Five friends reunite in Wright State’s Boonshoft School of Medicine

From left: Friends and former College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Circle leaders Gabbie Ramos, Cassie Poeppelman, Hannah Baumgardner, Hannah Davidson and Rahul Shah will continue their shared journey as classmates at the Boonshoft School of Medicine. (Photo by Erin Pence)

They met as undergraduates with a shared passion for science, service and leadership. Now, five close-knit alumni of Wright State University’s College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Circle will take the next step in their journeys together as incoming medical students at the Boonshoft School of Medicine.

One is passionate about mentorship. Another, about medical missions abroad. A third is excited to pursue a career in primary care, and the other two plan to serve rural communities as husband and wife.

Such are the goals of Hannah Baumgardner, Hannah Davidson, Gabbie Ramos, Cassie Poeppelman and Rahul Shah, all of whom served together on the College of Science and Mathematics Dean’s Circle, a student advisory group that works with the college dean to elevate the student experience.

Having five students from the same cohort continue at the Boonshoft School of Medicine is remarkable, said Ayşe Şahin, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

“They helped when I was getting my sea legs as dean,” said Şahin, who was appointed dean in 2022. “They were just amazing. They helped me really know what was happening in the student experience and prodded me to look at problem areas. They were outstanding ambassadors and role models for students to look to and were really thoughtful and supportive of their peers.”

She praised their leadership and compassion for people, including each other.

“It’s wonderful that they wanted to stay home with us and got into the Boonshoft School of Medicine and recognized for their intellectual ability,” she said.

The five friends took time between earning their undergraduate degrees and entering medical school to gain clinical experience or continue their education.

“It will be special to see us all reunite at Boonshoft,” said Hannah Baumgardner, a Dayton-area native who received a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 2023. “I’m proud of us for this milestone, and I’m grateful to be entering the next step of our professional careers together.”

Baumgardner initially wanted to focus on orthopedics and sports medicine, but her interests have broadened.

“I’m looking forward to finding my niche in medical school,” she said. “I’m passionate about the mentorship side of medicine, so I’d like to mentor students interested in the medical field in some capacity.”

Hannah Davidson, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physiology and neuroscience in 2024 and is completing a master’s degree in the same field, plans to pursue pediatrics and hopes to eventually complete a fellowship in perinatal-neonatology. She’s committed to serving both her hometown of Dayton and underserved communities abroad.

“I want to give back to the communities that got me here,” she said. “I would like to keep Dayton as my home, but I would like to serve abroad as a physician in places that don’t have the greatest access to care for neonates.”

Davidson is excited to start medical school with her four friends.

“Because of the culture of cheering each other on that we developed, I was able to try new things, which I think made me a better med school candidate,” she said. “Boonshoft also has a family culture, so I think our little group will transition easily.”

For Gabbie Ramos, who earned her degree in biological sciences in 2023, the group’s reunion will help ease the transition to medical school.

“The biggest significance of the five of us starting med school together,” said the Centerville resident, “is the support system and the unity of being able to go through our studies and struggles together.”

Ramos, inspired by her mother, a nurse practitioner, has dreamed of becoming a physician since she was a little girl.

She’s especially interested in primary care and is excited to study at Boonshoft, which is ranked as the top medical school in Ohio for producing primary care physicians.

Shah and Poeppelman are taking the group togetherness to another level: they recently became engaged. “We can’t wait to continue our future together as Wright State alumni and Boonshoft students,” said Shah, who earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences in 2023.

Shah, a native of India now living in Beavercreek, is considering several specialties, including family medicine, neurology and anesthesiology, and is committed to working in medically underserved areas.

Poeppelman, who also graduated in 2023 with a degree in biological sciences, said the Boonshoft School of Medicine’s commitment to serving rural and underserved areas aligned perfectly with her goals.

“In the course of my research,” said the native of Fort Recovery, “I became aware of how limited access to specialized health care in rural communities like the one I grew up in can severely worsen outcomes for patients. I want to directly contribute to preventing, diagnosing and treating health issues in rural populations.”

Şahin said the success of these five students underscores the strength of Wright State’s undergraduate preparation and the power of student leadership.

“I’m delighted for them. I’m not at all surprised that they’re so successful,” Şahin said. “They’re smart, compassionate, wonderful human beings. Their compassion for people will come through as they practice medicine.”