CAREERS IN THE HEALTH FIELDS START HERE Penn State Behrend’s School of Science has a pre-health program that is strong and growing—and receiving rave reviews from students who are now studying to become doctors, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, physician assistants, even veterinarians. In the past four years, more than fifty students have completed their undergraduate work at Behrend and moved on to professional schools in the health sciences. Some of them shaved a year off their undergraduate studies, taking advantage of the college’s accelerated 3+4 program with institutions including Ohio State University, the University at Buffalo, and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Erie. Here are the stories of five recent Behrend pre-health students.
KAYLA ESHBAUGH Recently finished her final year at Behrend as a 3+4 student, going to Ohio State University’s College of Optometry. Career goal—to be an optometrist. A visit with her grandfather inspired Kayla Eshbaugh to pursue a career in optometry. “While we were visiting, half of his vision went black,” she said. “At the optometrist’s office, we learned that it was because his retina was detaching in his left eye. He was scheduled for immediate laser surgery, which was successful in restoring his vision. That experience spurred my interest in optometry.”
JACOB OSLOSKY Finished final year at Behrend as a 3+4 student, accepted at LECOM. Career goal—primary care physician practicing in an underserved or medically disadvantaged area. Unlike many in the health-care fields, Jacob Oslosky didn’t feel “called” to be a doctor. For him, the realization came more quietly, confirmed after several job shadowing experiences. Drawn in by friendly faculty and staff members and students, he saw Behrend as a way to have the best of
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A search for accelerated programs led her to Behrend. “I visited and felt as though I’d have opportunities at Behrend that I wouldn’t elsewhere, including leadership roles in clubs and the chance to do research and volunteer work,” Eshbaugh said. Proof of a choice well-made was in the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). “The way Behrend’s program was laid out helped prepare me for the OAT,” she said. “I had just covered much of the content in my classes.” Faculty members, including associate professors of biology Dr. Beth Potter and Dr. Todd Cook, who also serves as coordinator of the pre-health programs, prepared her not just for the test, but for admission into optometry school, including helping her practice for her admissions interview.
both worlds, enjoying the benefits of a large university with the perks of a small-college experience. “I ultimately chose Behrend because I knew I would be able to have close relationships with faculty and the chance to do research work,” he said. A Biology major at Behrend, Oslosky said he feels well-prepared for medical school. “The faculty members involved in pre-health programs are knowledgeable, realistic, and helpful, often suggesting opportunities to students when they know it will help them become a more competitive applicant to medical school or play a meaningful role in their career journey,” he said.
