My Dream is to be a doctor. My Decision was Ohio State.

Jordan Lukens

Serving as Ohio State’s iconic mascot, "Brutus" influenced my decision to pursue medicine.

Medical student Jordan Lukens practicing medicine on a plastic arm

I’m a medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. As an undergrad at Ohio State, I joined the cheer team and experienced the amazing energy of our mascot Brutus Buckeye when he interacted with everyone. I knew I wanted to be part of that feeling. So, I joined the mascot team and auditioned for the role of Brutus. Soon, I was donning the signature scarlet and gray striped shirt with the “00” on the back and hitting tailgates and Skull Sessions, and leading the football team onto the field.

I started visiting patients undergoing chemotherapy at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. I visited sick children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. I’ll never forget the looks on patients’ faces when I walked into the room. They couldn’t believe that the same Brutus they watched on TV had come to visit them in their room. It really brightened their days.

I saw firsthand the impact Brutus could have on patients without even talking. I started to wonder, could I have that same impact without the suit? I began to think that becoming a doctor could be my opportunity.

I decided to apply to medical school so I could combine my desire to make an impact in the community with medicine. Being accepted at Ohio State allowed me to continue my outreach and education in the community I’ve grown to love and cherish.

The College of Medicine takes a holistic approach to medical education. As learners, we develop clinical skills early on while participating in simulations and research and performing community service.

The college’s Lead.Serve.Inspire. (LSI) curriculum makes the college’s program unique. You gain clinical practice and the chance to participate in patient care early on, way before you start clinical rotations in your third year. There are simulations, opportunities to conduct research and service-learning projects out in the community.

Faculty are another reason for my continued success. They’re very involved and caring. They email and ask me in person how I’m doing, how my studying is coming along or how I’m enjoying anatomy lab. They want to know about me as a person, and that makes it feel like we truly are a Buckeye family.

I know I made the right decision to study medicine at Ohio State. I’m honored to be able to share my Buckeye Spirit with so many in the community.

 

Where our students learn

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Ohio State University Hospital

Consistently recognized as one of America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, University Hospital is the flagship patient care facility of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. University Hospital is home to a Level I Trauma Center, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit and a groundbreaking Center for Neuromodulation. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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The James Cancer Hospital

 

As the third largest cancer hospital in the country, The James fully integrates scientific research with education and excellent patient-care. Designated a Comprehensive Caner Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), The James is one of only a few centers in the nation funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs sponsored by the NCI. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital

Top ranked in the nation for cardiology and heart surgery by U.S. News & World Report, the Ross Heart Hospital provides care for every type of heart or vascular disease. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital

Home to central Ohio’s top-ranked neurology/neurosurgery program, the Brain and Spine Hospital has specialized units for stroke care, neurotrauma and traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and spine surgery, epilepsy, chronic pain, acute rehabilitation and neurosurgery.

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State East Hospital

The Ohio State East Hospital blends academic medicine with a community-based setting in a comprehensive outpatient facility and 190-bed hospital on Columbus’ east side. Home to a Level III Trauma Center, East Hospital provides a full range of medical and surgical services to patients throughout central Ohio, including orthopedics, general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, ENT, cardiovascular and pulmonary care, urology, family medicine, general internal medicine and emergency medicine.

Located within 15 minute drive from medical campus. Shuttle service is also provided.

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Nationwide Children's Hospital

As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is where medical students are trained in pediatric care and is currently ranked No. 8 for best children's hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Located within 15 minute drive from medical campus. Shuttle service is also provided.

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Ohio State Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital

At Ohio State’s nationally ranked inpatient rehabilitation services at Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital, residents receive training in general and neurorehabilitation, neuromuscular medicine, electrodiagnostics and musculoskeletal ultrasound to helps individuals live their lives to the fullest after disabilities caused by trauma, illness, congenital deficits or disease. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

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Ohio State Harding Hospital

Ohio State Harding Hospital provides the most comprehensive behavioral health care services for adults, older adults, children and adolescents in central Ohio. 

Located walking distance on the medical campus.

Why choose The Ohio State University College of Medicine?

Why choose The Ohio State University College of Medicine?

MD Programs we offer

MD Programs we offer

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