

Liana Johnson
Physical Therapy Program, College of Health Sciences, Glendale, Class of 2025
I began to understand the need for public health-educated individuals in all disciplines, including healthcare, if we are to address the complex health problems that our communities face.


Tayler Ruppel
Physical Therapy Program, Downers Grove, Class of 2025
I am a first-generation college student for both undergraduate and graduate studies, and receiving a doctorate in physical therapy feels like such an accomplishment for both my family and me.
Chelsea Furnish, M.S.
Assistant Professor, College of Health Sciences, Glendale Campus, Cardiovascular Science Program
I hope students learn that the classroom education they receive can generate phenomenal care for their patients, but combining that with passion, empathy, and drive will create a life-changing experience for themselves and everyone they encounter in their careers.
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Anne Kiraly-Alvarez, O.T.D., OTR/L
Seeing our alumni make a difference in their communities, take on leadership roles, and influence the profession makes me proud to be an educator.
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Casi Hudak
Cardiovascular Science/Perfusion Program, College of Health Sciences, Glendale, Class of 2024
The more responsibility I was given throughout my career, from volunteer to nursing assistant to perfusion assistant, the more I wanted to keep discovering my passion and helping others.
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Johanna Richey, D.P.M.
Assistant Professor, Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine
We all have something unique to contribute, and it’s okay to live the life that you’ve imagined.
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Jessica Marevka
Clinical Psychology Program, Downers Grove, Class of 2024
While theater heavily influenced me to follow my interest in psychology, I quickly adapted the lens of wondering how the world around me would be different if mental illness was seen as equivalent to physical illness.
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Nikki Jacobus
Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine, Class of 2026
I love that Midwestern University focuses on learning how to work with others from fields within medicine different from our own.
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Firas Farran
College of Pharmacy Downers Grove, Class of 2023
I think MWU has offered me an unparalleled opportunity to grow as a healthcare professional. It has been a very rich learning experience inside and outside the classroom.
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Seth Turner
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health, Class of 2026
I want to carry enough humility to say, “I don’t know,” and the ability to communicate what I do know in terms that others will understand.
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Nadia Salifu
College of Pharmacy Downers Grove, Class of 2024
My extracurricular involvement and relationships I have built with my peers, professors, and preceptors has shown me the opportunities a career in pharmacy can give me are seemingly limitless.
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Valerie Voce
Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine/Master of Public Health Student, Class of 2023
My public health education has helped me look at patient situations from a different perspective.
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Krystal Martinez
College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Class of 2025
At Midwestern University, you are treated as an individual.
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Mariah Zeigler, D.V.M., M.P.H., DACVPM
While your own career journey will be unique, Midwestern University will give you the tools you need to be successful!
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Sydnie Taylor
College of Dental Medicine-Illinois Student, Class of 2026
Midwestern University has granted me the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to uphold an inviting and comprehensive patient experience.
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Celia Mimms, D.D.S.
Clinical Care Coordinator, College of Dental Medicine-Illinois
I strive for the light bulb moment with each student. Dentistry is a mixture of science, art, and engineering, and each student has a different learning curve.
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Eve Hoover, D.M.Sc., PA-C, DFAAPA
Never forget that spark and the driving factors that led you to this wonderful career.
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Sara Chehreh, College of Dental Medicine-Illinois Student, Class of 2023
I have been dedicated to pursuing a career in the dental field since I was in high school. After shadowing a few dentists, I was lucky enough to start working in an office.
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Daniel M. Provencher, M.S., PA-C, Associate Professor
Physician Assistant Program, College of Health Sciences
The most rewarding aspect of this job is being able to help our students succeed in the program and achieve their goals of becoming Physician Assistants (PAs).
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Meghan Morrissette
College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove, Physician Assistant Program, Class of 2024
My decision to attend Midwestern University was multi-faceted. I was initially drawn to Midwestern’s reputation for excellence in academics and dedication to service of the community.
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Froma Jacobson, M.Ed., OTR/L
Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences
I adopt the attitude that we are all learning together in a safe environment that supports questions, deeper thought, and conversation.
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Anja Goetten
College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove, Occupational Therapy Program, Class of 2024
I will continue to represent my role on the interdisciplinary team and collaborate with the professionals needed to provide best practice to my future clients.
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Sakari King
College of Health Sciences (Glendale), Occupational Therapy Program, Class of 2023
An occupational therapist came to my school during my undergraduate studies to talk about her career, and I was inspired by the amazing work and stories that she shared. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.
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Divya Sood, O.T.D., OTR/L
Occupational Therapy, College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove
I was inspired to pursue a career in the health field because I believe it is a rewarding and fulfilling area of work. Serving and caring for others has always been a passion of mine and I wanted to use my passions in my future career as an Occupational Therapist.
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Schea Fissel, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathology, College of Health Sciences
I am blessed to be able to work with not just the most incredible colleagues, but also the most amazing future colleagues (our student doctors). Each person that I interact with inspires me to become a better doctor and teacher.
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Tara Nomura
Arizona College of Optometry, Class of 2024
Growing up, I always had an interest in science courses, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with that. My optometrist suggested that I consider optometry as a career. I did some research and took a biopsychology course, where I learned more about the visual system. It was fascinating!
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Brant Sanderfoot
College of Health Sciences Occupational Therapy Program, Class of 2024
I was inspired to pursue a career in the health field because I believe it is a rewarding and fulfilling area of work. Serving and caring for others has always been a passion of mine and I wanted to use my passions in my future career as an Occupational Therapist.
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Suraj Upadhyaya, O.D., Ph.D., FAAO
Chicago College of Optometry (CCO)
Being an educator at Midwestern University is rewarding because, every day, you are imparting knowledge to students; making each student a little more knowledgeable and a little more confident and making them believe that they will be a competent optometrist is an amazing feeling.
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Matthew Roe, O.D.
Arizona College of Optometry
I am blessed to be able to work with not just the most incredible colleagues, but also the most amazing future colleagues (our student doctors). Each person that I interact with inspires me to become a better doctor and teacher.
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Jesus Peña Nunez
Arizona College of Optometry, Class of 2025
I had the opportunity to work with five different optometrists who have all been Midwestern graduates, and I was able to see the quality of education that the University provides because of the high standards that these doctors uphold.