Nicholas Dol '22Medicine
Name: Nicholas Dol (he/him/his)
Graduation Year: 2022
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Story: I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would be fulfilling, incorporate education and the life sciences, and allow me to create relationships with others. This ultimately led me to explore medicine. In addition, I attended Gustavus to gain not only a strong foundation in the sciences but also to create close relationships with my professors and continue to play the clarinet.
To solidify my interest in medicine, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Park Nicollet as an ambulatory surgery aide during the summer after my freshman year of college. I loved learning more about the nurses and their journey into medicine, how the clinic worked, and the interactions I had with patients. During my sophomore year, I was selected to participate in the Career Exploration J-term experience at Mankato Clinic. I shadowed a variety of specialties and departments (with my favorite specialty being dermatology!), and also learned more about health disparities through watching Escape Fire and reading “The Death Gap.” This sparked my passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to make a difference with underserved groups.
Although I wanted to apply directly from undergrad, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, I decided that studying for the MCAT, navigating through a difficult course schedule, and participating in activities would be overwhelming. As a result, I decided to take a gap year. I am grateful for my gap year opportunity as a medical assistant at Tareen Dermatology, as it has taught me valuable skills including presenting to a provider, navigating through a medical charting system, and hands-on patient care experience. I’ve also had the opportunity to make new, lifelong friends and enjoy time to myself before going back to a busy schedule. I highly encourage anyone to consider taking a gap year after college, as this allows for growth in character and maturity, and exposure to experiences that you may not have been able to pursue in college, but will be important for medical school.
My professors, mentors, and friends at Gustavus have prepared me exceptionally well for the rigors of medical school and beyond. I am extremely grateful for everyone who has been a part of my journey and look forward to a rewarding and exciting career.
Top Five Activities/Experience (in no particular order):
1. Playing the clarinet in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra
2. Pre-Health Career Exploration J-Term at the Mankato Clinic
3. Medical Assistant at Tareen Dermatology
4. Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry Department
5. Secretary for the Chemistry Club
Advice:
1. Getting into medical school is more than good grades and MCAT scores. Participate in experiences and activities that you are truly passionate about and show that you are dedicated to pursuing this rigorous and difficult journey, whether that is through volunteering, taking a gap year to participate in clinical experiences, research, or shadowing. Additionally, you should be well-rounded and participate in extracurriculars that are not related to medicine and can enjoy. However, don’t do things just to check a box off. For example, if you are not passionate about research, that is okay! I did not have formal research experience and medical schools recognize that it is not for everyone. It is important, though, to consider which medical schools highly value research, if you decide research is something you are not interested in.
2. Take classes you are interested in, not just the prerequisites for medical school and required courses for your major. I was able to take a variety of psychology classes (including HES 226: Exercise Psychology, which is a must-take with Dr. Hayley Russell!) and feel that I can apply what I’ve learned as a practicing physician. I also found that taking these psychology classes made my college experience so much more enjoyable.
3. Develop a work-life balance and be aware of what you can handle. This may require some trial and error. Create a four-year plan, a study schedule for intense days, and/or start your work early so you can attend office hours and feel comfortable with the course material by the time you have your exam. This will also allow you time at the end of the day to practice self-care. Although I found my work-life balance during the spring semester of junior year, I felt much happier and was doing well in my courses. If this is something you struggle with, use your resources! Make an appointment with your professors, the Academic Support Center, or Heather Banks. They are all happy to help and set you up for success.
Future Plans: I will attend the University of Minnesota Medical School at the Twin Cities campus, starting in August 2023. I hope to become a dermatologist and work at an academic hospital as a professor, training medical students, residents, and fellows, as well as teaching medical school courses.