Alumni Profile: Alina Bahlavouni '14 (Kinesiology and Public Health Sciences)

Alina was nominated by Judi Labranche. We connected with Alina to find out what she pursued as a post-graduate degree and how being a Kinesiology major set her up for success.

My name is Alina Bahlavouni and I graduated from UMass Amherst in 2014 with a double major in Kinesiology and Public Health Sciences. I chose Kinesiology because I have always been fascinated by the human body and how it functions, adapts, and heals. I chose UMass Amherst because I wanted an undergraduate experience that was close to home with a great Kin program that allowed me to understand the body from a more functional perspective through movement, exercise, performance, and overall wellness. I am currently an outpatient pediatrician at Atrius Health in Chelmsford, MA. I completed medical school at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNECOM), followed by residency training in Pediatrics at UMass in Worcester. My experience in the Kinesiology department was incredibly valuable in preparing me for a career in medicine. The foundation I gained in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and exercise science gave me a unique perspective on the human body that continues to influence how I think about patient care today. I was a Teaching Assistant for Intro to Kinesiology classes, worked alongside our athletic trainer for our sports teams, and had the opportunity to assist with strength and conditioning under Judi, who has been an invaluable mentor throughout my entire career.

The medical school application process is lengthy, and requires completing a lot of prerequisites, entrance exams, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and interviews. I found our pre-med advising service to be very valuable and met with my advisor several times each year to ensure I was on track with my coursework, fulfilling all application requirements, and building the strongest application possible. If you are interested in becoming a physician, you can choose either the MD or DO pathway. For me personally, osteopathic medicine was the better fit because it aligned closely with my Kinesiology background and my interest in understanding how the body functions as a whole. My advice would be to take the time to research both paths, learn about their philosophies and training, and determine which one best aligns with your goals, interests, and approach to patient care.