Amelia Wernsing '23Medicine

Name: Amelia Wernsing 

Graduation Year: 2023

Major: Biology, with minors in Studio Art and Classics

Story: When I came to Gustavus, I knew that I enjoyed science and math.
While taking classes in these subjects, I eventually decided that I wanted to pursue a
career in healthcare because I found myself fascinated by material that related to
the human body and health. However, I wasn’t sure exactly what path would be
best for me. I decided to major in Biology because I would be able to finish
prerequisites for both dental and medical school while taking classes I enjoyed.
After shadowing both dentists and physicians, I ultimately decided that my skills
and interests aligned best with the physician’s path.

After deciding to apply to medical school, I got my Certified Nursing Assistant
certification to gain more experience in the healthcare field, and also pursued
research in the biology department for a few summers. I took the MCAT in January
of my junior year, and began the AMCAS process that summer.

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Working at the Forensic Nursing Home as a CNA

2. Research in the biology department, including presenting in Chicago at the
Midstates Symposium

3. Volunteering in my community as a tutor and at my church in the summer

4. Tri Beta biology honors society, serving as secretary in my senior year

5. Being a Collegiate Fellow for three years, it gave me a lot of leadership and
problem solving experience that was extremely useful during interviewing
and applying for medical school.

Advice:
1. I would encourage others to get a job in the healthcare field, in any capacity,
to try and get a feel for the position. Shadowing is great, but getting your
hands dirty is a valuable experience.

2. Going off of number 1, shadowing was one of the most influential experiences
I had that cemented my decision. I participated in the J-Term Pre-Health
Shadowing program and it was very informative.

3. Finally, it can be easy to compare your journey to others, and it can make you
feel like you’re behind. Resist the urge to criticize yourself, and instead put a
positive spin on it. Use other people’s experiences to get ideas for things you
may be interested in pursuing, don’t focus on all the things you haven’t done
yet. Take some time for yourself, and maintain your relationships with
friends and family because they will help you through the difficult
application process.

Future Plans:
I will be attending Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska
starting in July 2023!