Jennifer Osmanski Macpherson `00
B.S. Biology
Resident physician at Strong Memorial Hospital, University of
Rochester
2004 graduate of the Penn State College of Medicine
"Anatomy, physiology, and science in general were interesting to me even when I was very young. As I grew older I realized that through medicine I would be able to help people while working in an area that fascinated me. I knew that I wanted to become a physician even before beginning college, so grad school was always in the cards for me.
One of the exciting aspects of being a medical student is that your 'typical day' changes every two to four weeks. When I was in an elective with the pulmonary medicine team, I would see my assigned patients beginning at 6 a.m., and then attend morning reports with the residents. Next I met up with the rest of the team and the attending physician to go on rounds. We discussed each patient's condition, talked with the patient, and discussed the plan of action at that point. Then it was off to noon conference, which was usually either a case presentation or informative lecture. The afternoon consisted of completing work that needed to be done for current patients, along with new consultations. The team regrouped in the late afternoon to tie up loose ends before calling it a day.
My education at Behrend was outstanding. I was attracted to Behrend in part because of its high faculty-to-student ratio. The faculty members got to know me and were interested in what my goals were and how they could help me get there, especially Dr. Larry Eckroat, my advisor. Even in my largest introductory classes the faculty members were very approachable and willing to answer questions either right then and there or by scheduling another time to meet. These characteristics describe not only the faculty in the School of Science, but most of the faculty members whose classes I attended. I knew that at a larger university, I would likely have been 'just a number' and would have had minimal one-on-one contact with my faculty.
Another aspect of Behrend that helped me achieve my goals was the Greek system. I had heard the stereotypes and was not interested in joining a sorority, but luckily I had a freshman roommate who convinced me to attend an information night with her. My experience in my sorority was amazing. I became the constitution chairperson, the pledge sister educator, and then chapter president. My involvement with the organization helped me to learn how to interact with people of all types of personalities, from various backgrounds, and with different intellectual and social interests. I think the experience was invaluable, and I appreciate that Behrend was able to provide me with that opportunity."