Student Ambassadors

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Undergraduate Institution: Cornell University

Major: Social and Behavioral Psychology

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Psychiatry, Neurology, Geriatrics

Email: hby3c@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? I was drawn to the University of Missouri School of Medicine due to its patient-based curriculum and commitment to serving families in Missouri like my aunt, uncle, and cousins. The unique programs offered by the University of Missouri, such as the Heyssel Senior Teacher Educator Partnership (STEP) program, were of particular interest to me. The opportunity to customize my medical education and serve the Columbia and surrounding rural community, while learning from seniors in the area, aligned perfectly with my lifelong goal of specializing in geriatric mental health care. Beyond the patient-based learning curriculum, I also chose MU because the faculty and staff are truly student-focused and always rooting for you to succeed. Overall, I've found the MU School of Medicine a wonderful space to ask questions and grow into my role as a future physician.

Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Undergraduate Institution: Emory University

Major: Chemistry

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Pediatrics

Email: krbxff@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? Growing up in St. Louis, I knew I wanted to study medicine and eventually practice medicine in the state of Missouri. I moved away from Missouri for undergrad, which was an incredible experience, but I missed the midwestern culture that raised me. When interviewing at MU, I witnessed the pride that the school had in the state and its mission to create future physicians for Missouri. Furthermore, I could feel the passion that the school had for serving the humble and hardworking people of Missouri, just like those that I had grown up around. And it doesn’t hurt to be 2 hours away from my family when I need a nice home cooked meal! The PBL curriculum at its core fosters collaborative learning. As a result, the community that exists among the students and faculty is truly unmatched. As students are constantly working together in small groups, which makes the connections we build stronger and easier to extend outside of the classroom. I have been able to meet some of the most incredible friends, who all share the same passion for learning as I do. Due to the flexible schedule, I have had the time to hang out with these amazing friends outside of school every week. I was able to visit MU for Second Look Day, which was my first exposure to the PBL curriculum. I was a little fearful of the idea of jumping straight into patient cases, when I felt like I knew nothing about medicine. But through my first few months here, I can confidently say that I love PBL! Having the opportunity to learn through these cases has strengthened my knowledge of so many different aspects of medicine. While I am only an M1, I can already tell how MU will better prepare me for clinical years, residency, and everything that comes after that.

Hometown: Springfield, MO

Undergraduate Institution: Missouri State University

Major: Biotechnology and Microbiology

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Psychiatry, Cardiology, Dermatology

Email: sdgcw@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? As a student worker at the International Services Office at Missouri State University, I had the privilege to work with Mr. Brad Bodenhausen, the Vice President of Community and Global Partnership whose son is studying medicine at Mizzou. He was the first to bring up the “patient-based learning style” of teaching at Mizzou with me and impressed by the concept, I delved deeper into the program. I believe that this style of teaching strongly aligns with my way of learning. A subsequent opportunity to work as a TMS technician at a clinic under Dr. Bains, a Mizzou alumni, exposed me to the concept practically as he encouraged me to take each interaction with a patient as a learning experience. He implicitly made me internalise the core teaching approach of Mizzou which puts the patient above everything else. Experiencing it first hand during “second look day” solidified my desire to be a part of MU. The school’s mission of improving the health of all people, especially Missourians, through exemplary education, research, and patient-centred care strongly aligns with my personal values and aspirations as a future physician and my desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and that of the people of my community through clinical rotations.

Hometown: Wildwood, MO

Undergraduate Institution: Rhodes College

Major: Biology with a concentration in Biomedical Science

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Pediatrics, Cardiology, Med-Peds

Email: mtghrh@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? As I was selecting a medical school to attend, I knew I wanted to be a part of a program that puts patients first, excels in scientific discovery, and fosters a supportive learning environment. Mizzou Med has delivered in each of these categories and many more! The patient-based learning curriculum at Mizzou Med fosters collaboration, patient-centered care, and community from day one of medical school. Not only does Mizzou Med's unique curriculum equip students to excel in clinical reasoning, but it creates a supportive and encouraging learning environment as we grow into future physicians. The abundant research opportunities and varied avenues to explore new areas of medicine and science also drew me to Mizzou Med. Most importantly, it is the people of Mizzou Med that make it the place it is. From fellow students, to physicians, to administration, everyone at Mizzou Med is eager to support and guide me on each step of this journey.

Hometown: Hudson, WI

Undergraduate Institution: Missouri Southern State University

Major: Biomedical Sciences

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Surgery, Anesthesiology, Sports Medicine

Email: mmgr6y@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? When considering medical schools, I chose Mizzou because of its strong emphasis on patient-centered care and its innovative PBL curriculum, where students work in small groups to tackle real clinical cases. The supportive environment, coupled with research opportunities and an emphasis on community engagement, made Mizzou the ideal place for me to grow as a future physician and a leader in healthcare. Additionally, I was drawn towards the opportunity to complete my clinical training at the Clinical Campus in Springfield, MO. The chance to learn closely from excellent physicians across multiple healthcare systems throughout my pre-clinical and clinical years perfectly serves my ultimate goal of becoming a well-rounded physician with diverse clinical insight.

Hometown: Overland Park, Kansas

Undergraduate Institution: University of Arkansas

Major: Finance

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, ENT

Email: hlsfdk@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? Having lived and gone to undergrad out-of-state, I did not know anyone who had previously attended here or the unique features that set Mizzou Med apart from other medical schools. It was not until my interview day that I learned about the curriculum at Mizzou and heard first-hand about the daily life of current students. I still remember immediately telling my parents after the interview how different Mizzou was from the other medical schools I had interviewed at, and it made me excited to have a future here. This was the first time I ever heard medical students say they could obtain a work-life balance, something I greatly prioritized while choosing a school. The PBL curriculum also intrigued me. Instead of learning everything through lectures, we work in small groups and go through real-life case studies to learn the material. This curriculum allows you to start critically thinking as a physician while still in the classroom setting. I have learned how to make differential diagnoses, interpret lab results, and order future tests. These are some skills that I have learned in my first few weeks of medical school that I know I will take with me through the rest of my career. Also, the IPC and ACE curriculums allow us to practice having encounters with patients, starting at the beginning of medical school. We are able to fine-tune having conversations with a variety of people through the use of standardized patients and while shadowing physicians in the clinic. As we transition into the clinical setting, I think I will be more than prepared to gather accurate information from patients and confidently report it back to the attending. After now finishing my first block, I can attest to the close-knit community fostered not only in our class but through all the classes. I was nervous that medical school would be very competitive among my peers, but that could not be further from the truth. Everyone in our class studies together, shares notes, and is always willing to answer a question when one arises. We even get buddies with an M2 that helps us navigate through medical school as it can be a difficult transition. I have even participated in tutoring where an M4 helps me review the case studies in preparation for the exams. Outside of the classroom, I loved that Mizzou Med was situated on the undergrad campus. It allows us to still participate in campus life. Many people have joined intramural teams and tailgate with each other before the football games on weekends!

Hometown: Vietnam to St. Charles, MO

Undergraduate Institution: St. Louis University

Major: MRI

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Radiology

Email: stdqd@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? During the application process, MU stood out among all other medical schools and quickly became my #1 choice due to the innovative patient-based learning curriculum, networking and research opportunities, as well as the positivity from every staff/faculty I had the pleasure of meeting. After becoming an MS1, I quickly realized that the gut feeling I had about MU on second-look day in fact lead me to the best possible environment to call "home" for the next four years. Not only did the school connect me with faculty who were excited to help grow my interests, every faculty I've met has had a positive impact on my education as they give their all to support my growth. The small group sessions embedded in the curriculum built a cooperative learning environment that I believe will help me become a better leader and team player in the future. I have loved all of the connections I've made with faculty, classmates, as well as people within the community. I choose MU because having a supportive, respectful, and engaging learning environment is important to me.

Hometown: Columbia, MO

Undergraduate Institution: University of Richmond

Major: Sociology

What specialty/specialties are you interested in? Obstetrics and Gynecology

Email: jdw22k@health.missouri.edu

Why did you choose MU? One of the many reasons I chose Mizzou Med is because of its collaborative Patient-Based Learning (PBL) approach. As someone who thrives in small, discussion-based classroom settings, Mizzou’s hands-on curriculum truly resonates with me. The PBL model not only keeps me actively engaged, but it also fosters meaningful connections with my classmates, making it easy to ask questions and seek clarification when necessary. My experience at Mizzou Med has reinforced my decision to attend; while lectures provide a foundation for certain topics, most of my learning takes place in intimate group settings. As a first-year student, I am so amazed by how much I’ve learned and the incredible relationships I’ve built in such a short amount of time!

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.