Hometown: Milo, IA
Undergrad School: Simpson College
Major: Biology and Spanish
Age: 24
Class: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine – Class of 2013, Master of Public Health – Class of 2013

Were you surprised by anything in the program?

How easy it was to integrate the courses into my schedule (I’m also a D.O. student). I was really nervous that I was taking on too much by being in two programs at once, but after I started the program I was surprised about how easy it was to fit into my schedule. Not only are the courses designed to fit into your schedule, but also the instructors are so nice and willing to help at any time! I also was surprised by how much I loved the material! I expected to enjoy the classes, but I didn’t expect to be so excited for every class that I have taken!

Any advice for prospective students?

I would say that if you are looking into the program you are already on the right track. The best thing to do is try to get as much information as you can before deciding to make such a big commitment. Prior to my decision to apply I talked with several people to try and get an idea of what I was getting into. I talked with other instructors from the D.O. program, my advisor, a current D.O.-M.P.H. student and my family. In the end the best advice I got was to go for it!

Are you primarily taking courses on-campus or online? Which format do you prefer and why?

Thus far I have taken more online classes than on-campus. I loved the on-campus class that I took, but I think I prefer the online format. As a student in general I like the freedom to study/learn on my own and prefer to listen to lectures online as opposed to in-class, so I just feel like the online structure fits better with my personality. With the busy schedule of a dual-degree student I also like that the online classes give me the ability to complete my work when it fits into my schedule.

Extracurricular activities:

How easy it was to integrate the courses into my schedule (I’m also a D.O. student). I was really nervous that I was taking on too much by being in two programs at once, but after I started the program I was surprised about how easy it was to fit into my schedule. Not only are the courses designed to fit into your schedule, but also the instructors are so nice and willing to help at any time! I also was surprised by how much I loved the material! I expected to enjoy the classes, but I didn’t expect to be so excited for every class that I have taken!

Why DMU?

It may sound silly but I chose DMU because it just felt right! I had toured other M.D. and D.O. schools and I just couldn’t see myself at any of them. I had done the research on the programs before I toured so I knew DMU was a great school and when I arrived on campus it just fit. I am so glad I made that choice because it brought me to the M.P.H. program! I feel that the M.P.H. program is the perfect addition to my education that completes not only my ideals as a person but who I want to be as a physician and emphasizes why I went into medicine in the first place.

Career objectives:

I want to be a obstetrician/gynecologist with an obvious focus on women’s issues. I feel that for me personally my career goals will not be fulfilled unless I am combating the issues that my patients will face on the public level. With that being said I want to be active in the promotion of public health campaigns that combat unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, preventative health screens and other women’s issues that are best addressed when on the public scale.

Favorite thing about Des Moines:

My husband, family, and friends occupy most of my time when I am not studying. I have seven adorable nieces and I try to take time to spend with them whenever I can! I also really enjoy running and being active outside whenever I get a chance!