Alex Otto ’23

Growing up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, I always knew that I wanted to become a doctor. However, there was not an “ah-ha” moment when I determined medicine was my calling. For me, pre-medical student life was typical. I worked multiple jobs, conducted research, and tried to volunteer as much as I could. Yet towards the end of my undergraduate time, I found my connection to medicine had plateaued. I searched for something new to take my interest to the next level and finally found a job in a medical school simulation center. From day one in the simulation center, I was hooked on both the medicine and the opportunity that this field offers to be a life-long learner. Simulation allows medical professionals to learn outside of the traditional didactic setting and build upon hands-on skills and situational knowledge in lower-stress environments.

Medical simulation exposed me to what it truly means to be a physician. Physicians must be skilled and possess the ability to think on their feet. They also need to collaborate and work as a team to bring out the best qualities of those who practice medicine in parallel. Most importantly, physicians must demonstrate compassion and empathy when dealing with people. Osteopathic medicine’s holistic approach to healing inspires me. From working, shadowing, and volunteering in hospitals, I’ve learned that communication and building patient-physician relationships is something that needs to be practiced and studied. I chose UNE COM because I am confident this institution will equip me to become one of these well-rounded and socially aware physicians. Every day at UNE, my interest in medicine is elevated by my gifted peers and exceptional faculty.