“Now that I have worked so closely with the school’s administration, I know that I can have an impact on any organization where I work, and I will definitely continue to make noise to make change at every stage of my career going forward.”
The following is an interview from when Chloe was a student in the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University.
Chloe has an undergraduate Degree from the University of Pittsburgh, B.S.E. in Bioengineering.
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
When I started college studying engineering, I definitely did not think I would end up in medical school. I chose engineering because I loved math and science but wanted to be able to apply them practically instead of studying pure science. In my first year in college, though, I made friends who shared their negative experiences with healthcare, and I learned that many of my engineering colleagues planned to go on to study medicine. Once I realized that medical school was an option for me, I decided that I wanted to become the type of doctor that my friends had lacked. In particular, my queer, trans, and nonbinary friends had a lot of fear of seeing doctors and had struggled to find providers who understood their identities and healthcare needs. I’m still working to educate myself as the best gender-affirming, socially-conscious, culturally-humble doctor I can be.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
I do have a couple of doctors on one side of my family, but I had never considered medicine for myself while growing up. However, my family and the environment I grew up in did instill in me two ideas that encouraged me to study medicine: 1) The importance of caring deeply for others, and 2) The value of curiosity and constant growth. These core values are in no way specific to doctors or healthcare professionals, but without these, I definitely would not have chosen this path.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
When I interviewed at CCOM, I felt very welcomed and comfortable almost right away. Current students came to talk to the interviewees, answer our questions, and show their excitement about our presence. The interview itself was also very laid-back, and I was able to form a comfortable relationship with my interviewers right away. Even the other students being interviewed demonstrated no competitiveness or hostility. I had never felt so comfortable at an interview for anything, and when I got my acceptance letter, I was quick to accept.
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
Midwestern’s administration has given me ample opportunities to make my voice heard and make changes where I see the need. Working with other students, faculty, and staff to improve the University structure and student experience has been incredibly rewarding, despite the frustration involved. Now that I have worked so closely with the school’s administration, I know that I can have an impact on any organization where I work, and I will definitely continue to make noise to make change at every stage of my career going forward.
