Chris Leonard '08

Name: Chris Leonard

Graduating Class: 2008

Major: Chemistry

I chose Gustavus because I admired its commitment to excellence in the sciences. I absolutely loved the faculty that I met here during my visit, and consider myself incredibly lucky to have studied under them for four years. The Nobel Conference is truly unique tradition, and speaks to the strength and esteem of the science programs at GAC.

In addition, the liberal arts curriculum at GAC prepare me to be the sort of well-rounded individual that allowed medical schools to decide I was well prepared for medical education.

My interest in pre-medicine started when I was 8-9 years old. My grandma moved in with my family around that age for medical reasons, and it marked the time when my life as a caretaker began. I had a budding interest in the sciences around this time as well.

My most influential experience at Gustavus confirming pre-medicine path was being told that there is so much to explore beyond medicine. I took it to heart, and undertook a thorough exploration of health care professions both while at GAC and for a few years after. It helped me affirm that medicine is what I really wanted to do, but also helped me explore some amazing alternatives.

My Class Schedule (click to view PDF)

Advice:
Go into your pre-med studies with an open mind! You will be told the stats on how many pre-meds end up going into medicine-- don’t let it scare you. A lot of people decide to embark on other opportunities because they found something they loved more than medicine, not because they failed somehow. Enjoy your classes and activities, enjoy continuing to explore the profession, but explore things outside of medicine too (scientific research, allied health professions, teaching, etc). I’m convinced you can’t know definitively what you want to do with your life until you’ve taken a good look around!

Future Plans:
I started medical school at the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities in August of 2012. I’m currently figuring out how best to balance the immense class load and my many interests which include music, running, and spending time with my wife. Later this year, I hope to engage in some service learning opportunities with my classmates, and join some medical interest groups (pediatrics, outdoors, community health, for some examples).

Updated 11/5/2012 JMV