The official student-produced guide to our school, city, and life in medical school.
Written by first-year medical students for the next incoming class, the Dis-Orientation Guide is the definitive source for how to happily survive and thrive at Washington University School of Medicine.
Welcome
Take in some words of wisdom from the Dean of the Medical School, the Dean of Admissions, and the medical student editors of the Guide.
Why WashU
Every year, about 124 students choose Washington University School of Medicine. Read the stories of our class to see why we chose WUSM.
The Experience
You likely have thousands of questions about what it is like to be a medical student. We have answers from the people who know best — actual medical students.
Perspectives
Delve into the unique perspectives of our diverse student body, including cultural backgrounds, relationships, and religion, and see how they impact our studies.
Life
Our tips to help you make the most of your time in St. Louis. We have tips on how to stay fit, find the best places to eat, travel the world, and get around St. Louis.
Entertainment
Whether your idea of fun is cheering on the Cardinals, dancing the night away, or catching a musical at the theatre, we have first-hand reviews of some of the best of St. Louis.
Housing
Moving can be scary. Here, we have valuable information that can help make your transition a little bit easier, including information on our favorite apartments.
Service
Service is a mindset here at WUSM. Here are some of the many ways we are involved at school and in the community.
Advice
Adjusting to medical school can be difficult. Here, graduating M4s and some of our M1 class’s most popular WUSM faculty share words of wisdom for your time in St. Louis.
Meet the Guide Editors
Marina Nogueira
Co-Editor-in-Chief
I grew up in Santa Cruz, California, studied molecular biology and neuroscience at Princeton University, and then worked for 2 years in Boston doing cancer research. Besides science and medicine, I also enjoy swimming, weightlifting, cooking, and reading.
Sukruth Shashikumar
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Originally from Farmington Hills, Michigan, I graduated from Washington University with majors in biochemistry and Spanish. In my free time, I enjoy playing the piano, biking, and learning new languages.
Adrienne Visani
Section Editor & Cover Designer
I was born and raised in Denver, and then moved out west to Los Angeles for college. After studying neuroscience at the University of Southern California, I spent two years doing neuroimaging research at the University of California, San Francisco. I’m a huge fan of mountains, reading, the YouTube cooking video revolution, stand-up and sketch comedy, and exercise!
Jesús Bazán Villicaña
Section Editor
I grew up in Indianapolis and went to Indiana University for undergrad, where I studied microbiology and neuroscience. When I’m not playing soccer, I can be found eating at a new restaurant, playing board games, or watching a movie.
Drew Del Toro
Web Editor & Cover Designer
Minnesota born and raised, then California educated with a biology major from Santa Clara University, I’ve come back to the Midwest for another taste of winter(-lite). When I’m not hibernating after class, I enjoy gaming of all types, putting in time on the erg, and devouring book after book on my phone.
Gabbie Johnson
Section Editor
I grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. I went to Princeton University, where I studied molecular biology and Spanish. When I’m not studying or at school, I enjoy watching Netflix, reading, and shadowing in the Barnes Emergency Department.
Monica Lim
Section Editor & Photographer
I grew up in Piney Woods of East Texas and made my way to Washington University to study biology and urban studies. I loved being here so much that I decided to renew my lease. Ask me about living in St. Louis, running in Forest Park, taking photos, or finding time for reading in med school.
Christine Ma
Section Editor
I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, and studied biochemistry at the University of Washington (the other Washington University!). Now that I’ve (mostly) escaped the rain, I spend my free time playing the violin, reading and writing fantasy stories, eating barbecue, and singing in the shower.
Luxi Qiao
Section Editor
I grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and studied chemistry at Williams College. I then spent two years in the UK studying for my master’s. In my free time, I love biking, hiking, cooking, and watching movies.
Hannah Truong
Section Editor
Hi all! I’m from Bellingham, Washington, and went to Yale for undergrad, where I studied molecular biophysics and biochemistry, and had a curricular concentration in health care policy and economics. In my free time, I like throwing extravagant dinner parties, watching The Bachelor, drinking too much coffee, Instragram-ing, and talking health care reform.
Genevieve Tuite
Section Editor
I’m from St. Petersburg, Florida. I just graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a major in the Program of Liberal Studies. I love to read novels, throw theme parties, and try new foods.
Thank you to Joanna Kim for copy editing.
*Section editors are listed in their respective sections.