Gustavus Health Professions Podcast

This episode features Gustavus American Cancer Society Club co-presidents Natalie Thorson and Jade Anstine discussing their motivations, leadership roles, and impactful events like Relay for Life and Cancer Awareness Week. They highlight how small actions can make a big difference in the fight against cancer and inspire students to get involved. If you are interested in becoming involved in the club contact Jade ([email protected]) or Natalie ([email protected]).Donate to the Gustavus American Cancer Society Relay for Life HERE.

Join us as we explore the journey of Stefanie Arndt ('06) and Annika Pasch ('12) through their experiences and personal insights as Athletic Trainers at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Discover how high-performance sports, teamwork, and resilience shape success at the highest levels for athletes and healthcare professionals.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Tufia Haddad shares her journey from childhood aspirations to becoming a leading oncologist at Mayo Clinic. She discusses her work in digital health, precision medicine, remote patient monitoring, and AI applications in oncology, emphasizing how technology is transforming patient care and clinical trials.

Emily Mills shares her journey through Gustavus, her passion for statistics and chemistry, and her path to medical school. Discover insights on balancing multiple interests, gaining clinical experience, and navigating the medical school application process.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Gary Fetzer of TRIA Orthopedics shares his journey to orthopedics, discusses the latest in orthopedic technology, offers valuable advice for aspiring medical professionals and reflects on his role in sports medicine serving both collegiate and professional sports teams. Discover how his passion for sports medicine and dedication to patient care make a difference in the field.

In this episode of the Gustavus Health Professions podcast, hosts Heather Banks and Melissa Banse have a conversation with Jenny Kortuem, and Brenna Hoisington, co-owners and clinic directors of GO Therapy. GO Therapy is a women-owned clinic focused on collaboration, education and wellness, the goal at GO is to individualize therapy to meet the needs and abilities of each patient. They share their personal journeys into speech-language pathology, the collaborative approach they take in therapy, and the importance of meeting the needs of children and families. The conversation also touches on the challenges of running a healthcare business, the significance of therapeutic techniques, and their definition of success in their work.

This episode of the Gustavus Health Professions podcast features Jolene Young, Senior Admission Representative at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. The focus of the discussion is the Surgical First Assistant Training Program; covering its history, application process, curriculum, and the career opportunities available to graduates. Jolene shares insights into the role of a Surgical First Assistant, the importance of hands-on training, and the competitive nature of the program. The conversation also touches on the financial aspects of the program, including tuition costs and potential employment opportunities post-graduation. Additional information about Mayo's Surgical First Assistant Program can be found HERE.

In this episode of the Gustavus Health Professions podcast, Dr. Lynnea Myers '05 reflects on her inspiring path from Gustavus nursing student to respected researcher and educator; both in the US and in Sweden. She delves into her research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asthma, her academic journey, and her commitment to guiding emerging healthcare professionals. Dr. Myers underscores the value of discovering one’s passion early in a career and highlights the innovative programs at Gustavus that give students meaningful, hands-on opportunities in the medical field.

Dr. Virginia Caine, '74, shares her journey from a small town in Arkansas to becoming a prominent figure in public health. She discusses her initial interest in biochemistry, her unexpected path to medicine, and her significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic as the chief medical officer for Marion County. Dr. Caine emphasizes the importance of collaboration in public health, her leadership experiences, and her advocacy for equitable access to healthcare. She reflects on her work in HIV research and the critical need for healthcare professionals to address disparities in health access.

Abby McCready, '25, a first-year physical therapy student at Mayo Clinic, shares her journey into the field of physical therapy. She discusses her very successful application process, the importance of diverse experiences, and the unique aspects of her program at Mayo, including extensive clinical training. Abby also provides insights into interview preparation and the challenges of balancing coursework with personal life.

Kiana Poole, an admissions recruiter from the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM), discusses the unique aspects of ICOM, including its commitment to whole-person care, the differences between MD and DO training, and the importance of community engagement. Kiana shares insights into the student experience, the articulation agreement with Gustavus, and the innovative leadership training provided at ICOM. The conversation also touches on the admissions process and the opportunities for prospective students to connect with current students.

Lily Leahy '25, shares her journey into the field of genetic counseling, detailing her experiences from high school career quizzes, Gustavus, to her current studies at the University of Minnesota. She discusses the importance of shadowing, advocacy work, and the competitive application process, as well as her transition to graduate school life and the unique challenges it presents. Lily emphasizes the value of networking, personal growth, and the need for self-compassion during this transformative period.Reach for Resources: https://www.reachforresources.org/employment/

Dr. Pamela Conners discusses the new SIGX requirement at Gustavus, emphasizing the importance of justice, discernment, and meaningful experiences in education. The conversation explores the history and purpose of SIGX, the simplification of the registration process, and the value of cohort learning in internships. Dr. Conners also shares her personal definition of success, highlighting the significance of helping others and articulating one's learning experiences.SIGX:https://gustavus.edu/academics/signature-experience

Heidi Selzler, Director of Operations and Executive Coach at Mentally Strong Institute, shares insights on resilience, empowering thoughts, and personal growth strategies for pre-health students. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, and offers practical tips for building confidence and self-compassion. The conversation also highlights resources available for students to enhance their mental strength and achieve their goals.

Features Melissa Banse, the new Gustavus Health Professions Specialist. During our conversation Melissa shares her background, including her education in therapeutic recreation and her eclectic career journey. She discusses her passion for working with students and her excitement for her new role!

Podcast episode #87: Dr. Heidi Meyer discusses her experiences and insights related to the May Away 2026 course, which focuses on social determinants of health (SDH) in Sweden and the US.  She shares her background, the purpose of the course, and the differences between the healthcare systems of the two countries.  Key organizations that students will visit during the course are highlighted, the impact of (SDH) on health outcomes, and the ways students can engage in discussions about health disparities. 

Heather Olinger shares her inspiring journey from a promising hockey career to pursuing a Physician Assistant degree after a life-altering injury. She discusses her recovery, the support she received, and the importance of resilience and community in overcoming challenges. Heather emphasizes the value of experience in healthcare and offers advice to future healthcare professionals about staying true to oneself and embracing their unique paths.

In this episode, Heidi and Heather share insights from the CAAHP 2025 Regional Conference, discussing key takeaways related to health professions, including changes in the dental application personal statement prompt, pharmacy opportunities, medical school PREview NEW test requirement for the U of MN, and physical therapy updates to name a few. They also highlight their experiences in Indianapolis, including local attractions and dining recommendations.

In this episode, Heather & Heidi hosts Luke Mueller '24 and Claire Brings '25, both Gustavus pre-dental students, as they share their unique journeys towards a career in dentistry. They discuss their early interests in the field, volunteer experiences, shadowing opportunities, and the importance of leadership roles in their development. The conversation also highlights practical advice for aspiring dental students, emphasizing the value of networking and being proactive in seeking opportunities.

In this episode, Matt Carlson shares his experiences as a recipient of the Jacobson Award, which allowed him to study the healthcare system in Sweden for two weeks. He discusses the Karolinska Institute, the differences in healthcare access and costs between Sweden and the United States, and the innovative research practices in Sweden. Matt also highlights his cultural experiences, networking opportunities, and the overall health outcomes in Sweden compared to the US. To apply for the Jacobson Award and this summer 2025 opportunity, the application is ⁠HERE⁠Mortality rate in ⁠United States⁠Mortality rate in ⁠Sweden

In this #82 episode, Dr. Karl Larson discusses the NEW Public Health major at Gustavus, exploring the definition of public health, the development of the program, and the interdisciplinary approach. Dr. Larson also shares about career opportunities for graduates, pathways to graduate school, and the importance of certification in the field. The conversation highlights the broad scope of public health and the competencies students will gain to prepare them for various roles in the community.

In this episode, Dr. Bonnie Brueshoff, a public health consultant and former public health director, shares about the AmeriCorps Public Health Corps program in Minnesota. Bonnie shares her background in public health, the inception and growth of the program, the roles and benefits for members, and the impact of their projects in communities. She emphasizes the importance of training and the transition opportunities for members after their service, highlighting the positive outcomes and future workforce development in public health. For more information, visitwww.ampact.us/public-health

Julia Simms, a third-year veterinary medicine student at the University of Minnesota, shares her journey from Gustavus to vet school. She discusses her experiences studying abroad, her path to veterinary medicine, the application process for vet school, and what life is like as a vet student. Julia also highlights her involvement in community service through veterinary initiatives, the challenges faced in equine medicine, and her aspirations for the future. She offers valuable advice for aspiring veterinarians. U of MN Vet Medicine program:  https://vetmed.umn.ed Julia Simms email address for vet school related questions [email protected] Julia references the SIRVS program, a program she is quite passionate about.   To learn more here is the website: https://sirvs.umn.edu/ Mission of SIRVS: To build and strengthen partnerships between Indigenous communities and future veterinarians through reciprocal learning, veterinary care, and service.

In this episode of the Gustavus Health Professions podcast, hosts Heather Banks and Heidi Selzler welcome Dr. Jill Amsberry, a pediatrician and medical director at CentraCare, and the newly appointed University of Minnesota Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education for the NEW CentraCare Regional U of MN Campus in St. Cloud. Dr. Amsberry shares her journey into medicine, the unique focus of the St. Cloud campus on rural healthcare, and the opportunities it presents for students. The conversation also covers the curriculum structure, application process, and qualities that make a competitive applicant, concluding with a discussion on the definition of success in the medical field. Takeaways: Dr. Amsberry's journey to medicine The St. Cloud campus aims to address rural healthcare needs. Rural healthcare offers unique opportunities for medical students. There is a significant physician shortage in rural areas. Students will have early clinical experiences in rural settings. The curriculum is consistent across all University of Minnesota campuses. Students can rank their campus preferences during the application process. Academic readiness is crucial for success in medical school. Demonstrating commitment to rural healthcare is essential for applicants. Quote, Dr. Jill Amsberry: "Success is embracing failure as part of growth."

In this episode of the Gustavus Health Professions podcast, Jason Banks, a physical therapist at the Mayo Clinic, shares his journey in physical therapy, discussing his experiences in various settings, the importance of patient motivation, and the evolving techniques in rehabilitation. Banks emphasizes the significance of certifications, the role of innovative therapies like shockwave therapy, and offers valuable advice for aspiring physical therapists. The conversation highlights the rewarding nature of the profession and the opportunities available within the field. Takeaways: Banks has extensive experience in various physical therapy settings. Motivation is key in physical therapy; therapists must engage patients effectively. Simple exercise programs are more effective than overwhelming patients with options. Patience is crucial in the rehabilitation process; recovery takes time. Mayo Clinic supports further education for its employees, enhancing career growth. Physical therapists can specialize in various areas through additional certifications. Innovative techniques like dry needling and shockwave therapy are changing rehabilitation. The field of physical therapy is growing with many opportunities for new graduates. Networking and volunteering can lead to job opportunities in physical therapy. Quotes from Jason Banks, Physical Therapist: "Success is defined by love and connection to community. It's to love and be loved." "Good luck to everybody out there."

Kathy Berlin, a Registered Nurse and a Public Health Nurse working on a project as an independent consultant for the MN Private College Council Fund is our special guest. She shares about a National volunteer program, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) where members have the opportunity to be of service to their community before, during and after public health emergencies. To volunteer, complete an application at mnresponse.org HERE is the link to the Emergency Preparedness Resource (EPR) HUB

In this episode we learn about both the physical therapy and occupational therapy graduate programs at St. Catherine University. Dr. Klaers and Dr. Person gives insight into each program and what makes their programs unique. Below we have also included links to St. Kates website, as well as links to their social media platforms.  Saint Kates Website Video showcasing student's day in the life Drone fly-through of St. Kate's space Physical Therapy - Dr. Hugo Klaers  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stkatedpt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StKateDPT Occupational Therapy - Dr. Kimberly Person  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stkates.ot/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566480100741

Curious about what actually Internal Medicine is?  In this episode, Dr. Timothy C. Meyer will help us understand it all. Dr. Meyer is the Medical Director of Primary Care at Ridgeview Clinics and Urgent Care in the Twin Cities. He  has 29 years of experience in the medical field and practices Internal Medicine.  Dr. Meyer is also affiliated with Memorial Medical Center. Job Shadowing at Ridgeview

We welcomed Jennifer Bessette, Career Promotion Coordinator for the American Association of Colleges of Pediatric Medicine to our podcast to learn more about Podiatry and the path to the profession. First we wanted a definition: A podiatrist is a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a physician and surgeon who treats the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. • DPMs complete 4-years of medical school education at a US College of Podiatric Medicine. • After graduating from a College of Podiatric Medicine, DPMs enter a 3-year, comprehensive medical and surgical residency. • In practice, DPMs have the potential to earn $225,000 per year and treat patients in a 40-50 hour work week. Becoming a Podiatrist Admission Requirements: Successful candidates who apply for entry into one of the eleven podiatric medical schools display positive characteristics of mature adults. Evidence of preparation for a career in medicine, and specifically a career in podiatric medicine, should also be present in each application. Candidates with strong science preparation are preferred. Looking for a Podiatry Mentor: The DPM Mentors Network is designed to match you with a podiatric physician who practices near where you live or go to school. DPM Mentors will take the time to show you how they practice medicine, introduce you to the team of healthcare practitioners with whom they work, and answer your questions about the profession. Ready to get true exposure to podiatric medicine? Some DPMs will let you observe their interactions with a patient – provided the patient is comfortable with a student observer! Contact information: Jennifer Bessette, M.Ed. Career Promotion Coordinator  American Association of College of Podiatric Medicine   15850 Crabbs Branch Way, Suite 320 Rockville, MD 20855-2622 Direct: 301-820-3945   Email: [email protected] Website: ExplorePodMed.org

Podcast #72 will focus on Nobel Conference 60-Sleep, Unraveled.  We had the pleasure of interviewing this years chair of the conference, Dr. Phillip Voight. He shared with us the details of this years Nobel Conference.  October 1st and 2nd are the dates of the event and all speakers will be in Christ Chapel on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus.   New in 2024 - Nobel Conference is FREE and open to the public! Due to the generosity of past and current donors, Gustavus is now able to offer this amazing conference at no cost to attendees. If you plan to attend, we request you complete this registration form to help the college prepare. Downloadable Nobel Conference 60 program https://gustavus.edu/events/nobelconference/concertFiles/media/2024/Nobel_Program.pdf The two books Dr. Voight mentions in this podcast are: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker  Mapping the Darkness: The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked the Mysteries of Sleep by Kenneth Miller Science and Ethics, in Dialogue Since 1965, the Nobel Conference has been bringing leading researchers and thinkers to Gustavus, to explore revolutionary, transformative and pressing scientific issues and the ethical questions that arise alongside them. As the only event in the United States authorized by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden to use this name, it is our privilege to host a space in which we can talk about big scientific questions, and the big ethical issues to which they inevitably give rise. The world needs more people who think critically about the crucial issues of our time, and who ask questions in ways that open up the conversation.

As a first year pre-health students we want to let you know about a unique pre-health opportunity called the FIG program. FIG stands for First year Interest Group.As a First year student interested in the health professions you have an opportunity to be paired up with an upper-class pre-health student.Your upper-class FIG pre-health leader provides: Access to resources Builds community Provides Support To sign up: Go the Health Professions table at the Involvement Fair, Thursday, Sept. 5th @ 6-8pm 2024, Eckman mall outside.

We speak with Victor Solano, Class of 2025 about his summer research internship at St. Jude. He was part of the Pediatric Oncology Education (POE) Internship Program. An internship at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital gives you a unique training experience while helping children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. St. Jude offers internships, externships and other short-term training opportunities in areas as diverse as the hospital itself: from patient care and scientific research, to volunteer services, law and information technology. Biostatistics InternshipExpand Cancer Education and Outreach InternshipsExpand Child Life InternshipsExpand Healthcare Administration InternshipExpand Human Resources Summer InternshipsExpand Information Services InternshipsExpand Internal AuditExpand Legal InternshipsExpand Music Therapy InternshipExpand Patient and Family Experience InternshipExpand Pediatric Oncology Education ProgramExpand Predoctoral Psychology InternshipsExpand Social Work InternshipsExpand Strategic Communication, Education and Outreach InternshipsExpand Looking for more opportunities?Expand

Welcome to the Gustavus Health Professions Podcast Season Four!  My name is Heather Banks and I am here with my colleague Heidi Selzler-Bahr and in today’s episode # 70 we have with us Gabe Kardia, who works for an organization called Kesem.   Kesem runs a lot of different support service programs and one they are most notably known for is called Camp Kesem.   This is a Camp that supports children that have a parent with a cancer diagnosis or may have lost a parent to cancer.  This camp is FREE to children and it provides a fun-filled experience and creates a lasting community.   There are many different ways for college students to get involved in the Kesem community, and interestingly enough Camp Kesem was started by college students at Stanford University.  We were inspired by the mission and vision of this organization and hope you will be too, enjoy the episode. [email protected] Camp website: https://www.kesem.org/ Some of the staff roles include:  Camp Nurses Mental Health Professionals Interpreters Support Aides And there are also many different volunteer roles.There are two weeks of camp in MN: Camp Kesem: 08/04/2024 - 08/09/2024 08/11/2024 - 08/15/2024

Episode #69 is focused on the Engaged Learning Fund.  The Center for Career Development has developed an ⁠Engaged Learning Fund⁠ thanks to the generosity of Gustavus Alumni donors. These funds are designed to assist students who are in need of funding to complete career related learning opportunities.  Funding can be applied to both academic credit and for non-academic credit opportunities throughout the year. Funding is available for underpaid or unpaid internships and experiential learning opportunities. Students must be actively enrolled at Gustavus to be eligible (First Year – Senior).  Examples of past learning opportunities engaged learning funds have supported include:  in-person or remote internships, micro-internships, research, conferences related to your career interest, and other career-related experiences. ⁠⁠Application⁠⁠ for Engaged Learning Funds Additional information about the ⁠Engaged Learning Funds⁠ If you are selected the amount will be determined based on: Financial need. Quality of your application reflecting the value of the experience to your future career. Number of hours worked per week. Total number of days/weeks of the experience. Housing expenses (rent or hotel costs) Travel expenses Food expenses Additional needs to complete the experience. Also important to note is the evolving changes on campus with the introduction of the new curriculum and the Signature Experiences (Sig X) new requirement here at Gustavus. The engaged learning funds from the donors will also be a source of support for the SigX requirement for students in the future. Thank you for listening, we hope you enjoy the episode. More information about SigX: The Gustavus Signature Experience (SigX) represents a groundbreaking educational requirement designed to empower you to customize your college years. It serves as an overarching program that encapsulates the myriad ways in which Gusties can showcase their academic prowess to the world, all while engaging and impacting the community around them. With a diverse range of SigX opportunities, you can fine-tune your choices to align precisely with your unique postgraduate aspirations. SigX serves as a bridge connecting your academic pursuits to your future career, offering immersive, practical, cultural, and hands-on learning experiences through four distinct options: internships, student-faculty research, course-based community projects, and study-away opportunities. The SigX program offers all the advantages and affordability of a Gustavus liberal arts education, tailored to match your specific interests and career objectives. You'll receive continuous, personalized guidance and mentorship from dedicated faculty advisors, ensuring your academic journey aligns seamlessly with your ambitions. Upon completion of a Signature Experience, you'll earn a digital credential to enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Episode 68: Innovation Scholars We have guests, current Gusties, Tyler Teichmiller (Mr. Gustavus 2024) and Ally Regenold both from the Class of 2024.  They share with us about the Innovations Scholars program.  We start with the application process, about why they chose to participate and what their biggest takeaways from the experience.  If you are interested in participating in this program we highly encourage you to listen and check out additional information on the website: https://innovation-scholars.org/ Innovation Scholars Program "Working at the intersection of science, healthcare & entrepreneurship, Innovation Scholars offers high-impact experiential learning programs for outstanding liberal arts students from Minnesota’s private colleges and universities."   We hope you enjoy the episode. 

In episode 67, we speak with Associate Professor Kathy Kniepmann, from the Occupational Therapy program from Washington University of St. Louis (Number three ranked OT program in the nation). Dr. Kniepmann is an occupational therapist and a Certified Health Education Specialist. She serves as both a faculty member for the OT program and also part of the admissions team. There have been a lot of OT Gusties be admitted and choose to attend Wash U in the past 5 years so it great to learn more about the admission process and the unique features of their program. Contact information Kathy Kniepmann: Phone: (314) 286-1610 [email protected]

Chief Matthew Gustafson, Chief Derrick Milstead,  and Lieutenant Commander Tony Rohner guests in episode #64 for the Navy. The focus of our  podcast will be on the Navy Health Profession Scholarship program.  This scholarship is for students pursuing: medicine, dentistry, optometry and clinical psychology graduate programs.  The recruiters go into detail about what the requirements are to qualify for the scholarship and what the scholarship award includes.   They also share why they choose the Navy and what they feel are the advantages of the Navy scholarship program.  Enjoy and thank you for listening. Contact: NCC Matthew Gustafson, NTAG Northern Plains Navy Officer Programs, 1 Federal Dr. Suite 2501 Ft. Snelling, MN 55111 Mobile: 612-247-8954 Email: [email protected]

Episode 66:  Welcome to the Gustavus Health Professions Podcast Season Four!  My name is Heather Banks and I am here with my colleague Heidi Selzler-Bahr and in today’s episode # 66 we have guests, current pre-med student Amelia Qualey, class of 2025 and current pre-PT student Owen Johnson, class of 2024.   The focus of our episode today is on our two Volunteer programs, the Mayo Clinic Caring Hands program that Amelia is a part of and the Parkinson Exercise class which Owen is a part of.  Amelia and Owen are going to talk about how they got involved, the training they received and what the commitment of the volunteer program looks like.  TODAY, Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 the applications are available online (check your vitals email for the link) and they are due on May 1.  These volunteer programs are a great way to give back and also gain patient care experience.  If you want to participate, we encourage you to listen. 

In today's episode we speak with Eric Van Hecke. He is a very enthusiastic guest and loves his career working as a PA. He has recently been named as the Founding PA Program Director, at Concordia University - St. Paul. He offers so much great PA and life advice, as well as all the exciting things about a new PA program underway at Concordia University, St. Paul. The Concordia University - St. Paul PA Program is currently seeking ARC-PA provisional accreditation and is NOT currently an ARC-PA accredited PA program. Some additional background information, "After graduating from the Augsburg PA program in 2009, Eric served for one year in Iraq as a PA with the US Army. Returning in 2010 and for the following eight years, he continued his career in Emergency Medicine. He gained experience in both large, level one, emergency departments as well as small, rural community-based emergency departments. For the last several years, he has worked in critical-access, single-coverage provider EDs. He gained the NCCPA CAQ in Emergency Medicine in 2010. His passion for PA education has been a consistent theme throughout his career as he has precepted numerous students and has been a regular lecturer at several PA programs. As part of the Clinical Phase Faculty with Augsburg, Eric is committed to assisting students develop into dynamic, professional and competent medical providers in a constantly changing clinical environment. Outside of his work he enjoys spending time with his wife, Cyri and their three children. He is an avid endurance athlete and has completed several marathons including consecutive Boston Marathons and has completed two half distance and one full distance Ironman triathlons."

We welcome Torben Urdahl from the graduating class of 2021 to our podcast.  Something fun to know about today’s guest is Torben was actually our very FIRST podcast guest in September of 2020!  Torben is currently in his 3rd year at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Medical School. The focus of today’s podcast will be on Torben’s experience in medical school and what is ahead for him. We are going to start with Torben sharing an introduction. Welcome to the podcast #63 Torben. 

Welcome to the Gustavus Health Professions Podcast. This is Heather Banks and I am here with Heidi Selzler-Bahr.  Today we bring you episode #62 where we interview Lucy Lindstrom, Gustavus class of 2022.  Lucy is a current medical school student at the University Minnesota Duluth (link in bio). She shares with us her journey to medical school, details of her current courses she is taking in medical school, and also about the FULL scholarship she received that pays for her tuition and living expenses while she attends medical school.  Lucy has worked extremely hard to get to where she is at, and we are looking forward to seeing all she accomplishes in her future.  Information on the scholarship: https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/scholarships/overview https://nhsc.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/nhsc/scholarships/scholarship-fact-sheet.pdf The University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth campus was founded in 1972 with a mission to be a leader in educating physicians dedicated to family medicine, to serve the needs of rural Minnesota and Native American communities. https://med.umn.edu/about/duluth-campus

Episode 61::  Welcome to the Gustavus Health Professions Podcast Season Four!  My name is Heather Banks and I am here with my colleague Heidi Selzler-Bahr and in today’s episode # 61 we have guest Cynthia Favre, Director of Vocation and Career Readiness Programs in the Gustavus Center for Career Development.   The focus of our Episode today is on the upcoming event this January Interim, Empathy in Action: A Panel Discussion on Mental Health.  The panel will be featuring individuals who have participated in programs at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center.   The panel will be Thursday, January 18th @ 6:30pm-8pm in the Gustavus Heritage Room.  Event will be livestreamed at: https://meet.google.com/xyb-bjuc-bdd?hs=122&authuser=0  The panel will not be recorded for confidentiality reasons.  This is a very unique opportunity and this episode will help prepare you for what to expect. In the episode micro-internship at the regional treatment center are also discussed and if you are interested in learning more, contact [email protected] for additional information. 

Today we are delighted to have Regan Larson Gustavus Adolphus College graduate of 2022 on our podcast. She is currently at one of the top Physician Associate (physician assistant) schools in the nation. In the 60th episode we will hear about her story and her path to PA school as well as a bit about her time here at Gustavus. Reagan has a very bright future and we are so excited to see what is in store for her after her PA schooling. Included is the link to the University of Iowa PA school program ⁠https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pa/

In today's episode we welcome Kade Copple to our podcast. The focus of our podcast is Summer Research opportunities.  Kade is a Senior Biology Honors major and is a student athlete competing on the Gustavus swim team.  Kade has participated in three summer research opportunities, and he will share his experiences with us today.   Gustavus FYRE program (First year Students) Mayo SURF program UC San Francisco program & Amgen Scholarship

We will be highlighting for you our Advisor trip to St. George University in Grenada.  Grenada is a Caribbean island in the West Indies.  Our visit was focused on their School of Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine.  We will share with you some of the highlights we learned about the University and from our time on the island.   1.       We were first schooled in how to properly pronounce the island, it is Grenada, not NAIDA.  Grenada is a developing country, the average annual income is $9,340 US dollars.    The official language is English. 2.     St. George University is considered as one of the Big 4 Caribbean medical schools.  These are international schools that are seen as being at the top of the pack because of having higher USMLE pass rates and strong residency match rates.  We heard from faculty and staff about how the curriculum was structures and the supports that were in place to help students be successful.  With a MD incoming class of 600+ students faculty and administrators spoke about breaking down the large class into small groups in order to into build in support systems for the large class sizes.    The USMLR Step 1 pass rate for St. George University is 89% for first-time test-takers over the last five years. Compared to the USMLR Step 1 pass rate for ALL U.S. medical schools, 96% over the past 5 year   The USMLE Step 2ck pass rate for St. George University is 90% first- time test-takers over the last five years Compared to the USMLR Step 1 pass rate for ALL U.S. medical schools, 98% over the past 5 years 2018-2022 https://www.sgu.edu/academic-programs/school-of-medicine/md/4-year-md-program/ ALL USMLE https://www.usmle.org/performance-data   3.      For year one and two students are taking their course work at St. George University.  During Year 3 and Year 4 (Clinical Training) happens at SGU’s 70 affiliated hospitals and clinics across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Grenada. 4.     Residency matching is another thing that is looked at closely when considering attending an international medical program.   Over the past 5-year St. George University has a 95 % residency placement rate.   The majority of graduates from SGU have residency placements in Internal Medicine and Family Medicine. In 2022 the US Residency Placement by specialty at SGU, included 4 top areas: Internal medicine 36% Family Medicine 22% Emergency Medicine 12%  Pediatric Medicine 10% American graduates from U.S. allopathic institutions make up more than 90 percent of the residency programs for neurological surgery, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, and thoracic surgery.  These are the most competitive residencies and someone at SGU can get those residencies, but they are more of the exception at 1% of the residency placements.   https://www.sgu.edu/academic-programs/school-of-medicine/graduate-success/ 2023 Residency Appointments   5.    School Of Medicine Accreditation The Grenada Medical and Dental Council (GMDC) is recognized by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME)  ·          USMLE Step exams ·          US clinical rotations ·          Eligibility for US residency placement ·          The physician licensing process in the US and many other countries. ·          To name a few things! https://www.sgu.edu/about-sgu/accreditations-approvals/   George's University School of Veterinary Medicine is one of the few schools in the world accredited by both the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA COE) in the United States and Canada, as well as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in the United Kingdom."  

Phlebotomy program through Mayo College of Health and Science offeres a FREE program to be trained as a phlebotomist. In this episode we speak with guest Cadence Selzler-Campion who this past summer did the 2 month program Mayo free programs infrormation: Phlebotomy- https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/phlebotomy-technician-certificate-program-florida-and-minnesota/application-process/ 9 weeks 6 cohorts a year (2 in the summer that can be completed before returning to college) Free tuition, no other fees Stipend of $3500 paid over the 9 weeks     Pharmacy Tech- https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/pharmacy-technician-program/how-to-apply/ 20 weeks- first 12 weeks are online, last 8 weeks are full time 2 cohorts- January and July (this would run into fall start of college) Free tuition, around $400 in other expenses Stipend of $3500 paid over the last 8 weeks They do have a clinical site in Mankato if people didn’t want to come to Rochester     Histology- https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/histology-technician-program-arizona-florida-and-minnesota/how-to-apply/ 9 months 2 cohorts a year Must have associate degree or higher or come through RCTC Free Tuition     Clinical Neurophysiology Technology- https://college.mayo.edu/academics/health-sciences-education/clinical-neurophysiology-technology-program-minnesota/how-to-apply/ 2 years 1 cohort Free Tuition Must have degree or come through RCTC

Isabel St. Dennis '21 is currently pursuing a masters in speech and language pathology at the University of Minnesota. This is a career that we are certainly seeing as up and coming! Isabel shares her journey with us through Gustavus and now at the U of MN. Speech-Language Pathology Salary for Minnesota ⁠https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/speech-and-language-pathologist-salary/mn⁠ University of Minnesota MA in Speech-Language Pathology ⁠https://cla.umn.edu/slhs/graduate/how-apply/ma-speech-language-pathology⁠ Isabel graciously shared her contact info. with any Gustavus student who may be interested in this path and want to ask her any questions. See us, Heather or Heidi within the Office of Health Professions if you would like to learn more about Speech and Language Pathology.

In episode 55 Chris Tholkes, Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis at the Minnesota Department of Health.  Chris earned her Bachelor of Science in Community Health from Minnesota State Moorhead and her Masters of Public Administration from Hamline University.  Chris has an extensive background working for the MN Department of Health beginning in 2009, so for the past 14 years has held a variety of positions focused on improving population and community health. Her role as the Director of the Medical Cannabis program is one where she is setting the rules and policies. Cannabis is still illegal at the federal government level so at the state level they are creating their own regulations and policies. Minnesota is a leader on researching medical cannabis effectiveness with requiring a patient self-evaluation prior to meeting with a Pharmacist (Pharm-D) at a medical cannabis dispensary. This was an area that was very new to us and we learned a lot. We would encourage you to listen and learn. In researching for the podcast here are some of the videos we watched below. Also, the qualifying medical conditions. MN Department of Health Medical Cannabis website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/cannabis/index.html The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program: Jonathan’s Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89AxHenylC4 The Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program: Mike's Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqqzb1kz42E Qualifying conditions Alzheimer's disease Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) Autism spectrum disorder (must meet DSM-5) Cancer* Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder Chronic pain Glaucoma HIV/AIDS Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease Intractable pain Irritable bowel syndrome Obsessive-compulsive disorder Obstructive sleep apnea Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS) Sickle cell disease Terminal illness, with a probable life expectancy of less than one year* Tourette syndrome

Dr. Travis McKenzie specializes in Endocrine and Metabolic surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He shares his path starting from growing up in Alaska to attending Gustavus, and then medical school at Tufts University, residency in surgery at the Mayo Clinic and two one year fellowships to finish off his surgery training. Dr, McKenzie was a pleasure to speak with and offered many great words of wisdom and pieces of advice. We especially loved his story about his interview at Tufts Medical School and what he thinks made him stand out.

January Term Career Exploration- Alaska Experience In this episode we hear from the two students that were selected for this opportunity with Capstone Clinic in Wasilla/Palmer Alaska. If you are at all interested in this opportunity or any J-term opportunity this will be a great episode for you to listen to. Here is a link to Capstone Clinic in Alaska https://capstoneclinic.com/