Orli is from California. She graduated from Vassar with a BA in Psychology. Before arriving at Bennington, Orli worked at a non-profit organization where she did early intervention behavioral therapy with autistic toddlers.

“While working with autistic children, I began shadowing a developmental and behavioral pediatrician in order to learn more about the medical aspects of behavioral disorders. The experience fascinated me, and I began shadowing doctors in different fields of medicine to learn more about what a medical career might be like. Becoming a physician seemed like a perfect fit for me—I love that medicine is an exciting, dynamic and challenging way to work with people.

“My favorite aspect of Bennington’s postbac program is that there is a large research component. We were encouraged to explore our own scientific interests through self-directed research projects, which added a unique dimension to our understanding of the sciences as we work toward careers in different fields of medicine.

“While at Bennington I also made an effort to work in the community outside the college, shadowing a fantastic family practitioner in North Bennington, and conducting an independent study on different models of health care for pregnant and mothering teenagers. (I also taught a spin class at a local gym!) My work in Bennington constantly reaffirmed that this is where I want to be, and I am increasingly excited and thankful that I have the opportunity to pursue a career in medicine.”