Physician, Published Researcher, Experienced Medical Sciences Tutor

Benjamin A.

I am a physician with a medical degree and a B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I graduated with High Distinction in Molecular and Cellular Biology, was repeatedly named to the Dean's List, and was an Edmund J. James Scholar. I received a full academic scholarship and completed an undergraduate senior research thesis. My scientific training continued throughout medical school and into several years of clinical and academic research, including research presented at national scientific conferences.

I have tutored students since 2016 in both paid and volunteer settings, primarily through individualized, one-on-one instruction. My tutoring experience includes General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Basic Science and Clinical Medicine, Statistics, and Calculus. I have worked with students at very different starting points, including students struggling with D or F-level performance as well as high-achieving students seeking mastery. Many of my students improved substantially, including students who progressed from failing or near-failing grades to B's and from C's or D's to A's.

My teaching philosophy emphasizes understanding rather than memorization. I identify where a student's reasoning breaks down, explain the underlying concept intuitively, and then use practice problems to develop independent problem-solving ability. I adapt my approach using diagrams, mathematical reasoning, analogies, and real-world or medical applications depending on how the student learns best. I currently specialize in Biology, General & Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry for high school, college, and premedical students. Whether you need help catching up, preparing for an exam, or excelling throughout a semester, I would be happy to discuss your goals and develop an individualized approach to reaching them.