Anna McGeeney '23Medicine

Name: Anna McGeeney 

Graduation Year: 2023

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

Story: I grew up in Rochester, MN surrounded by medicine, yet I was one of the only kids who didn’t have parents that worked at Mayo. Medicine still found its way into my life when my mom was diagnosed with terminal heart failure. It was the experiences I had growing up in and around hospitals that inspired me to become a physician and give back to the community that had served me and my family so faithfully over the years. I decided to attend Gustavus because of its liberal arts background where I would be encouraged to think critically and explore areas outside my degree. I also knew I wanted to be involved in music as I have been playing violin and piano since I was a toddler. I chose the BMB major mostly due to my indecisive nature, and I was unsure if I wanted to pursue bio or chem – so why not both? I chose to apply this cycle as I knew this was the path for me and I wanted to keep the ball rolling with my academic mindset! I loved my time at Gustavus and look forward to being an alumni come the end of May.

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)

1. Gustavus Symphony Orchestra

2. Hospice volunteering

3. Language Buddies

4. SDPi Spanish Honors Society

5. Proteins, the BMB capstone course

Advice:

1. Start applying early in the cycle! Make sure you pre-write everything you can and understand that this process will take a lot of time and energy, but it is so worth it.

2. Use campus resources! Get help from Heather Banks or anyone else in the career office. Their advice is super valuable. Also reach out to mentors and alumni, or seek some out! They will be more than happy to help you out.

3. Take time for yourself. Enjoy the outdoors, take a class outside your major that interests you, find a unique hobby, do something that makes you feel happy! I am so glad I had music to get me through some stressful times, and I hope you find an outlet that works just as well for you.

Future Plans: Attending University of Minnesota Medical School – Twin Cities, starting Fall 2023.