Q&A with Zachary Ravnitzky, Physiology Senior and Director of Finance for Medicats

Zachary Ravnitzky, from Phoenix, Ariz., is a physiology major with a molecular and cellular biology minor, graduating in December 2019. Zach also is the director of finance of Mobile Medicats, a nonprofit run by undergraduate students to help Tucson’s homeless population. The group travels around the community giving out over-the-counter medical supplies and hygiene items through a fully furnished mobile clinic.

Since 2016, Zach has organized fundraisers for Medicats, including a biannual Chemistry Final Exam Review. For an optional $5 donation, students are invited to review for the Chemistry 151 and 152 final exam. Last fall, more than 500 students attended the review.

“Mobile Medicats has granted me the opportunity to network with dozens of organizations and influential professionals in the Tucson area, while also allowing me to build strong relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness,” says Zach. “It is such a humbling experience seeing the hardships people go through within miles of where I go to school. The work I do with Mobile Medicats has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine specializing in treatment for underserved populations.”

Why did you choose physiology as a major?
After taking a physiology class in high school, I became so intrigued with the intricacy and complexity of the human body. I was always told to study what I love, and I love that what I learn today I can apply to make a tangible difference in people’s lives in the future.

Why did you choose University of Arizona?
I chose the University of Arizona because it is in proximity to my family, it allows me to study what I love, and provides me the opportunity to participate in amazing extracurricular activities.

What are your plans beyond graduation?
After graduation I plan to do research in the field of physiology and possibly teach before I apply to medical school in 2020.

How do you feel PSIO prepares you for your plans post-graduation?
The PSIO department professors have given me all of the necessary resources I need to succeed after graduation, from staying with me after class to explain concepts I do not grasp at first to informing me of new studies that I would be interested in. My professors and advisors really care about my education and are always willing to go the extra mile to help.

What clubs, activities or professional development programs are you involved with?
​I have been a part of Blue Chip Leadership Program, Plant Biology research, the Chemistry Club, and most notably, The Mobile Medicats, which works directly with the homeless populations in Tucson. As a two-year director of finance of Mobile Medicats, I have led a variety of fundraisers, including a biannual Chemistry Final Exam Review fundraiser, all amounting to over $10,000 in funds raised and over $20,000 worth of supplies donated. All of the money collected is used for our Community Ride Along events, where we bring our fully furnished mobile clinic to the streets to give out over-the-counter medical supplies and hygiene items.

What advice would you give students considering a major in Physiology?
I would advise potential PSIO students to form study groups because being able to explain and teach concepts to my peers has helped me to quickly solidify the information I learn. Furthermore, students should utilize resources such as the PSIO 201/202 study center as many of the lab TAs gave me tips that led me to being able to comprehend the material better than I would have just studying my notes or the textbook.

What do you recommend for a freshman coming into UA for their success?
I recommend that freshmen be open minded and take advantage of the 600+ clubs on campus, the multitude of subjects offered as general education classes, and the advisors. Just going to class will only get you so far; it is the extracurriculars I participated in and the upperclassmen that I spoke to that helped guide me towards a vision of what I want my future to look like.