Activities: Rutgers Association of Philippine Students, Circle K
What attracted you to Rutgers University and the Honors/Scholars Program?:
The opportunity to have a smaller class size with honors sections, housing with other honors students, and the research opportunities all attracted me to the Honors Program.
Why did you choose your major and/or minor? :
I had done well in AP Biology, so that was my first clue that I wanted to major in biology. I stuck with it when I also realized that I either wanted to go to med school or grad school. I minored in Spanish to continue my Spanish learning from high school, and to later possibly segue into learning Tagalog (which has Spanish words).
Tell us a little bit about what you're doing now. What was your first job after Rutgers? Where do you live?
After graduating from Rutgers, I went straight into medical school and Rutgers - New Jersey Medical School, followed by a Med-Peds residency at Maine Medical Center/Tufts, and adult Infectious Disease fellowship at Temple University Hospital. Once I finished medical training, I began working full-time as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine, where I primarily work at Drexel's HIV clinic, the Partnership Comprehensive Care Practice, which is one of Philadelphia's larger HIV clinics, while also teaching occasionally at the med school. I also work part-time doing Infectious Disease consults at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, and Urgent Care at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. I currently live in Philadelphia.
What has been your greatest professional and/or personal accomplishment since you graduated from Rutgers? :
My greatest professional accomplishment was becoming triple board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and adult Infectious Disease. My greatest personal accomplishment was winning a Golden Apple teaching award from my med students.
Was there a class and/or experience at Rutgers that led you to pursuing your current career? :
Participating in the Aresty Summer Science Research Program was a memorable experience for me, allowing me to work with a fantastic PI, Dr. Patricia Buckendahl. My research experience definitely prepared me in general for a career in science, and eventually led me to applying to medical school.
What three words describe your experience at Rutgers and the Honors/Scholars Program?
Rigorous. Memorable. Joy.
How has your Rutgers and Honors education benefited you in your post-Rutgers life?
Rutgers and the Honors program provided me with an educational experience that primed me to enter into medical school, while also allowing me to make tons of friends who I still keep in contact with to this very day.
What advice do you have for our current SAS Honors students?
Work diligently in your studies, but also remember to form bonds with friends/classmates and find time to participate in extracurriculars that genuinely interest you and bring you joy.
If applicable, please list any websites you would like us to include to help publicize you and/or your work. :
https://drexelmedicine.org/find-a-doctor/p/stephen-pagkalinawan/
Are you a Rutgers Honors alum? Be featured in an upcoming Honors Alumni Spotlight by completing our online submission form.
