College Bound Podcast Summary: "Post-ND: The Neuroscience Major and Medical School"

Episode Release Date: February 2, 2023
Podcast Title: College Bound
Host: Nicole Campbell
Guest: Lauren Michaels, Notre Dame Class of 2020, Neuroscience Major

Introduction

In the latest episode of College Bound, host Nicole Campbell welcomes alumni Lauren Michaels to discuss her journey from the University of Notre Dame to her current role in podiatric medicine. This episode provides valuable insights for students considering a career in medicine, particularly those majoring in neuroscience.

Lauren’s Notre Dame Background

Lauren Michaels begins by introducing herself, highlighting her roots and academic path at Notre Dame.

• Hometown & Residence: Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Lauren resided in McGlynn dormitory throughout her four years at Notre Dame.
• Academic Journey: She initially pursued a double major in Psychology and Pre-Professional Studies before switching to the Neuroscience and Behavior major in her sophomore year.
• Current Position: Lauren is now based in Chicago, serving as a first-year resident in podiatric medicine surgery at a hospital in the Chicagoland area.

Quote:
[00:49] “I started out as psychology and pre professional and then the neuroscience and behavior major first founded when I believe I was a sophomore.”

Transition to Podiatric Medicine

Lauren shares how her time at Notre Dame shaped her career path towards podiatric medicine.

• Advisor Influence: A pre-professional advisor introduced her to podiatry, sparking her interest in the field.
• Shadowing & Networking: She gained practical experience by shadowing local podiatrists in South Bend and leveraged alumni connections to navigate her career path.
• Academic Preparation: Notre Dame's rigorous academic environment prepared her for the demands of a Master's program and medical school.

Quote:
[01:33] “It was actually one of my pre professional advisors at Notre Dame who first introduced me to the field of podiatry.”

The Role of a Gap Year

The discussion delves into the decision to take a gap year before med school, a topic pertinent to many aspiring medical students.

• Personal Decision: Lauren opted for a one-year gap year to complete a Master's degree, which she found beneficial in preparing for med school.
• Common Practice: Many of her peers also took gap years to gain additional experience, enhance their resumes, or further their academic training.
• Career Clarity: The gap year allowed Lauren to explore and confirm her interest in podiatry, balancing her passion for fitness and medicine.

Quote:
[02:52] “A gap year was a nice way to kind of fill the time and figure out what I wanted to do and get all those applications in.”

Pre-Med Advising at Notre Dame

Lauren discusses the pivotal role of Notre Dame's pre-med advising in her academic and professional journey.

• Advisor Support: Her pre-med advisors provided critical guidance, including introducing her to podiatry and assisting with application strategies.
• Application Assistance: Advisors helped review applications, track GPA and MCAT progress, and recommend extracurricular activities to strengthen her med school application.
• Continued Support: Even after graduation, the advising team remains a valuable resource, though Lauren personally has had limited contact post-graduation.

Quote:
[05:19] “They have such an amazing track record of sending Notre Dame students to med school. So it's a really, really great resource to have.”

Neuroscience Major’s Impact

Lauren elaborates on how her neuroscience major at Notre Dame equipped her for her medical career.

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The major included a blend of human ethology, anthropology, psychology, and rigorous sciences, fostering a strong foundation in evidence-based approaches.
• Research Orientation: The data-driven nature of her courses developed her critical thinking and research skills, essential for a career in medicine.
• Interdisciplinary Connections: Understanding neurological functions and human behavior has been invaluable in her medical practice, particularly in patient interactions and biomechanical assessments.

Quote:
[06:46] “Any type of medical professional has to be familiar with how people function, how people's brains work, how, you know, what motivates people.”

Alumni Network and Connections

The strength of Notre Dame’s alumni network plays a significant role in Lauren’s professional life.

• National Presence: Notre Dame alumni are prominent across various fields nationally, providing a robust support system regardless of location.
• Local Connections: In Chicago, Lauren has connected with fellow alumni, enhancing her professional network and creating opportunities for collaboration and support.
• Community Strength: The ongoing camaraderie among Notre Dame graduates fosters a sense of belonging and mutual assistance in navigating career challenges.

Quote:
[09:17] “The Notre Dame community is just so strong, and I think that's clear to anyone who's a part of it. So it's really just invaluable to be a part of such a special community.”

Advice for Prospective Neuroscience Majors

Lauren offers guidance to students aspiring to major in neuroscience at Notre Dame.

• Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Embrace the exploratory nature of the major, allowing time to discover various interests within the field.
• Leverage Resources: Engage with professors, upperclassmen, and peers to gain diverse perspectives and insights into the major.
• Fully Experience College Life: Take advantage of the opportunities Notre Dame offers to enrich both academic and personal growth.

Quote:
[11:05] “Stay curious. Stay open minded. One great thing about Notre Dame is it's not mandatory to decide definitively what you want to do from the get go.”

Advice for Current Students Applying to Med School

Lauren shares strategic advice for students in the midst of their medical school applications.

• Utilize Connections: Reach out to upperclassmen and recent graduates who can provide firsthand advice and mentorship.
• Maintain Academic Excellence: Focus on keeping a strong GPA and preparing diligently for the MCAT.
• Persist Despite Challenges: Emphasize resilience and determination, encouraging students to pursue their medical aspirations regardless of obstacles.

Quote:
[12:15] “If your dream is to be a doctor, don't let anybody tell you that you can't, because it really just comes down to how hardworking you are and how far you want to go to make that dream a reality.”

Final Thoughts

In her concluding remarks, Lauren emphasizes the enduring value of a Notre Dame education and community.

• Recommendation: Strongly advocates for Notre Dame to prospective students, highlighting the transformative experience it offers.
• Enjoy the Journey: Encourages current students to fully embrace their time at Notre Dame, reflecting on the swift passage of college years.
• Open to Assistance: Lauren remains willing to support and answer questions from current and prospective students, demonstrating her ongoing connection to the Notre Dame community.

Quote:
[13:40] “If anybody has any questions or wants to reach out, I'm happy to talk further with anybody if they have any questions.”

Conclusion

This episode of College Bound offers a comprehensive look into the post-graduate life of a Notre Dame neuroscience major pursuing podiatric medicine. Lauren Michaels’ experiences underscore the importance of academic preparation, strategic advising, and a strong alumni network in achieving professional goals. Her insights serve as a valuable guide for current and aspiring students navigating the path to medical school and beyond.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.