My major is Biology. I chose this major for several reasons. I am planning on becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) and having a biology major is one of the requirements to move on to medical school. Biology is the study of all living things and their vital processes, according to britannica.com. Therefore, I will need to have a range of strong science-based knowledge for my future career. It will eventually save someone’s life. I plan on specializing in emergency medicine as well. Having a biology major will mean that I will have a great understanding of how certain things work and interact with each other. I also enjoy studying science in general, as well as being in the lab and working with my hands to have a better grasp of learning about the different stages of life.
There are a great number of minors associated with biology. The top three that stuck out to me include chemistry, psychology, and mathematics. Chemistry will be the most beneficial because I will need to know why, on a microscopic and macroscopic level, and how certain natural and man-made chemicals interact with each other. Knowing this will definitely help me have a great understanding of how different types of medicine reacts with our bodies. Psychology is the most intriguing out of the group because I am deeply interested in knowing how our minds work and why we do the things we do. It can also help me understands topics, such as addiction. Mathematics is also interesting because it will help increase my critical thinking skills and help me figure out which information is needed and unneeded.
Out of the endless amounts of careers that are associated with a biology major, thebalancecareers.com had a great list of beneficial jobs that narrowed down other potential jobs. Some included a genetic counselor, physician assistant, biochemist, biologic technician, and medical product sales representative.
Some clubs and organizations that are associated with a biology major include the chemistry club, medical sciences club, society of physics students (SPS), and psychology club. I am already participating in the chemistry club and making plans to join the medical sciences club as soon as they have their next meeting. I am currently in other clubs and organizations. These include the ranger marching band, jazz ensemble, and phi delta music society. Yes, these other clubs are not directly connected with natural science, but they do share a common goal. That common goal is to appreciate forms of knowledge and talent that are important and pleasurable to human life.
One of my goals, as a pre-med student, is to become accepted into the 3+1 program through Oklahoma State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine (OSU-COM). This program has many benefits that would help my future career. It will first save money and time. The 3+1 program represents an individual taking his or her first three years at a partnered university, including NWOSU, and finishing his or her fourth year at the College of Osteopathic Medicine. In other words, I will be able to graduate from undergraduate and medical school in seven years instead of eight years. OSU-COM also provides automatic admission in its Rural Medical Track. This is where I will receive my training. Many scholarships are also available through OSU-COM.
There are quite a few requirements that I will have to keep in mind with this program. These include: being an Oklahoma resident, maintaining a status of a full-time student through NWOSU, having a grade point average of 3.5, having a 3.5 science grade point average, I must complete 45 or more credit hours at the time of filling out the application, and I must have a biology major along with a chemistry minor. I will have to fulfill these requirements through a partnered university as well. During my sophomore year at NWOSU, I will need to finish the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application, submit a supplemental application, have an interview with the Admissions Committee and the Pre-Health Advisory Committee (PAC), and complete the CASPER Situational Judgement Test. To maintain this early access program, I have to keep a 3.5 GPA, score 492 on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and complete the remaining undergraduate requirements during my junior year at NWOSU. I have found all these requirements from health.okstate.edu.
According to the admission requirements page on health.okstate.edu, I must complete two semesters of English, biology, physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, as well as one upper-division level class. Also, Dr. Steven J. Maier is the Chair of the Department of Natural Science at NWOSU.
School is extremely expensive and without financial aid, it can become quite a hassle as well. According to study.com, some great places to find scholarships would be through search engines. This could include scholarships.com. OSU-COM also provides many scholarships, and another great place to find scholarships is to search for places I am interested in working. For example, I am interested in possibly working for St. Mary’s and I received a $2,000 scholarship from them.
Competitive scores, successful interviews, and helpful health-related classes are needed to become a great physician, but many soft skills are crucial as well. Some of the most useful and important soft skills I will need to be able to use as a pre-med student include being a team player, the use of efficient communication, being able to use time effectively, being able to take and accept negative feedback and understand other’s needs and wants.