Jasmine Rudolph: A journey to osteopathic medicine

While my journey has not been a traditional one, I have always had a goal of becoming a physician. I remember writing my Young Authors book at age nine. It was a third grade assignment in which I wrote and illustrated an entire book introducing myself as Dr. Rudolph!

My mom often reminds me of how at the age of six I used to watch television programs showcasing various medical operations - no "Sesame Street" for me. I guess you could say that I have always been infatuated by medicine. A career in the medical field was inevitable for me. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. This is how I became a Spartan.

Prior to attending MSU, I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Oakland University and a Master of Science in biomedical sciences at Midwestern University.

I worked as a pediatric critical care nurse for six years at The Children's Hospital of Michigan. Working with children has been a passion of mine for many years. It is my belief that lasting change in our society ultimately comes through them.

During my high school and undergraduate careers, I worked with organizations to help provide children in underserved communities with opportunities to succeed. The years spent working with these groups has guided my attraction towards a future in pediatric medicine.

Highlights of my nursing career included time spent studying health care systems in Padova, Italy, and completing domestic travel nursing assignments. While this was wonderful for experiencing nursing and health care practices abroad, it confirmed for me that people in general all have a common desire - to receive good care.

My tenure as a health care provider taught me the importance of building relationships with patients and other community members. I gained exposure to many of the factors plaguing our society and the health care industry.

Being a member of various organizations has afforded me the privilege of participating in activities that allow me to see the different aspects of the medical field I hope to significantly impact. I can truly say that I have learned to embrace my passion for medicine.

Medical school is hard work and takes a great deal of dedication and discipline. I am enjoying the journey at MSU and meeting great friends along the way. It is awesome to be a part of such a genuine group of people who have a vested interest in helping to bring out the best in you.

The MSU Detroit Medical Center site is a great location for me and has contributed greatly to my ability to easily access my support systems while in school. I am thankful for everything I'm learning in my program and excited about where it will take me in the future.

While I am interested in experiencing work as a missionary doctor, my ultimate goal is to work with local underprivileged communities. "Knowledge is power," and I'd love to empower others with information and skills to help them manage their health.