Meet Caitlin Nicolai
Caitlin is a first-year Osteopathic Medicine and Precision Medicine dual-degree student on the Downers Grove, IL campus. A first-generation medical student, Caitlin wants to take a leadership role in providing personalized healthcare to her patients.
"I'm not only able to see where medicine is heading, but I get to be a leader in my field and help make a positive change. At Midwestern, I'm encouraged to be myself and to use my background to further enhance my education."
Dual Degree Options at ´º·çÊÓƵ
The Precision Medicine dual-degree program at ´º·çÊÓƵ offers students the opportunity to explore cutting-edge genetic theories and indicators that allow professional healthcare providers to personalize care for their patients. The dual-degree option can offer many career opportunities and may increase a student’s competitiveness for desired residencies or positions.
Transcript
Let's meet Caitlin.
Not only is Caitlin an osteopathic medical student, but she is also taking classes towards a Precision Medicine degree. Here at Midwestern, students have the opportunity to advance their skills through a second degree. Caitlin, we can't wait to hear about your quest for dual degrees at ´º·çÊÓƵ. Take it away.
Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone.
My journey to becoming a doctor was not an easy path. As a first-generation medical student, my parents were nervous because they were unfamiliar with the process of becoming a doctor. Once I realized my dreams were coming true, I prioritized going to a medical school that would use my story to encourage other first-generation students to do the impossible. ´º·çÊÓƵ has given me so many opportunities to become the best future doctor I can be. I'm a part of Midwestern's dual degree program where I'm earning an additional master's degree in Precision Medicine while also earning my doctorate degree in Osteopathic Medicine.
Precision medicine is the practice of personalized medicine and the understanding that medicine is not a one-size-fits-all. Being duly trained in this area of medicine allows me to customize care for my future patients and ensure that their treatment is based on what they need. I'm not only able to see where medicine is heading, but I get to be a leader in my field and help make a positive change. At Midwestern, I'm encouraged to be myself and to use my background to further enhance my education. I love being here because Midwestern values individuality and makes that a pivotal point in our education.
The University also provides plenty of research and leadership opportunities so that students can further develop important skills while completing their programs. Whatever it is you want to do in healthcare, Midwestern provides the best experience to make you be the leader you strive to be. I know that being a student here, I have gained all the resources that I need to become the best possible community physician in the future, while also enjoying time with my fellow classmates.
Back to you, Alex.
Caitlin, I'm inspired just listening to your story, taking classes towards two degrees at Midwestern will definitely expand your knowledge and give you more tools to help those you'll care for in the future. We can't wait to hear about the next chapter in your life. Thanks again for sharing your story.