From psychology to med school: a student’s journey from the top of one field to the start of another
In May, Danielle Kutzler received her Master of Science in Medical Science from The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. She credits the program with playing a major role in her acceptance to medical school, which she will begin this fall at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Kutzler plans to pursue family medicine.
The hard work, she noted, “truly made all the late nights and early mornings worthwhile.”
Kutzler was on a different path before connecting with UNTHSC. After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a masters in clinical psychology in 2022, she was working on a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at The University of Texas at Tyler when she decided to make a career transition.
Her time in Tyler, she said, “was incredibly rewarding.”
“I gained valuable experience conducting neuropsychological assessments across various settings, explored different therapy modalities and witnessed firsthand the emotional and mental health care needs of patients,” Kutzler explained.
She also participated in research projects for the university’s Aging, Neuropsychology and Technology Lab, led by Michael Barnett, Ph.D., who is now a UNT faculty member.
A turning point
“While I found fulfillment in the neuropsychological work,” Kutzler said, “I gradually realized I wanted to offer more than periodic care – I wanted to be a steady presence in patients’ lives, delivering ongoing support and comprehensive medical care.”
She said the realization helped her see a new direction.
“This desire to build lasting relationships and provide holistic care ultimately led me to pursue a career in medicine,” Kutzler said. “However, coming from a psychology background, I felt I needed a stronger grasp of the medical sciences before getting started.”
Around that time, Kutzler started working for April Wiechmann, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist at UNTHSC’s Center for Older Adults.
“Knowing my background and aspirations, Dr. Wiechmann strongly encouraged me to apply to the medical science program, emphasizing the solid foundation it provides for future medical students,” she said. “UNTHSC’s program seemed like the ideal next step, and I was confident it would benefit me in becoming a physician.”
Kutzler said she had long heard good things about the program.
“I had always heard incredible things about the program and how well it prepares students for the rigors of medical school,” Kutzler added.
She also found it reassuring that her sister-in-law, Annelise Kutzler, had completed the same program in 2016 and spoke very highly of her own experience.
With the encouragement from Barnett and Wiechmann and support from her family, Kutzler decided to make the leap. She resigned from her Ph.D. program to pursue medicine, which required completing necessary undergraduate requirements and preparing for and passing the MCAT. By 2024, Kutzler was enrolled in UNTHSC’s medical science program.
“It felt like I had been at the top of a career choice and made the transition to restart at the bottom,” she said. “But it was exactly where I wanted to be.”
Jumping in, making meaningful connections
At UNTHSC, Kutzler served as a student curriculum representative for the on-campus medical science cohort, working closely collaborated with program leadership to help enhance the educational experience. With other representatives, she gathered student feedback and used the insight to propose meaningful changes.
“It was incredibly rewarding to help develop solutions and see many of them implemented, either for our own cohort or future ones,” Kutzler said. “Being part of a process where student voices were genuinely heard and valued made a real difference, and it was fulfilling to contribute to a more positive, supportive environment where students could focus on their studies without external stressors.”
Kutzler said she credits much of her UNTHSC success to the “incredible people who have supported and guided” her along the way, starting with her husband and family. She’s also appreciative for the mentorship that Wiechmann, who guided her through both the medical science and TCOM application processes.
“She offered encouragement during challenging times and provided thoughtful advice that kept me motivated and focused,” Kutzler said.
She also expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Damon Schranz, associate professor in TCOM’s Department of Family and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine.
“He welcomed me with open arms when I asked to shadow him in May 2023,” Kutzler said. “He is the kind of physician I aspire to become – compassionate, skilled and inspiring. His guidance and insight into family medicine have been instrumental in shaping my goals, and his continued encouragement means the world to me. I am excited to keep learning from him as I begin my TCOM journey.”
Kutzler encourages other students to get involved and stay active on campus, as she did.
“UNTHSC is an incredibly welcoming place,” Kutzler said. “The support from faculty, staff and fellow students is amazing, and the passion the professors bring to their work and the community is truly inspiring.”
She added, “This past year in the medical science program has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my life, and a big part of that was embracing everything the campus has to offer.”
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