Malia Burden
Malia Burden graduated from Boston College in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During her time at Boston College, Malia was a member of the Public Health Club, where she had an internship working for the Eradicate Childhood Obesity Foundation. She also enjoyed being a mentor for underclassmen with the women-in-STEM group. During her time as a Gap Year Medical Assistant, Malia gained clinical experience, work directly with patients, and learn from her fellow colleagues. In her free time, she enjoys exercise, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Chicago Bears.
Karissa Dipierro
Karissa Dipierro graduated with honors from Cornell University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, concentrating in microbiology and minoring in nutrition and health. During her time at Cornell, she participated in multiple research projects and held leadership positions in the Food Recovery Network and the Cornell Center for Health Equity Undergraduate Chapter. Karissa developed a passion for direct patient care while working as a hospital aide at Cayuga Medical Center. At Gastro Health, Karissa worked one-on-one with patients, learning more about practicing medicine. In her free time, she enjoys roller skating, crocheting, and attending concerts.
Elizabeth Flagg
Elizabeth Flagg graduated from Boston University with a degree in biomedical engineering. During her time at Gastro Health's Gap Year Medical Assistant Program, she particularly enjoyed working one-on-one with patients while conducting Fibroscans and Pill Capsule Endoscopies, which helped her gain confidence in a clinical setting. She also valued the opportunity to improve her Spanish by working with many Spanish-speaking patients. In addition to leading several clinical research studies at Gastro Health, Elizabeth is engaged in a computational research project investigating textural features associated with immunotherapy in brain tumors. After her time at Gastro Health, she attended NYU Grossman School of Medicine to pursue general surgery or radiation oncology.
Arielle Friedman
Arielle Friedman graduated from UC San Diego in June 2020 with a Bachelor's in Neuroscience and Physiology and a minor in Psychology. Her fascination with the brain led her to pursue neurodegenerative disease research, spending several summers investigating Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. During her time in Gastro Health's Gap Year Medical Assistant Program, Arielle enjoyed working one-on-one with patients while conducting Fibroscans. She also assisted doctors with hemorrhoid banding procedures, appreciating the opportunity to observe how doctors support their patients during uncomfortable moments. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her cat, painting, learning the piano, and rock climbing.
Sam Kang
Sam Kang graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor's in Biology and Psychology. During college, he was actively involved with Boston University’s Global Medical Brigade chapter and participated in medical service trips to Honduras. During his time at Gastro Health, he enjoyed working one-on-one with patients, gaining valuable clinical experience and confidence. Outside of work, Sam enjoys cooking, exercising, painting, and watching sports.
Eric Levine
Eric Levine graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he was a member of the Commonwealth Honors College and received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. During his time at the university, Eric was involved in molecular genetics research and interned at a cancer genomics company. His interest in medicine stems from a series of injuries growing up and the admiration he had for the doctors who helped him recover. At Gastro Health, he learned to provide the same level of comfort and care to patients that he once received. Outside of work, you can find Eric playing various sports with his friends or supporting Boston sports teams at Fenway, the Garden, or Gillette Stadium.
Zoe Lockhart
Zoe Lockhart graduated from the University of Chicago in 2022 with a degree in the History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine. During her time in college, she received two grants to work in an immunology lab at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, where she studied vaccine development and trained immunity. Alongside this research, she also volunteered as a clinical research assistant for the Comprehensive Care Program. During her time as a Gap Year Medical Assistant, Zoe gained valuable patient care and clinical research experience. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, playing ultimate frisbee, and baking.
Kathryn McGaughey
Kathryn McGaughey graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelor's in Biochemistry and minors in Mathematics and Biology. While at Georgia Tech, Kathryn served as a teaching assistant and an Emergency Department Scribe, and she was involved in research on the genomics of Sickle Cell Anemia. She also interned with the NIH during her college years. During her Gap Year Medical Assistant Program at Gastro Health, Kathryn enjoyed gaining clinical experience and working directly with patients. In her free time, Kathryn enjoys yoga, hiking, cooking, playing with her cat, and spending time with friends.
Darby Melia
Darby Melia is a graduate of Brown University, where she studied biology. She served as a teaching assistant in a biomaterials course, pursuing her interest in the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine. While at Brown, Darby gained experience in pediatric medicine, trauma care, and worked as a research assistant in the Hasbro Children’s Hospital Eating Disorder Program. Additionally, she obtained her EMT certification and shadowed medical providers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she developed an interest in gastroenterology. Each of these experiences deepened Darby's passion for pursuing a career in medicine. During her time at Gastro Health, she furthered her clinical experience by working with adult patients. In her free time, Darby enjoys traveling, hiking, and enjoying good food with family and friends.
Fiona Morrison
Fiona Morrison graduated with honors from Cornell University in June 2020, where she majored in Animal Science. Although she has always been passionate about surgery, her focus shifted from animal to human medicine the summer before her senior year after she had the opportunity to shadow the trauma surgery team at The Central Maine Medical Center. During her time at Gastro Health, Fiona expanded her skills by working in the pathology lab, where she enjoyed one-on-one interactions with patients and learned numerous lab procedures, including tissue processing. In her free time, she enjoys exercising, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Caitlin Read
Caitlin Read graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and spent her first gap year as a lead scribe in Baltimore, MD. After that, she joined the Gastro Health Gap Year Medical Assistant Program to gain more clinical experience in a new environment. During her time at Gastro Health, she enjoyed the opportunity to develop her clinical skills by working independently with patients one-on-one and learning new lab techniques and procedures. After her time with Gastro Health, Caitlin began attending USF Morsani College of Medicine in the fall of 2021 and is interested in pursuing a residency in OB/GYN or general surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, running, and working on her food blog.