Attending a career-related workshop or seminar: (2-3 points)

 

Visiting PCOM offered one of the most immersive looks I’ve had into what medical training truly involves. Touring the campus, exploring the simulation labs, and stepping into the cadaver lab made the path to becoming a physician feel tangible. But the most impactful moment was the student panel. Every speaker had an untraditional journey with one student even came from foster care, struggled academically, and is now thriving with a 3.9 in medical school! Their transparency added layers of meaning to the experience as I often find myself feeling behind or not quite meeting the mark at such an amazing institution. This panel strengthened my Historical Consciousness, helping me see how personal histories shape who enters medicine and why they persevere. Hearing their stories prompted deep Epistemic Humility with reinforced recognition that there is no single, linear path into the medical field. It also encouraged Civic Orientation, revealing how osteopathic medicine often draws individuals committed to serving communities similar to the ones they come from and fosters the ideology to treat the whole patient instead of just the symptom. The trip ultimately renewed my motivation and grounded me, reminding me to stay focused but flexible on my journey toward medicine.

- Giavonni Whitener