DeSales Pre-Medical Students Achieve 100% Medical School Acceptance Rate for Second Consecutive Year

For the second year in a row, DeSales University's pre-medical programs have achieved a 100% acceptance rate to medical school, a milestone that underscores the strength and rigor of the University's pre-health preparation.

All five medical school applicants from DeSales' traditional day program have been accepted into medical school for the Fall of 2026, continuing a remarkable streak of success for the University's pre-medical programs.

"We have a 100% acceptance rate to medical school for the Fall of 2026," said Julie Himmelberger, Ph.D., associate professor of Biochemistry and Pre-Health Professions Advisor. "This achievement, for the second year running, is a testament to the dedication of our students and the personalized mentorship, thorough coursework, and hands-on research opportunities that define our pre-medical programs,” Himmelberger continued. “Supporting our students through the process of applying to medical school and celebrating their success is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am incredibly proud of our pre-med students, especially their commitment to personal growth and their passion for serving others I know our graduates will go on to careers as caring and compassionate physicians."

This year's accepted students, representing DeSales' College of Sciences Neuroscience and Biology programs, will attend some of the nation's top medical schools:

• Melissa Israel ’23 will attend Penn State College of Medicine.
• Alexa Bleam ’25 will attend the University of Virginia School of Medicine.
• Nidhi Kumar ’24 will attend UMass Chan Medical School.
• Amira Moawad ’26 will attend Temple/St. Luke's School of Medicine.
• Christopher Roche ’19 will attend Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.

In addition to the traditional day program's success, a graduate of DeSales' Physician Assistant program has also been accepted to medical school. Eleni Prodes ’26, will attend Temple/St. Luke's School of Medicine.

“DeSales prepared me well for my future in medicine through endless opportunities for growth,” said Nidhi Kumar ’25, a graduate of the School of Sciences with a degree in Biology. “Through student leadership opportunities, academic challenges, and the unwavering support of my peers, staff, and faculty, I gained the skills and confidence needed to succeed. The day I received my acceptance to UMass Chan Medical School; I was beyond elated and incredibly grateful for everyone and every opportunity that led me to that moment.”

DeSales University's pre-medical and pre-health tracks are designed to prepare students for the demands of medical school through a combination of rigorous science coursework, individualized advising, clinical exposure, and research experience. Students complete all of the prerequisite coursework needed to prepare for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), building a solid foundation well before application season begins. The University's small class sizes and close faculty mentorship allow pre-health advisors like Dr. Himmelberger to guide students through every step of the process, from course selection to interview preparation.

Whether a student is aiming for medical school, dental school, or another professional health program, DeSales' curriculum prepares them for the next step. The flexible program allows students to explore a range of paths, from traditional medicine to emerging fields like biotechnology and health administration.

DeSales also emphasizes that great healthcare professionals are compassionate leaders. Students learn to lead with integrity, make ethical decisions, and serve their communities with compassion and values that set DeSales graduates apart in the healthcare field.

This year's results reflect not only the strength of DeSales' science programs but also the University's broader commitment to preparing students for competitive graduate and professional programs across a range of health-related fields.

DeSales University congratulates all of its 2026 medical school admits and looks forward to following their continued success as they begin the next chapter of their medical careers.