Aliyah Bennett
Medical Scientist Training Program: Through Ohio State’s MD/PhD program, Aliyah combines her passions for medicine and research as she develops new treatments for chronic pain.
Jordan Lukens
Serving as Ohio State’s iconic mascot, "Brutus" influenced my decision to pursue medicine.
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
Why choose The Ohio State University College of Medicine?
-
Highly ranked top-tier education Ohio State students are consistently prepared for Step exams and match in some of the most prestigious residency programs across the nation.
-
Join an unsurpassed community of support Our students agree that what makes Ohio State great is the dedicated people who surround and support them.
-
Out-of-state friendly About half of our incoming classes are out-of-state students who have the opportunity to gain in-state residency after their first year.
-
We are diverse by design Our commitment to diversity and inclusion can be seen every day in the collaboration between students, faculty and staff on our campus.
-
Experience the vibrant city of Columbus Whatever your lifestyle — a warm and welcoming academic community, a picturesque campus or a vibrant city — it’s all within reach.
MD Programs we offer
Read other Ohio State MD student stories
Amanda Martinez
Traditional MD Program: As an out-of-state student, Amanda found her home away from home and is establishing in-state residency after her first year.
Selena Taha
Three-Year Primary Care Track: Medical student Selena shares why she chose Ohio State’s three-year primary care program as it is uniquely positioned to prepare students to enter the field of family medicine.
Evans Osuji
Traditional MD Program: Evans explains how Ohio State’s inclusive and collaborative learning environment is preparing him to treat the needs of diverse communities.
Ashley Hoblit, MD
Community Medicine MD Track: Providing accessible care in rural communities drives Dr. Hoblit's passion for practicing family and community medicine. Learn more about Ohio State's Community Medicine MD Track.