Dan Coquyt '14

Dan Coquyt '14

Name: Dan Coquyt                                              

Graduating Class: Class of 2014

Major: Biology major, Studio Art minor

Your Story:

I came to Gustavus with interests in both the sciences and the visual arts. During my four years on campus I took classes in both areas and found that including time to be creative was a good break from my science classes. It was fun, and a great stress relief. I always had an interest in a career in the medical field, but it wasn't until my sophomore year that I decided to pursue medical school. 

During my J-Term of my second year I completed a January Interim Career Exploration at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. The experience allowed me to shadow physicians, PA's, and other healthcare staff in a variety of specialties and ask questions related to a career in healthcare. The experience confirmed in my mind that I wanted to attend medical school after graduation. During my senior year at Gustavus I served a as a Peer Mentor for the biology and chemistry departments on campus, and was a member of Gustavus Youth Outreach. 

After graduation I pursued a position as a medical scribe with Emergency Care Consultants (ECC) while I worked on my applications to medical schools. I am currently working part time as a medical scribe, and part time with Delta Air Lines in order to pursue my travel passion. I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family and relaxing on the lake this summer before starting school in August!

 

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

  1. Pre-Health January Interim Career Exploration at Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato
  2. Medical Scribe, Emergency Care Consultants
  3. Gustavus Youth Outreach
  4. Intramural Sports
  5. Sports Photography - Gustavus Sports Information Department

 

Advice:

  1. Shadow! I learned a lot from shadowing physicians and asking questions, and it gave me a lot of motivation to pursue a career in healthcare and attend medical school myself. 
  2. Get involved and don't be afraid to jump into new activities. Whether it is a new organization on campus or simply trying a new intramural sport, just go give it a try. I met many great friends and learned a lot simply through joining groups on campus that I was initially a little nervous to join.
  3. Enjoy your time at Gustavus! Life is all about the balance. Work hard, but also make sure to spend lots of time with friends and have some fun along the way. Four years at Gustavus flies by!

 

Future Plans:  Attending the University of Minnesota Duluth Medical School, start Fall 2016.

                                                                                                                                                         Updated: 5/17/2016  HB