“Gusties Get More” is a continuing series of profiles examining the many paths Gustavus alums have taken since graduation.
Q: Gustavus graduation year/hometown/current location/profession
- 2017
- Rochester, MN
- Currently live in Saginaw, MI
- OBGYN Resident
Q: How did you choose your major(s)?
- I knew I wanted to go into medicine and naturally gravitated toward the sciences. I enjoyed and was challenged by the biological sciences the most, so I picked Biology as my major.
- Gustavus is a great place to expand your interests in other areas as well; this is the best part about the liberal arts. I took many classes outside of my major, ranging from Pre-Modern East Asian Studies with Dr. David Obermiller, to Modern Dance with Michelle Rusinko (I was so sorry to hear about her recent passing), to medical ethics with Dr. Mary Gaebler. I also minored in Classics, just for fun!
Q: How has your major(s) influenced/assisted your career so far?
- I followed through with my aspiration to go into medicine. I graduated from the A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic medicine in Arizona in 2023 and have started my residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Central Michigan University in Saginaw.
Q: How did Gustavus (and the liberal arts) prepare you to “make your life count” and get where you want to go, personally and professionally?
- The liberal arts provide a unique and invaluable way to think critically, develop a passion to be a lifelong learner, and see things from multiple perspectives. These are traits that are essential to becoming a good physician. I have always wanted to serve the underserved, and by working as an obstetrician in the Great Lakes Bay Region, I am able to provide for my community. This is how I “make my life count.”
Q: Was there anyone specific at Gustavus, in or out of the classroom, who influenced you?
- I had many role models at Gustavus
- Strong leaders such as President Bergman and Dean JoNes Van Hecke, Barb Larson Taylor
- Passionate professors such as David Obermiller, Martin Lang, Margaret Bloch Qazi, Cindy Johnson, Michele Ruskinko, Lisa Heldke, Josh Brown, Peg O’Connor, Mary Gaebler, Mike Ferragamo, Chuck Nederiter, and many, many more.
- Some of the people we do not always think about that really shape the Gustavus experience are our staff: people in the Caf who are willing to help with specific dietary limitations, custodial staff who always have a warm smile and a friendly ‘hello’ to share, and the numerous hugs, high-fives, and cheers we got from our fellow students/peers.
Q: What jobs did you have after graduation but before this one?
- I was a Gustavus Admission Counselor, which was a great way for me to give back to the place that really shaped who I am today!
- I also worked part time as a nursing aide at a senior assisted-living facility.
Q: Where do you see your career progressing from here?
- I will be in residency for four years, graduating in 2027. After that, I hope to continue to practice medicine as a licensed OBGYN.
Q: Is there anything you miss or remember fondly about Gustavus?
- I miss everything about Gustavus. It was definitely some of the best four years of my life. I miss my friends and my mentors the most.