Student Ambassadors

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergrad: Dartmouth College

Major: Anthropology/Global Health

Med Specialty: Currently undecided but exploring ophthalmology and ENT!

Email: dhcxpr@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: Mizzou Med was always one of my top choices due to its reputation for cultivating compassionate, curious, and well-rounded physicians. Now, with a couple of blocks under my belt, I think a more insightful response is to answer the question 'Why I would choose Mizzou Med again?'

Undoubtedly, the heartbeat of Mizzou Med is its community. Through the engaging PBL curriculum and memorable class-bonding activities, Mizzou Med fosters a unique and supportive environment. Medical school can get demanding, but having a family of classmates to lean on during challenging times has been invaluable. Moreover, the curriculum not only covers an impressive breadth of content but also encourages a depth of understanding that I believe will shape me into a well-prepared physician. The balance between academic rigor and a supportive environment is a testament to the school's commitment to our holistic development.

I also can't help but appreciate the flexible schedule that Mizzou Med offers. Whether it's playing soccer, golfing, exploring new restaurants, or taking weekend trips to KC/STL, I am grateful for the balanced schedule that helps me take care of my overall well-being.

Mizzou Med is not just a place of learning; it's a community that fosters growth and friendships. Looking ahead, I envision my future practice as a physician, and I am confident that the foundation laid at Mizzou Med will set me up for success.

Hometown: Platte City, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: OB/GYN, Internal Medicine

Email: cphrkq@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: Mizzou is a place that has felt like home from when I was a young girl. The only University I applied to when applying to undergrad was Mizzou because I knew this is where I wanted to begin building a life and receiving higher education. As an undergrad I spent a lot of my time getting involved in the community and exploring the abundant opportunities Columbia has to offer. This included work, research, volunteering, education, social scenes, and really all other aspects of life.
Quickly I decided this was where I wanted to receive my medical education as well. I applied to an early admissions program (Bryant Scholars) and ended up getting accepted my junior year of undergrad. I explored other options over the next few years and ultimately decided Mizzou was going to continue to be home due to numerous reasons. One, the educational atmosphere was extremely welcoming, and I loved the structure of the curriculum even though it was something that would be new to me (PBL, IPC, etc.).
During my time at Mizzou Med thus far I have grown as a student and person more than I could have ever imagined and developed study habits and learning strategies that I know I will use in my clinical years, residency, and likely the rest of my medical career. With this, the medical education staff is incredibly supportive, and I have unlimited resources that allow me to feel prepared and stable while traversing a very difficult and demanding professional program.
Second, the social atmospheres of Mizzou and Columbia have made me feel so incredibly welcomed and safe. The feeling of camaraderie and homeyness within Mizzou Med has allowed me to make so many new friends, strengthen my mental and physical health, and delve into my medical education with confidence and excitement for what’s to come. I couldn't be any happier with my choice to come to Mizzou and already feel myself becoming a well-rounded, empathetic, and knowledgeable student physician.

Hometown: Chillicothe, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biochemistry

Med Specialty: Currently interested in many specialties with an emphasis in rural health!

Email: knl52r@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU:  Being born and raised in rural Missouri, I know the value of being a part of a supportive community. That is exactly what I found when I became a Mizzou Tiger during my four years as an undergraduate. I met professors, advisors, and peers that were instrumental to my success in undergraduate, and I've continued to meet more amazing individuals throughout medical school. For me, I was looking for a medical school that not only provided a top-notch education, but also had top-notch people willing to support each other!

Mizzou Med has set up an environment to facilitate a supportive community! The PBL curriculum is designed in a way to not only learn basic science and clinical reasoning that is necessary to be a great physician, it also allows students to teach each other, work together, and ultimately support each other through what is undoubtably a tough endeavor. Learning how to work well on a team full of diverse individuals is an important skill to hone not only as a practicing physician, but in all aspects of life.

Another factor that I complement Mizzou Med for is the emphasis placed on patient-centered care. With the majority of my life experiences being in a medically underserved, rural Missouri community, I have firsthand been able to see disparities affecting these communities including food insecurity, poverty rates, and health disparities. I felt drawn to Mizzou Med as they place importance in the curriculum on the whole plan of care including patients' religious beliefs, socioeconomic statuses, personal identifications, life experiences, and many other factors that directly affect an individual's health care. What really stands out to me is that Mizzou Med took it a step further than just teaching students about disparities, the school is working to make a real difference in the Columbia community through Medzou. Mizzou Med has identified many struggles within their community and surrounding communities regarding access to healthcare and have created an outlet to help bridge the gap between uninsured individuals and healthcare through Medzou. Medzou shows the passion of Mizzou Med for their community, which I believe is a reflection of how much they care about their students.

At Mizzou Med opportunities are a phone call away, maybe an email, haha! Staff here want to see you succeed and help you get involved in the research you're interested in, clinically in the specialty you find appealing, the volunteer work you are most passionate about, and the list goes on. Mizzou as a campus is full of A+ people!

Mizzou Med is what I was looking for. A supportive community of individuals to help me on my way to become a well-rounded future physician! I couldn't be more proud to call myself a Mizzou Tiger!

Hometown: Grain Valley, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine

Email: krs7xr@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU:  When applying to medical school, I had envisioned specific requirements for my dream school. These characteristics included a strong support system, engaging curriculum, and strong community connections. Mizzou exceeded all of these expectations.  The distinctive patient-based curriculum at Mizzou has provided me with a collaborative learning experience, moving beyond traditional lectures to group interactions. The small group setting fosters an environment where I can comfortably ask questions and clarify concepts.

When I interviewed at Mizzou, I immediately felt embraced by a warm and supportive community. The admission staff and medical students were not only welcoming but also encouraging throughout the process. This supportive atmosphere continued as I started school, with fellow students offering valuable advice. I was paired with a student peer who shared resources on effective studying and insights on how to engage not only within the school but also with the Columbia community.

One aspect I particularly appreciated about Mizzou Med is its emphasis on community engagement. The school organizes events such as science club for children, providing me with the rewarding opportunity to teach about my own passion about science. Another favorite of mine is the reverse trick-or-treating for inpatient children, where we dress up as our favorite Halloween character and give out candy. I truly believe that Mizzou Med creates a family-like environment not only within the school, but also within the community. Overall, I am beyond thankful for the support and opportunity Mizzou Med has brought me!

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergrad: St. Mary's University in San Antonio, TX

Major: Computer Engineering

Med Specialty: Ophthalmology

Email: tsvfzf@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: When applying to medical school, I had envisioned specific requirements for my dream school. These characteristics included a strong support system, engaging curriculum, and strong community connections. Mizzou exceeded all of these expectations.  The distinctive patient-based curriculum at Mizzou has provided me with a collaborative learning experience, moving beyond traditional lectures to group interactions. The small group setting fosters an environment where I can comfortably ask questions and clarify concepts.

When I interviewed at Mizzou, I immediately felt embraced by a warm and supportive community. The admission staff and medical students were not only welcoming but also encouraging throughout the process. This supportive atmosphere continued as I started school, with fellow students offering valuable advice. I was paired with a student peer who shared resources on effective studying and insights on how to engage not only within the school but also with the Columbia community.

One aspect I particularly appreciated about Mizzou Med is its emphasis on community engagement. The school organizes events such as science club for children, providing me with the rewarding opportunity to teach about my own passion about science. Another favorite of mine is the reverse trick-or-treating for inpatient children, where we dress up as our favorite Halloween character and give out candy. I truly believe that Mizzou Med creates a family-like environment not only within the school, but also within the community. Overall, I am beyond thankful for the support and opportunity Mizzou Med has brought me!

Hometown: Naperville, IL

Undergrad: Saint Louis University

Major: Neuroscience and Investigative Medical Science

Med Specialty: Undecided, but currently interested in Emergency Medicine or Trauma Surgery!

Email: kdvt6b@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: Up until interview day, I applied to Mizzou because I lived in Missouri for undergrad and I thought, well I have already been here for a few years, what's four more if need be? I hadn't considered it too much beyond that. However, during interview day, I quickly fell in love with the school. Everyone talks about how great the opportunities for research and patient encounters are, how much critical thinking is stressed, and even how amazing MedZou is, but the biggest reason I chose Mizzou was the sense of community that was built into the curriculum. I had experience with Patient Based Learning in one of my undergraduate classes and honestly, it was the only class I retained the material. Because of that, I knew I would enjoy the academic experience already. Even more than that, I loved that the PBL setting allows me to get to know my classmates really well. When I interviewed here and met other upperclassmen, they described how they felt supported by their peers and that helped them feel safe to ask for help. They said it had a lot to do with PBL. I didn't get it then, but attending the school now, I completely understand their answer. Even now, when I talk about my classmates to other friends, they are often shocked at how well I knew people this early on. You will quickly learn how important a sense of belonging, a wonderful support system, and a safe space are in order to succeed in medical school - it's a marathon. At Mizzou, not only did I find them, but I realized that Mizzou inherently promotes them. It might seem so silly, but the fact that you have your desk with your name waiting for you is so great - it creates a sense of belonging (and it really helps with imposter syndrome). Choosing a medical school is a difficult task. It was important to me that I was attending a school that will support both career opportunities and a culture of collaboration and community. The decision was obvious when I realized everyone here loves to help each other out and wants you to be the best physician you can be!

Hometown: Liberty, MO

Undergrad: University of Central Missouri

Major: Biology Major, Chemistry Minor

Med Specialty: OB/GYN, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine

Email: mdftny@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: When deciding where I wanted to attend medical school, Mizzou made the decision very easy for me. At my interview day, everyone I met was welcoming and kind. Starting from the admission staff to current medical students and my interviewers, they were all open to questions and made me feel like it was a culture where I would thrive. I was proven right when at orientation, the staff and students continued to make us feel comfortable as we transitioned into medical school. Another reason I chose Mizzou was the patient-based learning curriculum. Being a hands-on learner and someone that is used to being on a team, I knew that this type of education would fit my learning style. Being able to take the information we get from lecture and directly relate it to a real patient case helps to solidify the information and understand the clinical relevance. I believe this is so valuable and will set us up for success as we continue in our education. Another reason I chose Mizzou was the opportunity to be involved. There are so many ways that even as first and second year medical students we can be a part of patient care. Opportunities to volunteer in MedZou, shadow different specialties in ACE, and get involved in student government or interest groups are such valuable experiences outside of the classroom. I think these opportunities help to remind us of our purpose and passion for medicine. They are also important in our development as physicians and instill Mizzou's values of patient centered care. Being affiliated with the hospital with access to shadow and participate in research with faculty is also a huge advantage. Every physician I have met has genuinely wanted to help students succeed. Finally, I chose Mizzou because being from Missouri and living here for most of my life, I take great pride in attending my in-state university. From a financial and location standpoint, it was important for me to be close to my family and make a fiscally sound decision on which school to attend. For all these reasons, I chose the University of Missouri School of Medicine, and it has proven to be a great decision for me and my career goals.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergrad: Missouri State University

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology

Med Specialty: Undecided

Email: amhdd2@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU:  I chose MU because the environment seemed welcoming and collaborative. Everyone was so helpful during the application and interview process. Being that I am from St. Louis, MO, it allows me to stay close to my family and friends, which I love!

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

Undergrad: University of Arkansas

Major: Biochemistry

Med Specialty: Current Interests - Dermatology, Pediatrics, Cardiology

Email: mkhmmd@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: I chose Mizzou for several reasons! Being close to family is a big part of my decision, as I have three sisters and two young nephews, and wanted to be close to them. I truly think it is so important to have a strong support system in place when starting medical school!

For Mizzou specifically, I grew up driving to Columbia twice a week for club soccer. So I felt comfortable in Columbia, and it made the transition to medical school easier. I also graduated undergrad in the height of COVID and realized I do not learn well with just powerpoint slides or lectures. The PBL curriculum really incorporates small group learning and self guided study to allow me to create my own schedule and learn in an interactive way, which has been essential to my success in medical school. I also enjoy having one week of exams every 8 weeks, as I think it allows for us to have more of a work life balance. We do spend plenty of time studying, however, the first few weeks of the block allow plenty of time to see friends and enjoy the outside world! Overall, I would say confirming that the medical school's curriculum will work best for you and your learning style.

Mizzou Med has given me so many close friendships and the opportunity to be close to family and maintain my interests of reading, crafting, and playing with my dog! They also allow me to learn to the best of my ability and set me up for success in the medical field. I am so glad to be here!

Hometown: Chesterfield, MO

Undergrad: University of Notre Dame

Major: Psychology and Science Pre-Professional

Med Specialty: Internal medicine, possibly cardiology or heme-onc subspecialty

Email: mkkk4q@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: Having gone to an undergraduate university out of state, I did not initially know much about Mizzou Med. It was not until the interview day that I was able to understand the PBL curriculum and hands-on approach Mizzou takes to medical education. I found this extremely refreshing compared to other schools I was applying to, where the curriculum was built on hours and hours of sitting in lecture. Being able to know how to build a differential diagnosis, interpret labs, and identify risk factors as an M1 was a gratifying experience that has gone on to be a crucial skill set. I also feel that this curriculum fosters a very close community within your class at Mizzou, which is not something I anticipated in medical school. People I have met through Mizzou are now some of my closest friends. Additionally, I have gotten to know everyone in my class through the highly collaborative nature of PBL and social events we plan outside of school. This type of synergy is a rarity among medical schools, yet it is imperative to working in medicine. Another reason I was drawn to Mizzou is the Medzou Clinic we run our first and second year. I appreciate the hands-on clinical experiences Medzou provides, while presenting us with exposure to pertinent public health issues requiring solutions such as language barriers, food insecurity, and transportation. The clinic grants the opportunity to treat patients as both a student-doctor and advocate. As for research, I have had the fortune of working with incredible surgeons and physicians who are eager to invest in my future and find opportunities within my fields of interest. While medical school is no easy feat, the community of fellow students and physician faculty at Mizzou consistently provides the support necessary to make you feel as though everyone wants your success as much as their own. As I advance within medical school, I am increasingly confident in my choice to attend the University of Missouri.

Hometown: Ballwin, MO

Undergrad: Saint Louis University

Major: Investigative and Medical Sciences

Med Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Email: knngyr@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: The reason I chose to attend MU SOM in the first place primarily stemmed from my lifelong Missouri residency. Medical school is expensive, so in-state tuition is hard to turn down. Additionally, having a strong support system throughout medical school is essential, so being a relatively short drive away from family is another plus. More important than why I chose MU SOM two years ago before knowing much about the institution is why I would continue to choose Mizzou again and again if given the chance. First and foremost: the people. The people here at MU SOM ranging from medical students, to faculty, to support staff are some of the kindest, most intelligent, and supportive individuals I have ever met. One of the keys to succeeding in medical school is surrounding yourself with people who support you and want to see you thrive. At MU SOM, that support system and mentorship is around every corner. Additionally, the PBL curriculum truly distinguishes MU Med from other medical schools. It's something you have to fully experience to understand the benefit, but years and years of medical students can attest to the high levels of preparedness they feel for boards and clinical rotations because of PBL. Also, our block schedule with exams being every 8 weeks followed by a week break gives student significantly more flexibility and independence in their learning. Choosing Mizzou was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and knowing what I know now, I 100% would make the same choice again!

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergrad: Truman State University

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: Undecided

Email: joo6hb@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: The single most influential factor that led to my decision to attend Mizzou was a Diversity and Inclusion Symposium that was hosted a few weeks before my interview with Mizzou. During the session, I got the chance to hear from faculty and students about their experiences at Mizzou and the efforts being made to further improve the campus for current and future students. As a non-traditional student, it's important to understand the outlook from the faculty/administrators because they will be the ones that I need to feel comfortable approaching if I ever feel overwhelmed from any standpoint. Knowing how they support their students was vital to my decision. Also, the students provided honest and transparent accounts of their student experience, and they also stressed how well supported they felt here at Mizzou. That symposium not only helped prepare me for my interview, but it helped me feel comfortable with the place I would call home for my next four years.

Hometown: Troy, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biochemistry

Med Specialty: Family Medicine, Sports Medicine

Email: ajoc2n@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: When deciding where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life, Mizzou Med fit everything I wanted out of a medical school. Having attended Mizzou for undergrad, I was familiar with the campus and had built a strong community of friends which made the decision to stay here that much easier. In addition, some of my favorite memories have been created on this campus including running through the columns as a freshman and a senior, tailgating with my friends and family, and cheering on the Mizzou football team from the student section. Columbia also happens to be an hour and a half from my hometown which is something that was important to me and a contributing factor in my choice to attend Mizzou Med.

The reason I chose Mizzou Med was for the people, environment, and curriculum. Mizzou emphasizes the importance of treating each patient as an individual through their patient based curriculum which is what initially drew me to apply here. Each block is divided into eight weeks where students have the chance to get to know their classmates better while also developing clinical skills at an early stage of their medical education. In addition, Mizzou is a pass fail school which further emphasizes the importance of collaborating with your fellow students to grow and learn in a supportive environment.

Applying to medical school is challenging, and for some, choosing where to spend those next four years is even harder. I cannot speak for other medical schools, but at Mizzou I have been given the chance to develop my interests and hobbies, meet some of my best friends, and even learn a thing or two along the way. Mizzou has truly become my home away from home and I cannot imagine attending medical school anywhere else.

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Health Sciences

Med Specialty: Emergency Medicine, Cardiology, Surgery

Email: hmppmy@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: The PBL curriculum was a huge draw for me when choosing where to attend medical school. Working through patient cases every week is a lot of fun and makes the learning process much more interactive. I attended Mizzou in undergrad and greatly enjoyed the town and community. It was a no brainer for me to stay in Columbia for at least another 4 years when the opportunity presented itself!

In undergrad, I had the opportunity to volunteer at University Hospital as well as do research with some of the medical school faculty. Interacting with Mizzou's physicians and medical instructors was always pleasant. I knew that I would get an amazing medical education at Mizzou through these interactions. The Mizzou Med community is strong and supportive which makes the experience as a medical student here all the more better.

Hometown: Raytown, MO

Undergrad: Missouri Western State University

Major: Biology (Concentration: Health Science)

Med Specialty: Unsure (possibly Emergency or Internal Medicine)

Email: djskfz@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: I chose MU for a lot of reasons actually. First, I really liked the idea of PBL and prioritizing small group learning over a lecture heavy curriculum. Despite this I was also a little nervous about PBL as I had never had an opportunity in school to see if this learning style worked for me. If you're feeling like this too then don't worry. Looking back, I'm EXTREMELY glad that I chose the PBL curriculum at MU. The other aspect of MU's curriculum that I really like is our exam schedule. Our units are divided into 10 week blocks with all of our exams being taken during week 9 followed by a break week during week 10. Only having our exams during this one week is a little daunting at first (as compared to other curriculums that have multiple exams/quizzes every week), but it actually allows you to take breaks during the school year, resist burnout, and have a life outside of medical school.

Second, everyone at MU Med is super welcoming and friendly. Our small group curriculum creates a really collaborative atmosphere among the student body. Lots of pre-med and med student communities can get really competitive and toxic (why make Med School harder than it already is), but MU Med makes a point to do the opposite which is another factor that influenced my decision.

Lastly, my family is from Kansas City, MO which is just a 2 hour drive from Columbia, so I can easily visit them during breaks or family emergencies during the school year (which MU Med is very understanding/supportive with).

Overall, I'm extremely happy that I chose Mizzou for my medical education. I know that I am being prepared for success on my board exams and career as a physician. Hopefully this helps. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis

Major: Chemistry (Concentration: Biochemistry)

Med Specialty: Probably Emergency Medicine

Email: akv6bm@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: I was born and raised in Columbia and believe it is a great place to live. I have a strong love for my hometown, and since I spent four undergraduate years away in St. Louis, I knew I was ready to come home. The support I've had throughout this process by being close to my family and friends has been a big help and source of encouragement through the more difficult times. Mizzou has always been a part of my life and I was so excited to finally become a tiger in more than just spirit.
I had been interested in the PBL curriculum style for a while, as most of my undergraduate education was pretty independent and self-directed. Consistently working with other students on difficult topics is a great way to identify your own weak points and get help strengthening them when you otherwise may not have noticed things you need to work on. I feel my education has become a lot more cohesive and comprehensive because it includes not only my own learning, but also that of my peers. Not only is the collaborative environment of PBL a great way to get to know your classmates and push yourselves to become better together, it is also a lot more representative of what medicine will be like as a profession. I feel we here at Mizzou are already becoming more prepared than most for what the clinical environment looks like and how to operate as a cohesive part of a team.
Speaking of being part of a clinical team, spending my gap year before medical school working for MU Health Care definitely cemented my decision to come to Mizzou. Similar to the school's environment, the people I worked with in the hospital itself were some of the most caring and friendly I've had the pleasure of working with. Many people I met there have remained my close friends and sources of support. Mizzou fosters a sense of camaraderie in so many aspects of its experience, and I have always felt like part of a family here. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here and I would absolutely recommend coming to Mizzou. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to talk more about anything you'd like to know!

Hometown: O'Fallon, IL

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Health Science

Med Specialty: OB/GYN, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Surgical specialty

Email: etamt9@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: I chose to apply to and ultimately attend Mizzou School of Medicine because I did my undergraduate education here and I was already familiar with not only the campus, but also with the PBL curriculum and the friendly MU-Med faculty/staff! Since I'm not originally from Missouri, going to an in state school would have been closer to family; however, I felt that my learning style matched best with the education I would receive at Mizzou SOM compared to other, lecture based schools. I personally learn best when I am able to see someone explain a skill, perform the skill myself, and then teach the skill to someone else, so I believe that Mizzou's curriculum is set up perfectly for me. We get lectures from physicians about certain topics, we go and research these topics on our own for learning objectives, then we present these objectives to our peers. This has not only optimized my educational experience, but it has given me the autonomy to take charge of my education and to dive deep into topics that I find interesting. In addition to the curriculum, Mizzou offers a lot of different extracurricular clubs and organizations that have something to fit everyone's interests. As an M1, I've even had opportunities to hold leadership positions in some of the orgs that I'm a member of, and I look forward to continuing these experiences throughout the rest of my career!

Hometown: Wildwood, MO

Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: I am undecided, but I am currently interested in internal medicine, ophthalmology, and radiology!

Email: cshao@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: I honestly did not know much about Mizzou when I applied. I applied because it is my state school, and I was told by my advisors that it was a good option. However, as I went through the interview process and started doing more research, I fell in love with the school, and I ultimately chose Mizzou over other options that I initially considered over Mizzou.

What attracted to me to Mizzou Med is how we can learn directly from our peers and support each other through the process. We learn a lot of our material through patient cases, so we are able to connect our objectives directly to patient care, which better prepares us for clinicals. I also think it's fun to be able to get to know 7 new people every block. You are able to connect with your peers while you learn, which is not something you get from a traditional lecture curriculum.

It is also clear that Mizzou prioritizes the health and wellness of the students, which was important to me. We meet one-on-one with faculty to discuss our wellbeing and get a week of break after each exam week during our preclinical years. The exams are also every eight weeks, so you are able to take it easy in the beginning of each block. The gym is also right next door to the hospital and the medical student building, which makes it really hard to come up with an excuse to skip your workout!

The most important reason why I chose Mizzou is because of the community, and I believe that my experience has been positive due to the quality of people here. The staff, faculty, and my fellow classmates are all incredibly supportive.

I can confidently say that I would choose Mizzou again in a heartbeat!

Hometown: Chesterfield, MO

Undergrad: Saint Louis University

Major: Biochemistry BS

Med Specialty: Pediatrics?

Email: rd2f6@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: Mizzou is a great place! The PBL system was completely new for me and makes for such an engaging and interactive learning experience, it is really suited to training exceptional physicians. All of our learning is super collaborative and we all work together to make learning easier and more efficient.

Staying in Missouri was a huge plus; I've lived and been raised in this state for my entire life and I meet kind people everywhere I go. Proximity to my family was also a very important factor for me; I am able to visit home 1 or 2 times a month and it is a relatively quick drive (1.5-2 hours).

Lastly, the students here are like a family! I stay at the PCCLC a lot to study and I am always able to walk around and chit-chat with everyone who is around. Being social is very easy if you want it to be! Feel free to say hi if you see me around, I love meeting and getting to know new people (:

Hometown: Joplin, MO

Undergrad: MIZ-ZOU

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: Interested in Ophthalmology

Email: mzgfp9@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: Mizzou Med was an easy choice for me. As a Mizzou undergraduate student, I became quite familiar with Mizzou Med’s culture. I was impressed by the state-of-the-art facilities, the collaborative learning environment, and most surprisingly, the amount of free time you still have. I have been able to keep up with most of my hobbies, including playing basketball, disc golf, and watching movies.

Another reason that I love Mizzou Med is the PBL curriculum, which gives you an opportunity to get to know your classmates. It allows you to practice many important skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, and communication in a supportive environment. PBL makes learning more fun because instead of reading a textbook or watching a video, you are sharing knowledge and tackling a challenging case with seven fantastic classmates each block.

And to top it off, my girlfriend had already been accepted through the Bryant’s Rural Scholars Program, making Mizzou Med an even easier decision for me. Who knows? You might meet that special someone at Mizzou. Anyway, feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m a big food guy and can tell you about the best restaurants in Columbia (Check out my ever-growing foodie page on Instagram: Comofoodjunkie).

Hometown: Saint Peters, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri-Columbia

Major: Biology and Psychology

Med Specialty: Dermatology, Internal Medicine & Family Medicine

Email: kpmk2@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU:  As a Mizzou graduate, I knew I wanted to attend Mizzou Med. I had fallen in love with the Columbia community after having spent 4 years in the area and knew I wanted to return after taking some time off from school. As an undergrad, I had volunteered at MedZou, a free health clinic in Columbia for those without health insurance, and continuously interacted with the Mizzou medical students who were there. Through hearing about their experiences, involvement in a wide variety of organizations, and their genuine passion for the patient-based learning curriculum, I knew that Mizzou Med was the perfect fit for me.

When I attended my interview, it only confirmed what I knew: this was where I wanted to be. Mizzou Med isn’t the traditional classroom learning style: it is patient-based. While traditional lectures still exist, a large portion of dedicated classroom time is spent working alongside 7 other classmates on patient cases and figuring out the patient’s diagnosis each week. I knew this would be an excellent learning style for me, as I enjoy the teamwork atmosphere and the critical thinking component. I was very interested in having the opportunity to work alongside people from diverse backgrounds and experiences in order to gain new, unique perspectives on how to problem solve. In addition to PBL, I knew I wanted to go to a medical school that placed an emphasis on having their students have early clinical exposure. At Mizzou Med, the first-year medical students are able to volunteer their time at MedZou. While at MedZou, students practice their interviewing and physical exam skills, while being able to partake in providing much needed medical care to this underserved population. As such, students grow to become more comfortable interacting with patients early on in their medical careers before beginning rotations third year.

Overall, Mizzou Med offered me what I was looking for: a medical school where I felt supported, had ample opportunities to get involved and interact with patients early on, and a curriculum that would help me grow into a well-rounded future physician.

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Undergrad: University of Missouri-Columbia

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Med Specialty: I'm all over the place but I'm interested in OBGYN, Cardiology, Rural Medicine and Surgery

fogartyca@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: Being born and raised in Missouri, I was never a stranger to the telltale black and gold colors that represent the Mizzou community. However, these colors took on new meaning for me in 2013 when I became a member of the Mizzou family. During my four and a half years as an undergraduate, I was deeply involved in the community. This involvement did not come to an end when I graduated in 2017, but continued through my position at the MOI and my volunteer work with True North of Columbia and the MedZou clinic during my gap years.

Over the years, I have developed deep roots within the Mizzou community; however, I believe that my application to Mizzou’s medical program was inevitable even if this was not the case. Mizzou has consistently and repeatedly distinguished itself from other programs that I considered for my medical education. The unique patient-based curriculum always appealed to me and, after experiencing PBL firsthand during my first two blocks of medical school, I know that this type of program is the perfect fit for my learning style. In addition, I was profoundly attracted to the flexibility offered by Mizzou’s curriculum. Unlike many other programs, Mizzou’s academic structure allows students to live more balanced lives in which they can pursue outside interests and activities.

Through this flexible structure, I have been able to remain involved in many of the programs that I am deeply passionate about and explore some of the programs offered by the school of medicine that interest me. I believe it is through the countless opportunities such as these, as well as the top-rated educational program offered at Mizzou, that I am being transformed into a more educated, open-minded, and active physician citizen.

Hometown: Kansas City, Missouri

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biological Sciences

Med Specialty: Pediatrics, Dermatology

gieferj@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: As a Mizzou graduate, I always had Mizzou Med on my radar! During the application process, I mostly applied schools in the Midwest because staying near Kansas City was important to me. Surprisingly, Mizzou was not initially on the top of my list, but this all changed when I went to my interview day! I was absolutely blown away by the faculty, staff, students and facilities here. Also, after learning more about the PBL curriculum, I realized that learning in a collaborative environment fit perfectly with my personality and goals.

As future physicians, it is important to learn how to apply critical thinking skills in a group setting and that is exactly what we do in PBL. Mizzou Med quickly became by #1 choice after my interview day and I am so happy to be where I am now! Columbia truly feels like home and I am excited to spend another 4 years learning and growing here.

Hometown: Norborne, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biology with Human Development and Family Science & Psychology minors

Med Specialty: Pediatric Cardiology, CT Surgery, Ob/Gyn

bjmb79@umsystem.edu

Why I Chose MU: As a Bryant scholar, I was admitted to Mizzou Med early. I got early exposure to the PBL curriculum and how the medical school’s curriculum is set up. I loved it instantly. I liked that students didn’t need to compete against each other. We work in teams and with the faculty from the beginning to encourage cooperation.

I fell in love with Mizzou because the sense of community. The PBL curriculum is set up in a way so that students teach each other. Because of this, students know that they must rely on each other to succeed. We get to learn from real cases and work through them as a team. I love that we are getting practice on real patient cases early as part of our curriculum. These PBL sessions are student run and are fun to work through together. If I don’t know something about a case, I feel comfortable enough to ask my group to teach me. We fill in each other’s gaps in knowledge. I know that I can count on any of my classmates to help me.

Mizzou is a great place for visual and hands-on learners like me! Within the first few weeks, we get the chance to interview patients and practice physical exam skills. We get lots of practice early so that when we go to clinic, we are confident in what we’re doing. We also get hands-on experience in the anatomy lab. I’ve found it super helpful to correlate what I see in lab and what we’ve been taught in lectures. I’m so glad I chose Mizzou Med for my education. It was easy to find a home at Mizzou.

Hometown: Webster Groves, MO

Undergrad: University of Alabama

Major: Biology; Minor: Spanish

Med Specialty: Neurological Surgery or Orthopedic Surgery

jmoww3@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: I chose to apply to Mizzou for medical school because of in-state tuition. I did not know much about the medical school and all it had to offer until my interview. When I came to Columbia for my interview, I was thoroughly impressed by the curriculum at Mizzou Med. The students that I met during my interview day had a connection that I did not feel at other medical schools. Mizzou emphasized a medical student body that wanted to help each other be the best physician they can be. In my first couple months at Mizzou Med, I have already come to feel as if Mizzou is my home.

The Patient-Based Learning curriculum provides a cooperative environment that encourages all students to help others succeed. I chose Mizzou for medical school because I felt that group-based learning would allow me to excel as a student. PBL lab sessions allow me to think critically about the case in a way that helps me to better understand the information. Having a group of your peers to work through the case fosters a collaborative environment that can often be missing at medical schools with a traditional style of learning.

Another reason why I chose Mizzou Med is MedZou. MedZou is a student run clinic for uninsured patients. I have always had a passion for serving others. Many other medical schools did not have a organization like MedZou that encouraged the students to serve the community around them. I am excited to start working as a care provider in MedZou in the coming months.

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Undergrad: University of Missouri

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Med Specialty: Not sure yet

mhsktb@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: Growing up in Columbia, I always knew that the University of Missouri and its School of Medicine provided its students with every opportunity to succeed. When applying, Mizzou Med was always my top choice. Its amazing faculty, staff, students and facilities all contributed to fostering a learning environment that encouraged its students to excel. Through my interview and research into Mizzou Med, I realized how much the school emphasizes the physical and mental well-being of its students while also providing them with ample educational and extracurricular opportunities to become the best possible physicians.

When applying, I had heard all of the stories about the PBL curriculum significantly improving your medical school education, but it was not until I actually experienced it that I realized how true this was. PBL gives Mizzou's medical students the opportunity to learn in an engaging way and also helps us see the significance of our studies by applying them to real-life cases. Being from Columbia, knowing the campus, and staying near family all made my decision easier, but I truly believe that my love for Mizzou Med came after I experienced how big of an impact the school has on its students and their success in becoming caring and top-class physicians.

Hometown: Urbana, MO

Undergrad: Missouri State University

Major: Psychology

Med Specialty: Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics

swearingint@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: I had the intention of applying to medical school ever since I was a little kid, and this interest followed as I worked in patient care for multiple years and continued my undergraduate education. I had never had too much of a preference on where I wanted to go for this education, so I told myself I was going to approach the application cycle with a very open mind and that is exactly what I did. Like many medical school applicants, I decided to cast my net wide and apply to a diverse bunch of schools to improve my chances of reaching an acceptance. Throughout my application cycle, however, one school stuck out to me from the very beginning and that was Mizzou. What I found initially intriguing about Mizzou was the PBL curriculum.

This curriculum is hands down the best curriculum in medicine. It allows a diverse group of students to work together using basic science and clinical knowledge to figure out actual patient cases. With this curriculum everyone gets an equal voice and the patient care, research, education, and life experiences of each individual become integrated together to “solve” the problem our patient is experiencing in the most patient-centered way possible. Another big seller for my choice to attend the University of Missouri was how happy everyone was when I came on my interview day. Doing my research and major in psychology I learned a lot about people and about well-being, and one of the big factors I wanted in a school was that the people attending it were actually having a good time while they were there. MU definitely has that. During my tour the students were super up-beat and the faculty were extremely nice which made me feel completely at home. As I’ve began my medical studies, I have also seen how much the students are willing to work together to help each other succeed. Students make study guides, Anki decks, PowerPoints, and other resources to help teach each other the material of the curriculum and the school even provides Box as a resource to share these materials on an easy to use platform.

Finally, the MedZou health clinic is also an amazing opportunity that helped me finalize my decision as it allows students the opportunity to practice clinical skills and provide free health care to uninsured individuals in Columbia, MO. I am currently a specialty chair at MedZou and, although it’s another task to keep me busy, this opportunity does an amazing job at reminding me why I originally wanted to become a doctor. Overall the University of Missouri has everything I could have asked for in a medical school and, to top it all off, this comes along with the brand new PCCLC medical education building consisting of a new anatomy lab, study labs, personal desks for each student, simulation center, and amazing clinical campuses in both Columbia and Springfield, MO.

Hometown: Quincy, IL

Undergrad: Fontbonne University

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: Surgery, Pediatrics

mtrwf@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: I sent my application to more than 20 schools, hoping one would think I was a strong candidate. Of those schools I applied to, there were a few that were close to my family in Quincy, Illinois. I attended Fontbonne University in St. Louis and enjoyed my time in Missouri while still being a short two hour drive away from home. I did receive interviews from four schools and was accepted at three. However, MU was my last interview in the cycle so I had other campuses and experiences to compare it to. Although each school had their own unique opportunities, it was my interview day at MU where I felt a true connection.

I had arrived early for my interview but had found a way to get lost in the MU hospital. I asked a man in the hallway if he could give me directions and he kindly walked me to the admissions office. I came to find out later that he was a physician at MU, but still took time out of his day to show me where to go. I was a couple minutes late but Blair was very kind and filled me in on what I missed before they continued. Two ambassadors sat down with us for lunch, answering any and all questions we had about the school and medical school experience as a whole. It was during this time that I truly felt comfortable while at a medical school interview. They walked us through the campus so we could see the classroom, PBL rooms, and different study areas in the medical school. It was not that my time interviewing at the other schools was bad, but just that the Mizzou interview day went seamlessly. I was shocked when I saw the PBL rooms that provided each student with their own desk. My interest continued to grow throughout the day in all that the school had to offer, but what stuck with me most was that I had felt so comfortable with every interaction I had while on campus. It was very apparent how important each and every student was at this school. As I drove home that day and spoke to my parents, I knew this was the school I wanted to attend.

Hometown: Liberty, MO

Undergrad: University of Arkansas - Fayetteville

Major: Biology

Med Specialty: OB/Gyn or Internal Medicine

smvhd7@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: When I was considering medical schools to apply to, the decision to apply to Mizzou Med was an easy one. Columbia is only two hours from my hometown, both of my siblings are currently earning their undergraduate degrees at Mizzou, and attending provided me the opportunity to learn in the state I have called home for many years at an affordable price. More importantly, however, I had previously had the opportunity to work with older medical students at a summer camp. Both of these students demonstrated immense amount of compassion and insight throughout their work and were supportive leaders whom I looked up to throughout my summer work experience. Knowing people like my co-workers attended Mizzou Med made me confident that I would be able to find my place amongst my peers at Mizzou and that I would have a supportive network within the school.

After interviewing, I felt even more confident that Mizzou was the place for me. Although I was accepted to other schools, I still felt attached to the unique learning environment and opportunities at Mizzou Med. I loved the prospect of patient based learning, and knew that I would gain a lot from teaching and being taught by my peers. It seemed that people at Mizzou were balancing their school and personal lives well and that the school placed a large emphasis on mental health and wellness. I wanted to attend a medical school where I felt supported and after learning about peer tutoring, wellness checks, advising programs available to students, I knew Mizzou was the right environment for me. Since beginning medical school at Mizzou, I have felt increasingly confident that my decision to attend was the correct one.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergrad: Missouri State University

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology

Med Specialty: Unsure, possibly pediatrics

jpw522@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: From the time I was a young child, I have always loved to learn about a wide variety of topics, eventually discovering a passion for science and medicine. When I decided that I wanted to be a physician and use my passion of learning to help patients in need, I wanted to attend a medical school that would help me to be the best for my future patients. In Mizzou, I saw a medical school that would enable me to develop and grow into the best physician that I could be. The patient based learning curriculum allows me to combine my passion for traditional learning of science and medicine in a manner that focuses on the patient and human side of medicine as well.

Additionally, I was impressed with how much interaction and practice students receive with patients, even in the first two years of medical school. Opportunities to practice skills through introductory to patient care, ambulatory clinical experiences, and working with stimulated patients begin in the first year, allowing students to focus on the patient from the beginning of their education. While I am only beginning the journey to being a physician, I am confident that my time at Mizzou will help me to grow and develop into an excellent physician.

Hometown: Lake Ozark, MO

Undergrad: Saint Louis University

Major: Neuroscience

Med Specialty: Pediatrics, Pediatric Heme/Onc, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine

amwyb5@health.missouri.edu

Why I Chose MU: Hi everyone! Medical school applications can be a long and strenuous journey, but congratulations on making it this far in your education.

Mizzou Med offers an outstanding PBL curriculum that is unmatched when compared to other medical schools. Your education is primarily based on real patient cases, which is really cool because it teaches you both basic science information and clinical reasoning skills that will carry on throughout your physician careers. Although we're mainly learning basic science and clinical reasoning skills, we also learn more about how a patient's gender identity, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds might affect their overall plan of care, which is incredibly important to Mizzou Med's emphasis on patient-centered care and likely contributes to their high Step 1 scores. We also learn in groups with our peers, which helps promote good collaboration as we become more exposed to one another, learning about each other's journeys and backgrounds. Those same backgrounds might help you unpack a PBL case in ways you never expected. That, to me, easily makes Mizzou Med a top choice.

My experiences of living in a rural, medically underserved area have enabled me to understand the various health disparities and socioeconomic disadvantages these populations face. This understanding has led to me to enjoy volunteering and giving back to these communities in various ways, helping to make a difference in their lives. Mizzou Med offers countless volunteer opportunities, via interest groups and school-run clinics, like MedZou, that enable students to give back and help these very same populations. Overall, I think this aspect alone made Mizzou Med an attractive choice to attend medical school.

Overall, I chose Mizzou Med because it was close to home, and the administration and classmates here make medical school feel like home. As a prospective student, I aimed to find a medical school that also supported their students; not only academically, but emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally as well. Having experienced Mizzou Med, and talking to M2s and M3s, I can certainly say that the faculty, staff, administration, deans, and even my fellow classmates provide a great support system. I do not, and don't think I ever will, regret making my decision to attend Mizzou Med. It has been a wonderful experience and I wouldn't have it any other way.