Hannah Bertucci
(She/Her)
Class of 2026
Home city and state: Richfield, WI
Undergraduate study: Northwestern University - BA in Biological Sciences
Student organizations and affinity groups
- Devon Clinic
- Chicago Medicine & Street Outreach
- Phi Rho Sigma
- NorthwestYarn
Share your path to Feinberg - what interesting experiences did you have prior to enrolling?
My research experiences played a huge role in drawing me to Feinberg. I was a member of a microbiology/civil engineering lab in undergrad that really drew me into the field of Infectious Disease. It was there that I began to realize my passion for research, particularly in investigating mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and pursuing alternate therapeutic options such as phage therapy. When I graduated, I did a gap year at Northwestern pursuing similar research in a microbiology lab focusing on Infectious Disease. During my gap year, I was able to form meaningful connections with various faculty members at Feinberg, including with my now-current research mentor. Feinberg is an excellent choice for students interested in research-- there are countless opportunities to delve into research, even for those not pursuing the MD/PhD route.
What do you enjoy most about living in Chicago?
The summertime! Chicago has one of the best summers I've ever experienced, and with the school right across from both a park and the lake, there are countless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the weather. Even though we're in a big city, I've loved finding small events that make the city feel more like home. My med school friends and I have just gotten into pickleball, and it's quickly becoming my favorite Feinberg tradition. There is also a weekly farmer's market 5 minutes from campus which makes a great spot for a quick study break. And even when the weather isn't so warm, there are so many great things to do! After living here for over a year, there are still countless restaurants, bars, and coffee shops I want to try -- there is never a shortage of places to explore.
How would you describe the curriculum at Feinberg? What do you find unique or innovative?
When I was applying for medical schools, I spent hours poring over the countless curriculums offered at different programs. It was hard to know what to look for since all programs sounded so different. But after being at Feinberg for the past year, I can honestly say I can't imagine a much better design for a med school curriculum. We have exams on Fridays every 4-6 weeks, meaning we have "protected weekends" every so often. I don't know of many other med schools with a structure like this, and it's has been a great gift of time to check up on family, see friends, and take some weekend trips. In-person attendance isn't required at most classes, which offers tons of amazing flexibility when it comes to where and when you study best. And when it comes to the curriculum itself, many faculty members make sure to center their lectures around high-yield info for the USMLE Step 1 curriculum... so we feel like we're being well-prepared to take the exam. Also, the early exposure we get to patient care and exam skills makes me feel really prepared to begin my third year.
Topics I can discuss with prospective students:
- Life in Chicago
- Campus Life
- ECMH
- AOSC/Research
- Student Wellness
- Academic Support (studying, learning)
