Alumni Booklet M.A.T.C.H.
MICHIGAN ATHLETES TOWARDS CAREERS IN HEALTHCARE
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
MEDICAL STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL
2025 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I always have been curious about how stuff works, so I naturally took an interest in science As I progressed through my education, I was drawn towards biology and medicine My interest in medicine was permanently cemented after taking a physiology course in college as part of my kinesiology major Fast forward to medical school, and this passion has stayed strong, directing my interests to orthopedic surgery and medical innovation
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Aside from the obvious answers like learning what makes a dependable and cooperative teammate, the biggest thing I learned was how to embrace the grind and "play the long game" I joined the UM football team as a tryout walk-on and eventually earned a scholarship prior to my last season It definitely wasn't easy, but I made sure to just focus on the daily process I knew what I had to do to reach my goals and committed to doing so every day It soon became second nature because it was simply what I wanted This applies to medicine because it's a tremendously long, difficult, and competitive path However, I am more accustomed to this environment because of my time playing football I learned to put in the work and stay focused on the process that would lead me to my goals
What's the best career advice you have been given?
Above all else, do what makes you happy. You need to reflect and explicitly define your values. Your career is important, yet it is only a small portion of who you are as a person. Thus, you must be sure that your chosen career allows you to live the life you want (personally and professionally). Once you figure out what that is, chase it and don't let anyone or anything stop you!
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
Family and personal experiences with healthcare, interest in science and biology UNDERGRADUATE
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
management skills, grit, communication, teamwork, adaptability, how to be well rounded.
e best career advice you have been given?
und yourself with other people who will support your s, find mentors (upperclassman and former student ho can help you along the way, don't be afraid to ask is ok if you don't have the time to do the typical preed things/clubs, don't be afraid to talk about being a thlete in all of your interviews and applications (It's a big deal)
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
MEDICAL STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL
2025 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
My infatuation with the brain and body working together to create consciousness, explaining the physical and mental phenomenon that I experienced through sports was a central pillar for my interest in medicine Additionally, experiences volunteering at Mott provided an exposure to the dynamics of the hospital and the appreciation for connecting with ill patients and their families, further solidifying medicine as the career for me
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Discipline, attention to detail, and accountability in a team setting have been a few of the many attributes that I have found to translate directly to the medical profession so far as a medical student. Additionally, being coachable and having an addiction to the improvement process translates in nearly any field after athletics, but being able to apply coaching points as a medical student can make significant impact at such an early stage in the training.
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Take time to give back to your community or the local communities around Ann Arbor whenever you get the chance Whether this is through volunteering at Mott, or being involved in outreach programs supporting underserved communities, these experiences were the closest feeling to serving patients through medicine
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
MEDICAL STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 2027 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I took a non-traditional route as a career-change student following 4 years working as a data science consultant After multiple years supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system in Washington, DC, I was more interested in supporting patients through direct patient care rather than behind the computer screen I enrolled in a postbaccalaureate program at the University of Michigan and loved the coursework and extracurricular activities and knew medicine was the right choice.
thlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
as a student-athlete places similar demands on students as medical school Some of the skills I use everyday include time management and prioritization of tasks
t's the best career advice you have been given?
The most important part of choosing a career is finding mething you are interested in and passionate about, and it's okay if that doesn't come to you right away Exploration of ious fields and opportunities can help you get to where you t to be and changing careers is possible! Do not be afraid to invent yourself or take a chance on an opportunity that can provide a different perspective.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS
MEDICAL STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 2027 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I knew I wanted to have a career in medicine after working for two years at a hospital in St Louis I loved seeing patients every day and I became excited to take on more responsibility in their care
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
As a student-athlete, your experience is special because you get the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself Most non-athletes in your class have no idea what this means. You understand sacrifice, perseverance, and teamwork beyond what can be learned from books, and these skills will serve you for a lifetime.
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
My advice is to not worry about what other people are doing. As a student-athlete, your time and energy is limited so don't spend it comparing yourself to someone else Instead, think about the best possible scenario for YOU, then take small steps every day to make it happen
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UMBC - UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE COUNTY
MEDICAL STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 2027 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
While I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine, my desire continued to grow as I volunteered more in my local community. I have always had a passion for helping others, and this became even clearer to me after participating in numerous service trips and other opportunities. These experiences helped me see that my skills are best utilized in the field of medicine.
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
My time as a student-athlete has really prepared me for medical school in several ways For starters, balancing sports and academics taught me how to manage my time effectively, which is crucial in med school The discipline and perseverance I developed through athletics have also helped me tackle the demanding workload of medical studies Plus, the teamwork and leadership skills I picked up on the field will be super useful when collaborating with classmates and taking on leadership roles in healthcare settings. Overall, the determination I learned from being a student-athlete will keep me motivated and driven throughout my medical education.
's the best career advice you have been given?
advice I would offer to current athletes aspiring to pursue e is to stay focused on your dreams and continue working gently towards them Recognize your own value and don't esitate to advocate for yourself to access the opportunities y for a career in medicine Embrace the idea of taking gap these can be incredibly beneficial for personal growth and velopment Remember, there's no rush to follow a specific e allow yourself the time and space to evolve at your own pace
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: HAMILTON COLLEGE
MEDICAL STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 2027 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I've wanted to become a physician for as long as I can remember Growing up, I was especially inspired by my mom's work advocating for underserved communities and her commitment to addressing inequities I knew that I wanted to take on a similar role throughout my career, and small moments along the way through volunteering and working with patients confirmed for me that I wanted to pursue medicine This aligned with my passion for science and medicine and my desire to be part of a team and leader of a healthcare team, which led me here on my path to becoming a physician
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Playing lacrosse in college, I developed a strong work ethic, perseverance, and time management skills, and each of these skills has helped me tremendously with being able to manage the demanding workload of medical school and still find a work-life balance Being a leader in athletics and captain of my team has further developed my interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills which have helped me in my interactions with my peers, patients, and other healthcare professionals so far and I'm excited to be able to use these skills as a physician in the future
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Pursuing a healthcare career can be daunting, but if you rely on the skills you've developed through being student-athletes at such a high level, you will undoubtedly be successful. You know how to wake up early for practice or workouts, find time to study in your busy schedule, push yourself, be a team player, and overcome adversity -- this all translates into your life academically and professionally and truly will be what helps you stand out and succeed in the future. Be confident and believe in yourself!
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: WHEATON COLLEGE
MEDICAL STUDENT
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 2026 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
Through my own lived experience with Type 1 Diabetes.
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Learned how to work on a team and be a leader.
What's the best career advice you have been given?
Do what you're passionate about and don't let anyone discourage you from that!
spencer.rowland2@gmail.com
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: DAVIDSON COLLEGE
MEDICAL STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MEDICAL SCHOOL 2028 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I think medicine uniquely encompasses several values that I couldn't live without in my future career, those being teamwork, service, leadership, and mentorship At the end of the day I wanted to do something that could benefit others while working alongside like-minded people and advancing the future of medicine This, alongside my lifelong curiosity for the medical sciences left no doubt in my choice to attend medical school
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Learning the importance of time management, goal setting, overcoming failure, and above all learning how to work effectively in a team and as a leader gave me an incredible base when starting medical school
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Keep practicing time management, take full advantage of the incredible resources and connections that you have through the University of Michigan Alumni, explore healthcare careers through shadowing, informational panels, or jobs and don't be afraid of taking gap years! Ultimately embrace the journey that you're on and appreciate the incredible yet limited time you have left as a Michigan student-athlete!
I wanted a service related career, surgery and working with my hands interested me and being able to make an impact on the lives of others. UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Teamwork, work ethic, time management.
What's the best career advice you have been given?
Work hard where you are at, its never too early to start planning and working toward your goals. make sure you enjoy life along the way.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PHYSICAL THERAPIST MSU HEALTH CARE 2024 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
After dealing with my own injuries throughout my athletic career, I really appreciated the direct face-to-face care I got from my own PT during my most disappointing moments I pursued a PT career to give back to young athletes still fighting to comeback from injury and help motivate them through their own challenges
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Taught me how to be a fair leader, and how to work within a diverse team and large network of individuals. Taught me about remaining calm under pressure and to work through adversity to become better.
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Pursue the career you feel most passionate and connected to. One where you will feel the most reward pursuing everyday because we all learn similar information in health care, but the way in which we interact with our patients and give back to society is different through the purpose of our job title.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT MOUNT SINAI HOSPITAL 2024 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I had always been interested in the sciences, and more specifically physiology. I was always fascinated by how the organ systems worked, why people would get sick, and would want to find ways to help them. I did research, shadowing and held a few jobs that solidified my desire to pursue healthcare.
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
As a student athlete, you already have a passion that you pursue, work hard towards and make sacrifices for You also learn time management and professionalism All of these characteristics helped me focus in graduate school and then followed me into my job today
What's the best career advice you have been given?
ce of advice that I would give would be to stay positive and get discouraged. Going into healthcare, you hear statistics nformation about certain schools or fields/jobs that can be ging and can lead you to go in a different direction. Do not he statistics, continue to shoot for your goals, because as a student-athlete, you already stand out from the crowd.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
EMERGENCY NURSE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I like having a purpose when I go to work.
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
Don’t be afraid to do it There always has to be a first, why not you
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 2025 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career that offered me the ability to communicate with individuals in the community and not be confined to a desk. I loved biology and science but I also loved building things and working with my hands. I shadowed local dentists and attended a pre-dental bootcamp and found dentistry was the perfect fit for my goals in a career.
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
Time management, team work/communication, and resilience are three major skills that athletics has provided me with The ability to act and think under pressure or to stay calm in stressful situations has been paramount
What's the best career advice you have been given?
fraid to network and make connections with people in the u're interested in. You never know who you may meet and ce you can receive. Everyone who is where you want to be n in your shoes and will more than likely be excited to help you.
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
REGISTERED NURSE HENRY FORD HOSPITAL 2024 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare during my experience as a scribe at an OBGYN office I saw the healthcare team walk alongside women in their hardest and happiest moments and I was inspired pursue the same path
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
My experience as a student-athlete has given me many skills to succeed as a nurse. On a surface level note, being a nurse working heavy 12+ hour shifts requires a lot of physical and emotional strength, stamina, and perseverance. Having the experience as an athlete and being able to push myself helps me to maximize my capacity to optimize the care I am able to give my patients Secondly, during my time as a studentathlete, I had numerous injuries where I required medical care myself Being a patient gave me perspective and the ability to put myself in my patient’s shoes Lastly, through sports, I was able to learn how to put the team ahead of myself I feel as though I am able to thrive in a team setting and inspire those I work with
How has your Student-Athlete Experience helped you in your career?
My biggest piece of advice is to shadow a ton of different professions in the healthcare space! Talk to the folks walking the walk and see if that is what you want your every day to look like / your lifestyle to be like Go in with an open mind, make a list of the things that are important to you and see which path checks the most boxes You can have an incredible impact anywhere you decide to go!
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY 2023 GRADUATE
How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?
I wanted to actively help others in a field that I knew I would excel at and enjoy. I like the combination of science and art in dentistry, and how detail-orientated you have to be.
How has your student-athlete experience given you the skills needed to succeed in your respective field?
The attributes you gain from growing up a student-athlete will propel you through any graduate school - time management and performing under pressure being two of the most important I think healthcare is a great field for student-athletes because you come to realize that no matter the profession, you will always be working on a team My experience as a student-athlete has led me to be both a good teammate (employee, colleague) but also a good leader (doctor, boss) When you care for something greater than yourself, whether it's your team or your patients, it makes the work more enjoyable
What's the best career advice you have been given?
a healthcare career is a long process but is also a lot of fun. know what you don't know, so be curious and always keep s and mind open. Cherish the additional people you get to d experiences you get to have from pursuing extra years in school!