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College can leave a lasting impression on students as they come and go, but the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh starts with first impressions, quality advising and top-notch faculty interaction.

Alumnus Aaron Robinson ‘12, of Winneconne, studied biology with a healthcare emphasis and a minor in chemistry at UW Oshkosh and went straight to medical school after graduation. He currently attends the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to earn his doctorate.

“I knew I wanted to be a doctor since I was really little,” Robinson said. “I pursued other interests, but something drew me back to wanting to work with people and sciences.”

Robinson was drawn to UWO by the balance it had compared to bigger universities in the state, and he got to know an adviser and the University before he attended.

“It still had a community-like sense to it, and I liked the balance of that,” Robinson said.

After his acceptance to UW Oshkosh, Robinson met biology professor Dana Merriman and developed a relationship with her by working in her labs. Since Merriman specializes in neuroscience, the students researched ground squirrels to learn about how their eyes adapt to different settings.

 

With research, Robinson gained interest in neuroscience and applied that to his future goal of attending medical school. He joined clubs tailored to biology, the Pre-Health Professionals Organization and started the Pre-Medicine Society. Through the society, Robinson stays connected to other alumni and current students.

“Attending medical school was a lifelong goal, and for me, it seemed right with my love for learning,” Robinson said.

He also said UWO is a great school for pre-med work as professors take time to meet with students to learn more about them, as well as applying rigorous coursework in preparation for what’s beyond their undergraduate career.

Robinson worked closely with Merriman not only with research, but also with advising. He explained that with the help of professors, he had courses that helped him with his applications for medical school.

“Merriman was hands-down the best I ever had for advising,” Robinson said. “I had stellar advising, solid coursework and professors.”

Now going into his fourth year of medical school, Robinson is taking a break to earn his master’s degree in public health. Right after graduation, he hit the ground running by applying and being admitted to medical school.

“It’s been quite a ride and the coursework is ridiculous compared to what undergraduate life was like,” Robinson said. He added that medical school has made him a more humble and mature person.

After his expected graduation in 2017, Robinson hopes to work in the broad field of emergency medicine since it balances his love for clinical work and research. He wouldn’t have the drive to get there if it weren’t for UW Oshosh and having set solid long-term goals.

“You have to be proactive for any health profession field,” Robinson said. “Ask appropriate questions and do your research, and be active in getting into stuff early.”

Robinson recommends students who are in pre-health to not give up, although it may seem impossible at times. He said a huge number of his classmates are second and third-time applicants, “so don’t give up.”

He said incoming freshmen should figure out if healthcare is what they want to do as a profession by exposing themselves to different opportunities in the Fox Valley, such as volunteering.

“Any field in healthcare is difficult, so volunteering would be good to get exposed to learn if that’s what you want to do with the rest of your life,” Robinson said.

As Robinson continues his healthcare journey with his master’s program in the fall and his graduation from medical school in 2017, he remembers the drive and passion he has put forth into the profession.

“It’s been quite a ride,” Robinson said. “You get out what you put into it. The effort needs to be there because it’s not just some magical switch.”

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