Blending Medicine and Mental Health with Purpose
Graduate Spotlight: Honors student Cole Vitelli proves you don’t have to choose between science and self-expression—at Montclair, he found space to pursue both.
Posted in: Homepage News and Events, Psychology, Student News
Cole Vitelli didn’t have one pivotal moment that drew him to combine Psychology and medicine—his passion for both simply grew over time. “Psychology was always my favorite subject, and I’ve always been a big advocate for mental health,” he says. “When I thought about how I wanted to help others, psychiatry and neurology were the only answers that made sense.”
At Montclair, Cole’s experience was shaped by a commitment to cultural understanding, service and compassion. A standout moment was his Health and Healing: Cross Cultural Perspectives (ANTH 180) course, which deepened his appreciation for the role culture plays in health and medicine. “As a future physician, I know how important it is to understand and respect different beliefs and practices.”
As a Psychology major in the Pre-Medical program with a minor in chemistry, Cole’s academic life was matched by deep engagement beyond the classroom. A member of both the Honors Program and the Presidential Scholars Program, he maintained a 3.94 GPA and made the Dean’s List every semester. As a research assistant in Dr. Milton Fuentes’ SCORE Lab, he learned the ethical and multicultural foundations of research, growing into what he calls “a confident researcher and culturally competent individual.” His mentorship by Dr. Fuentes and by Casey Coleman in the Center for Student Involvement were defining experiences—teaching him not only professionalism and leadership, but the value of compassionate support. “As a queer student, it means the world to have someone like Casey—someone I can truly see myself in,” Cole says.
He poured that same belief into his own community. Cole served as Artistic Director of Players, a programming board of the SGA, Chief of Staff for the SGA, Chair of Finance, and Communications Chair for the MSU Honors Student Advisory Board. He also worked as an Event Manager in the Center for Student Involvement, led CHSS Fellows sessions, and mentored new students as both an Orientation Leader and Mentor.
In Players, Cole combined his passion for the arts with lessons learned through his coursework and research. His leadership earned him the 2023–24 Outstanding Student Leadership Award—a proud milestone that reflects the impact of his work on the campus community. “I gained a sense of purpose and realized how truly important community and striving to support community issues truly is.”
A dedicated performer and playwright, Cole has written and directed four full-scale musicals and dance shows while maintaining his pre-medical studies. “Being pre-med doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your passions,” he says. “I’m proof you can do both.”
Post-graduation, Cole will work full-time as a medical scribe at an ophthalmic practice while preparing to enter medical school in Fall 2026. “Montclair gave me more than an education,” he says. “It gave me the confidence to see what I’m capable of.”
His advice for new students? “Be 100% yourself… It’s important to bring all of who you are, so you can learn your strengths and weaknesses and build upon them much faster than if you hid yourself. This is only four years, so live those four years as someone you know, love, and are proud of.”
For Cole, success isn’t just about accolades. “It’s a feeling. The joy found along the way is what really propels you forward.”
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