DRH Academic Pathways

Our experts

Credentialed Experts. Real-World Experience.

Every student at DRH Academic Pathways is guided by advisors who have lived the process — from doctoral research to clinical residency. We hold ourselves to the same standard of rigor we ask of our applicants.

Our standard

What We Require of Every Expert on This Team

DRH Academic Pathways does not work with generalist tutors or coaches who have never navigated the health professions pipeline themselves. Every expert we bring on has earned an advanced degree in a relevant field, has direct experience with the admissions process as an applicant or educator, and shares our teach-first philosophy: we empower students to own their narrative, not write it for them.

Advanced Credentials

Every advisor holds a terminal or professional degree — Ph.D., DO, MD, or equivalent — in a field directly relevant to the students they serve.

Lived Admissions Experience

Our experts have personally navigated the competitive admissions process — as applicants, as educators, or both — giving them firsthand insight into what committees actually look for.

Teach-First Philosophy

We don't write applications for students. We teach them to think strategically, articulate their story clearly, and submit work they're genuinely proud of.

Ongoing Clinical or Academic Engagement

Our advisors remain active in their fields — in residency, research, or teaching — so their guidance reflects the current landscape, not outdated advice.

1

Dr. Jaafar Hachem, Ph.D.

Founder & Lead Academic Consultant

Ph.D. Chemistry · Western Michigan University

Focus areas

College admissions · Health professions applications · MCAT preparation · Application narrative strategy

Ph.D. ChemistryMCAT SpecialistAdmissions StrategyNarrative CoachingPre-Health Advising

Dr. Hachem earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Western Michigan University, where his doctoral research focused on insulin signaling and metabolic pathways in liver cells under Type 2 diabetes conditions — work that demanded extreme precision across complex cellular and molecular assays.

His passion for mentorship spans his entire academic journey. The initial spark began informally, helping relatives navigate college admissions and map out their academic goals. During his time at WMU, Dr. Hachem taught chemistry and biochemistry courses specifically tailored for pre-medicine, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, and allied health students, while also serving as the university's MCAT Chemistry instructor for a semester.

Building on that foundation, Dr. Hachem spent two years at Michigan State University while working as an academic consultant. At MSU, he mentored Undergraduate Learning Assistants (ULAs), guiding many of them through the competitive medical school admissions process. Expanding his reach to prospective undergraduates, he also taught a 'Careers in Medicine' course through a Summer Discovery program, mentoring high school students on career selection and training them on how to strategically craft personal application narratives that stand out.

Over the past few years, Dr. Hachem has combined his scientific rigor, university teaching background, and admissions advising to help students navigate both college and health professions applications. Grounded in a teach-first philosophy, he brings a rare combination of academic precision, strategic storytelling, and personal investment to every applicant he works with.

Outside of his professional work, Dr. Hachem enjoys watching sports and analyzing climate and weather models — applying the same predictive, data-driven mindset to forecasting as he does to helping students chart their pathway forward.

Credentials & experience

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry — Western Michigan University
  • Pre-Health Instructor & Mentor — Michigan State University
  • MCAT Chemistry Instructor — Western Michigan University
  • Summer Discovery Faculty — 'Careers in Medicine' course
  • Academic Consultant — College & Health Professions Applications
2

Hassan A. Cheaito, DO

Clinical Advisor & Medical Education Consultant

DO · Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Focus areas

Medical school admissions · Clinical AI · Medical education · Evidence-based decision-making

Family MedicineClinical AIMedical ResearchMedical EducationDO Admissions

Hassan A. Cheaito, DO is a physician with experience spanning family medicine, clinical artificial intelligence, medical research, quality improvement, and medical education. He is completing his Family Medicine residency at Trinity Health Livonia and is expected to become eligible for American Board of Family Medicine certification in 2027.

Dr. Cheaito's professional interests center on the intersection of clinical medicine, technology, and evidence-based decision-making. His work in clinical artificial intelligence has included evaluating healthcare-focused AI systems, developing clinical prompts and assessment frameworks, reviewing patient-facing applications, and helping assess the clinical accuracy and performance of emerging technologies.

His clinical background includes broad training across primary care, preventive medicine, acute care, office-based procedures, women's health, pediatrics, and sports medicine. He has also led quality-improvement initiatives focused on preventive care and metabolic health and has contributed to research aimed at improving pediatric clinical pathways.

Dr. Cheaito has authored or co-authored multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications and has presented clinical research at regional and national meetings. He is also actively involved in medical education, physician recruitment, sports medicine, and community service.

He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science, with a minor in Computer Science, from Wayne State University. This multidisciplinary background informs his approach to consulting: combining clinical judgment, scientific evidence, and an understanding of technology to address complex healthcare challenges.

Credentials & experience

  • DO — Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • B.S. Nutrition & Food Science, Minor in Computer Science — Wayne State University
  • Family Medicine Resident — Trinity Health Livonia
  • ABFM Board Eligible — 2027
  • Clinical AI Researcher & Evaluator
  • Peer-Reviewed Publications & National Presentations

Have Questions About Working With Our Team?

Whether you're exploring your options or ready to get started, we're here to help. Reach out and we'll connect you with the right advisor for your goals.

Get in Touch

Nationwide · Remote · All health professions programs