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

Amanda Martinez

Finding my home away from home within Ohio State’s medical community.

Medical student Amanda MartinezAt a very young age I chose to pursue medicine. I grew up in a family of immigrants in south Florida. My sister was diagnosed with amblyopia, or lazy eye. Our after-school activities involved going to her doctors’ visits and treatments at the pediatric ophthalmology clinic, where they used all of these high-tech tools and equipment. I was so intrigued. Then in high school and college, I participated in eye dissections and cataract surgery.

The Ohio State Buckeyes winning the 2014 national championship football game put Ohio on the map for me. I wanted the big-school, collegiate experience. I applied and was accepted, but ultimately decided to stay in Florida for undergrad while pursuing my degree and research in genetics at the University of Florida. When I started looking at medical schools, I wanted a program where I would gain experience treating common diseases while also working with patients with rare diseases. I knew Ohio State would provide the best and most comprehensive training available because of its size and having seven health science colleges on one campus. 

Another factor that helped me decide to come to Ohio State is that after your first year of education, you can apply to gain in-state residency for tuition, which is a huge financial benefit for medical students.

I moved to Columbus in July 2020 at the peak of the pandemic. Meeting my classmates, many of whom also came from out of state, helped me adjust. I’ve been able to find my fellow Latinas and get to know so many others from different backgrounds.

I’m involved with La Clinica Latina, a Spanish-speaking medical clinic that is free to those in need. I serve as the scheduling director and a patient-facing volunteer. The clinic provides medical care to the Hispanic population of all different backgrounds, and my interactions at the clinic help me stay connected to my community while serving patients who come from similar backgrounds as I.

The faculty, staff and leadership truly care about students here. They have an open-door policy so if I need to talk to someone, I can stop in to say hello or to pose more serious academic and personal questions. They want students to succeed, but also to feel cared for and have the support and access to the research and resources we need to get through medical school.

I know I made the right decision to come to Ohio State. When I moved from Florida, I found this wonderful community — a community that supports and encourages me to challenge myself and go after my dream to help patients with eye disease retain their vision.

Where our students learn

Arial view Ohio State University Hospital

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.

Worms-eye view of the James Cancer Hospital

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.

Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital

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.

Ohio State Brain and Spine Hospital

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.

Ohio State East Hospital

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.

Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio

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 #6 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.

Ohio State Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital

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.

Harding-Hospital_Slider

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.

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