John Mitchell: Medicine’s leading man
A glimpse into the journey of a UF medical student with a starring role on “The Bachelorette”
December 23, 2024 — A medical student’s first semester often brings a mix of surprises and challenges. For John Mitchell, entering his first year at the University of Florida College of Medicine as a star on the 21st season of “The Bachelorette” was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that mirrored the rollercoaster of medical school, blending moments of excitement with inevitable nerves.
Airing during the fall 2024 semester, the season followed Mitchell and 24 other charismatic contestants vying for the heart of Bachelorette Jenn Tran, a physician assistant student at Barry University in Miami Shores. Mitchell and Tran connected quickly over their shared passion for medicine and health care, and Mitchell credited his experience on the show with fostering lifelong friendships among the contestants and deepening his admiration for Tran’s brilliance and personality. Now fully immersed in didactic training as a Gator, Mitchell shared his thoughts on watching the show with his new classmates and embracing the unique journey of life as a UF medical student.
Bachelorette Jenn Tran, left, giving a rose to UF medical student John Mitchell, right.
Q: How and why did you decide to apply for the show, and what was that process like?
A: “Someone important told me that they liked my energy and that I would stand out for who the Bachelorette was going to be. I was touched by their compliment and decided to give love a shot! It took a lot of luck and random chance to get in front of the people who would ultimately decide. I take it as a blessing. But it became a series of opportunities to let my true personality shine and just hope it would be what they were looking for. Luckily, it was.”
Q: We know the Bachelorette this season was a PA student. What was it like having a shared interest in medicine, and how did this affect your connection?
A: “It was a really nice touch! It was grounds for a quick connection between us. We spent loads of time talking about medicine, health care, and our reasons for following the paths that we did. She’s brilliant, and I was very impressed by that amongst many other things.”
Q: How many rose ceremonies did you make it through?
A: “I made it through 3! The fourth was my last.”
Mitchell and Tran's meeting on night one of "The Bachelorette."
Q: What was the timeline and work-life balance like juggling the show, applying to medical school, and your other endeavors?
A: “My intro to Bachelor Nation couldn’t have come at a better time. I had already committed to the medical school of my dreams, and I was working a flexible job with some amazing employers and co-workers back at my undergraduate university. Nerves and jitters were really the only thing I had to juggle at that point, and those quickly faded in Jenn’s presence and around the guys I met along the way.”
Q: How did the experience impact you?
A: “I didn’t know it at the time, but I had a shell that only an experience like this could crack into. Being vulnerable on national TV is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done. It seemed like every single moment was another little platter of fear, excitement, and new experiences. Maneuvering through that has absolutely changed me for the better. I feel empowered, a little less timid, and most of all, thankful.”
Mitchell, center, leading contestants on "The Bachelorette" in a rugby match at North Harbour Stadium under the supervision of the All Blacks.
Q: Can you share any fun memories from the show?
A: “Night 1, I was almost certain I was going home. Even though my limo entrance seemed witty and landed well, I was dropped into a room of 24 extremely charismatic men. I wondered if I made enough of a connection to keep Jenn interested in getting to know me. After some later conversations with the guys, I know now that most of us felt that way! But the first rose ceremony, although it was the shortest part of the night, felt like an eternity. When Jenn called my name, her voice lifted the weight of the world off my shoulders. That was a major turning point for one of the best experiences of my life.
“In New Zealand, we took a trip to North Harbour Stadium, where we met the most notorious rugby team in history — the All Blacks. We watched a ceremonial haka, a traditional display of pride, strength, and unity deeply rooted in Māori culture. Then, we got a quick lesson from some current players and played a game with each other as they coached! My team won, and Jenn gave me MVP honors. An experience I’ll never forget!”
Mitchell, front right, with four other contestants on "The Bachelorette."
Q: Do you still keep in touch with Jenn or any of the other contestants?
A: “Absolutely. We talk weekly. We share a pretty unique bond, and I’m so happy to have met them. I think a lot of those guys will be friends for life. Shoutout to Dylan — he’s currently in the midst of his own medical school application cycle right now!”
Q: Might we see you in more shows in the future?
A: “Only time will tell. (:”
Q: What was it like starting your first year of medical school while the show aired?
A: “It’s been so exciting and kind of strange watching myself on TV with my new friends, but a fun sort-of strange. They’re hilarious with their commentary, too. Very cool, 10/10 experience!”
The #ChasingMD UF College of Medicine run club.
Q: We’ve noticed your involvement with the UF med student run club! Can you share how you’re building new connections with your peers and juggling work-life balance this semester?
A: “My peers are the best! #ChasingMD, our run club name, is just one of many fun outlets as things pick up in our curriculum. It’s a means for further connection and a chance to stay active — both of which are crucial aspects when trying to balance it all. Doing my best to stay fit and active are some non-negotiables I have established for myself throughout this journey. Adding more activities that take time away from studies may sound challenging, but the benefits of health and wellness on my body and mind outweigh the time costs tenfold.”
See more photos from Mitchell's time on "The Bachelorette" below:
