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

Selena Taha

The supportive role of physicians fuels my passion for primary care.

Medical student Selena Taha with a patient

I’m a medical student at The Ohio State University College of Medicine in the three-year primary track program. I knew I wanted to be a physician from the age of six. I remember going to the library with my dad and opening a pop-up book that revealed the inner workings of veins and arteries throughout the body. I instantly wanted to understand what was happening in the illustration. My dad told me that doctors specialized in understanding what goes on in the body and how to fix things when they go wrong. I was hooked.

Throughout my childhood, my mom endured chronic health issues. I saw the dedication and care she received from health care professionals, especially doctors. This taught me that doctors provide more than just a diagnosis — they also provide comfort.

Doctors aren’t just people who give a diagnosis or medication. They stand by you and provide emotional and mental support. These experiences solidified my commitment to pursue medicine so I could offer that level of care to patients in need.

During my undergraduate studies, I volunteered at a free health care clinic in my hometown. It was really eye-opening to see the disparities in access to health care in my own community. It made me realize that a person’s socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion or culture shouldn’t hinder access to good health care.

I experienced another amazing thing at the clinic. I saw firsthand how physicians would take the time to deeply connect with patients, and how these connections could lead to better health outcomes.

My formal medical training at Ohio State has been built on a foundation of science, relationship building and skills building. The innovative curriculum is designed to empower students to envision the difference we can make in patients’ lives. This makes me want to work even harder.

Early in my first year and a half, I began learning about various body system disorders and began to see patients with these disorders in clinical practice. The chance to see real patients so early in my medical training reinforces the foundational concepts we learn in lecture, while integrating procedure-based training, history taking and physician examination.

We’ve been taught to think critically. We learn critical thinking skills so we can pose scientific-based questions during classroom and clinical experiences. This is developing my ability to speak up and advocate for patients within the very complex medical system.

Medical students completing the three-year primary track program have the opportunity to continue into Ohio State’s Family and Community Medicine residency program. This relationship gives us the opportunity to work closely with family medicine physicians and residents all three years. I’m learning from real-world situations, and I have the support of my program directors, professors and advisor, who all truly understand primary care and family medicine. The Ohio State College of Medicine is ranked as the best medical school for primary care in the state of Ohio!

I made the right decision coming to Ohio State because not only am I granted the opportunity to become a family doctor even earlier, but I’m provided with such a supportive and encouraging environment and have made really great friends. I’m just so happy to be a Buckeye.

 

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 #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.

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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

Read other Ohio State MD student stories