Katie Eslinger '13

Katie Photo

Name: Katie Eslinger

Graduating Class: 2013

Major: Biology

 

Your Story:

My name is Katie Eslinger. I grew up in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In high school, I knew I wanted to go somewhere with good athletics and a good science program. I chose Gustavus because it was close to home and was a small, close-knit community. I also knew I would be able to be on the Gustavus Women’s Soccer team. In addition, I was excited to be involved in a variety of things at GAC. Although I did not exactly know what my major would be, I did know that I could find something interesting at GAC.

My interest in pre-medicine started in high school when I was in and out of the doctor’s office because of various athletic injuries. Right before my senior year of high school, I tore my ACL and I met several doctors, a surgeon, and a physical therapist throughout my recovery. My interactions with these health professionals made me determined to go into medicine.

My most influential experience at Gustavus was during my sophomore year January Interim. I was one of the individuals who was selected to participate in the January Term at the Mankato Clinic. I spent the month shadowing doctors in a wide variety of fields of medicine. I got to see many different aspects of health care and it helped encourage me to stay on the path of becoming a doctor.

 

My Class Schedule (click to view PDF)

 

Top Five Activities/Experiences:

  • Women’s Gustavus Soccer
  • January Interim course to Peru
  • January Interim Pre-Health Career Exploration @ the Mankato Clinic
  • Habitat for Humanity trip to Biloxi, MS
  • Volunteering at Mayo Mankato Hospital and U of M, Amplatz Children’s Hospital

 

Advice:

My biggest tip is to get experience in a medical setting where you can see up close what doctors do all day. This could be volunteering, shadowing, an internship, working, etc. Also, while in these types of setting I think it is important to ask questions and get to know the people that have gone through medical school so that they can shed some light on the entire process. Lastly, I think it is essential that during college you explore all your interests and make sure that you are very passionate about going into medicine before you head down that long road.

 

Future Plans:

I will be taking a year off after graduation to earn some extra money and hopefully work as a scribe and CNA. I will be applying to medical school/PA school and hoping to start in the fall of 2014.

Attending Bethel PA program, starting Fall 2014!

 

 

Updated 7/3/2014 HB