Alumni Spotlight

Rose Chuong would not give up on her dreams of becoming a physician.  She ended up applying a total of three times but is now a medical student up at OHSU and on her way to doing great things as a physician! The first time Rose applied was in college between third and fourth year but reflects that, “I didn’t have much clinical experience, which was the main feedback I received”. Between graduating at UP in ’13 and starting medical school, Rose scribed with NACS (Northwest Acute Care Specialists) in various settings (mainly ED, some ICU and urgent care). After graduation, she also found volunteer opportunities in areas that she was passionate about (for example, she volunteered with Children’s Cancer Association because she was thinking of pursuing pediatrics and volunteered with Outside In because she wants to work with underserved populations).  Rose also continued to be involved with dance because she had started before high school and today it is still a huge hobby of hers.  Good luck Rose… continue dancing and doing great things!

1. How did your time at UP help you with your career choice, application, etc.?

I got lucky and immediately started getting involved in research after my first year of college. Drs. Urnezius, Hoffman and Brown were wonderful professors and mentors, they supported my dream of becoming a physician and pushed me to be a great applicant. I also checked in with the pre-med advisor for advice from time to time. UP’s philosophy that emphasized service and quality education definitely prepares their students to pursue graduate studies if desired.  

UP also has study abroad opportunities that I wished I took advantage of, there are so many courses that are not a part of the pre-med requirements that are interesting and was valuable to my education.   

2. What are your favorite memories of UP / any highlights?

My favorite memories of UP is doing service for the community, getting to know my peers because of the small class size and having close relationships with my professors!

3. What general advice would you give aspiring pre-health types?

I would focus on being a well-rounded applicant. There is a lot of emphasis on numbers, but schools are also looking for life experience as well as clinical experience.

Find a setting where you get a glimpse of being a physician is like (there is a lot of work that takes away from the patient-physician encounter). Ask providers what they love and dislike about their jobs.