or graduate school, including:
- Academic coursework—in conjunction with academic counselors
- For (1) MCAT or GRE preparation, (2) meeting academic prerequisites for professional schools, and (3) gaining knowledge and skills needed to be successful in professional or graduate school
- Volunteering and cross-cultural experiences
- Research opportunities
- Shadowing experiences
- Clinical volunteering or employment
Graduate School Preparation
Dr. Walker also helps students prepare for their graduate school entrance interviews and exams, including the MCAT, GRE, OAT, and DAT. As a former member of the IUSM Admissions Committee, Dr. Walker understands exactly what schools are looking for as you go through the application process. He works one-on-one to help students develop personal statements, coordinate recommendation letters, and present themselves as desirable professionals.
Keeping Up to Date
Dr. Walker stays updated on medical admissions and individual postgraduate program requirements and works with the various Health Sciences departments to provide insight on factors that could affect how we prepare students for Health Science careers. He regularly communicates with student and faculty groups, acting as a resource for Taylor University and making recommendations as the university develops programs of interest to students preparing for careers in the Health Sciences.
Ongoing Support
Your access to our Health Professions Advising program does not stop after graduation. Advising and services are available to Taylor graduates who take gap years before enrolling in medical school or other graduate programs.
Schedule Your Advising Appointment
Dr. Walker is located in Euler 039, and is available by appointment. His email is stuart_walker@taylor.edu. Read more about our Health Professions Coordinator.
