Aliyah Bennett
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.
As a fourth-year medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, I’m getting ready to graduate and officially become a physician. During undergrad, I was lucky enough to be the university’s mascot, Brutus Buckeye, which allowed me to care for and serve this community in a very unique way. 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.
Being accepted into medical school at Ohio State allowed me to continue my outreach and impact through medicine in the community I’ve grown to love and cherish. Now that I’m heading into residency training, I feel so prepared after participating in an amazing holistic and team-based approach to medical education.
As Brutus, 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.
As an undergrad, I joined the cheer team and experienced the amazing energy of 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.
As learners training in state-of-the-art research facilities, we develop clinical skills early on while participating in simulations, research and service-learning projects out in our community. The college’s Lead.Serve.Inspire. 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.
I encourage medical students to keep an open mind as they enter medical school and go through their rotations. Being in Ob/Gyn and seeing live births is so different than reading and studying about them in a book. You have time to figure out what you’re interested in; the curriculum allows you to fully explore your options.
When I completed a month of rotation in the emergency department, the group was so welcoming. They mirrored the type of physician I want to become. I quickly learned you must be ready for anything that comes in the door. You have to value being able to care for anyone at any time, no matter what, and that’s what appealed to me most within this specialty.
Looking back, one of my most memorable experiences as a medical student was when I cared for a new mom. After talking with her and discussing her care plan, she looked at me and said, “You are going to be a great doctor.”
Recently I found out I matched into my number one choice in emergency medicine here at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I’m so glad the department feels as good about me as I do about them, and I can continue to serve the Buckeye community I’ve grown to love and care for so much.
I’ve known since a young age that my dream was to become a doctor. My decision to go to Ohio State has allowed me to turn my dreams into a reality.
As a first-year medical student, Jordan shares why he is pursuing medicine and why he made the right decision to attend Ohio State.
Where our students learn
Why choose The Ohio State University College of Medicine?
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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.
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Join an unsurpassed community of support Our students agree that what makes Ohio State great is the dedicated people who surround and support them.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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
Evans explains how Ohio State’s inclusive and collaborative learning environment is preparing him to treat the needs of diverse communities.
Ashley Hoblit, MD
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.