PreHealth Spotlight: Kathryn Nutting

Class year: 2015
Major: Public Health

Getting involved in an organization you are enthusiastic about is vital. You will be able to discuss your experience when interviewing for medical school with enthusiasm.

Vitals

• Entering class of 2016 at University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
• Currently taking a gap year working as a nursing assistant at UMass Medical Center
• While at UMass Amherst, majored in public health, minored in biochemistry, served as the president of Protect Our Breasts, volunteered at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and worked as a nursing assistant

I entered UMass Amherst planning to major in biochemistry, but during my first year I learned about public health and fell in love with the field. I always knew I was fascinated by medicine, but my time at UMass Amherst studying public health developed my passion for healthcare in a broader context.
 
As a freshman I studied liver development through a CNS program introducing research to first-semester students. In my junior year I did community-based research, joining a nutrition lab investigating older adults’ access to healthy nutritious foods. It was nerve-wracking to switch research projects, but I was grateful for the diverse experiences at UMass Amherst, creating an opportunity to help me sort out what I was actually interested in. Undergraduate years allow time to explore; don’t be afraid to switch things up.
 
I volunteered in the surgical recovery unit at Cooley Dickenson Hospital and attained a nursing certificate to gain direct clinical experience and work closely with healthcare providers. Access to hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and homebound clients facilitated a deep appreciation for patients and my desire to become an excellent physician. Listening to patients and working closely with nurses has taught me a tremendous amount about providing healthcare.
 
I tried several RSOs but didn’t find my real passion until joining Protect Our Breasts in my junior year. I became president of the organization and helped the club become an RSO. The club’s commitment to prevention aligned with how I hope to approach healthcare. Although I recommend becoming involved before your junior year, getting involved in an organization you are enthusiastic about is vital. You will be able to discuss your experience when interviewing for medical school with enthusiasm; I could genuinely talk about everything on my resume with passion.
 
The MCAT can feel daunting and overwhelming. You may not know everything on the exam but you know enough to do well; you have already learned what you need to know.
 
I can’t quite remember what prompted me to add Pritzker to my list of applications, but it was the best decision I’ve made. I love their small class size, commitment to community, and early integration of clinical time into pre-clinical years. They also schedule in time for students to do research and encourage interdisciplinary work. I am thrilled to be moving to Chicago in August starting the next chapter of becoming a physician!

Published March 2016