Millennium Manna
The sense of belonging at Ohio State is like no other.
My journey to become a first-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine began far from Columbus. Born and raised in Asmara, Eritrea, in East Africa, and having lived in many different places, I witnessed firsthand the gaps in access to health care from a young age.
I was also raised with the notion that my calling, whatever it was, was for the purpose of serving others. As time passed, I fell more in love with medicine, which proved to be the space where I could serve and care for people in their most vulnerable times.
As an undergraduate at The Ohio State University, I had the privilege of interacting with the medical students here. Witnessing their collaborative spirit in action, I knew this was the program where I wanted to continue my medical education. During the application process, I received acceptances from several institutions. However, Ohio State offered a unique sense of belonging and a supportive community like no other.
Ohio State’s commitment to diversity strongly resonated with my own background. The college fosters a vibrant environment that celebrates learners from all walks of life. This rich background of experiences and perspectives not only enhances our learning, but is invaluable when serving diverse patient populations, as we do at the Columbus Free Clinic. Ohio State cultivates collaborative learning through small groups, fostering lifelong connections with peers.
Additionally, the dedicated mentorship program provides guidance and support. My mentor has become a trusted resource, offering not only academic support but also a wealth of experience and encouragement.
Furthermore, Ohio State emphasizes teamwork beyond the classroom. We collaborate on cases across disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to patient care. My involvement in the Student National Medical Association allows me to contribute to a cause I deeply care about – supporting future minority doctors. By mentoring aspiring students, we are pulling them up as we climb ourselves.
This past winter I went to Honduras with a student organization to take blood pressures, vitals, come up with diagnoses and present them to attendings. I now serve as president of the organization, furthering my education in global health initiatives to advance health for all.
From a young age, my dream of becoming a doctor was rooted in a desire to serve others. Today, as supportive faculty, mentors and peers surround me, I am confident that I have made the right decision to attend Ohio State to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.
Where our students learn
Why choose The Ohio State University College of Medicine?
At Ohio State, you will receive a highly respected education from world-renowned faculty who are recognized across the nation. Since 2002, Ohio State medical students have received Step 1 and Step 2 pass rates equal to or above the national average. And with an average match rate of more than 95% each year, our graduates match in some of the most prestigious residency programs in the nation. Residency director surveys show that our graduates are some of the best prepared in their programs.
Ohio State is home to some of the most welcoming, supportive and caring people who are all committed to helping you reach your full potential. With several community service opportunities and more than 50 student organizations, you will be able to pursue your passions and discover new ones.
Major components of Ohio residency for in-state tuition include:
- Physical presence in Ohio
- Contribution to Ohio Taxes
- Eligibility to remain in the United States on a permanent basis
If you choose not to establish Ohio residency, in an effort to lower student loan debt, the College of Medicine has reduced the out-of-state surcharge for third- and fourth-year medical students.
We believe the physicians we train should be as diverse as the communities they serve. Diversity and inclusion are present in everything we do, starting with our history of diversifying classes to include more women and underrepresented in medicine students and our strides in diversifying our leadership team.
Combine a lower cost of living with a thriving health care landscape creates a perfect environment for medical students or any healthcare professional. Columbus boasts four world-renowned, award-winning healthcare systems, including The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital.