Graduate Profile: Billie Schultz
Billie Schultz had wanted to work in medicine most of her life. She was drawn to biochemistry because it helped her really understand how the body works.
“I felt this knowledge would provide me with greater understanding of how and why medical decisions are made,” the 2002 graduate says.
“Rather than just believing what I read in the latest medical journal, I would have a knowledge base to understand why that particular medication works in this case but not in another.”
Schultz went to Wayne State University for medical school and is completing a residency program specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She hopes to specialize in brain rehabilitation, focusing on things like stroke and traumatic brain injury.
“Being able of accomplish what I did while still enjoying my other course work in a variety of subjects from psychology, literature, foreign language, philosophy, fine arts and political science makes me proud. ”
At Alma, she had the opportunity to begin research after her sophomore year and continue it for her senior thesis. She presented her project at a national conference.
“The opportunity to participate in a research project is not unique to Alma,” she says.
“However, the opportunity to participate in a quality project with a research advisor always available to provide assistance, guidance and support, where you are encouraged to complete projects and present your findings at a local, state and national level, is something special at Alma.”
The small size, campus community and rural community drew Schultz to Alma. She was involved in the Kiltie Marching Band color guard, the Alma Scot Yearbook staff, Chemistry Club and was an Alma Ambassador. She also worked as a chemistry lab teaching assistant.
“Being able of accomplish what I did while still enjoying my other course work in a variety of subjects from psychology, literature, foreign language, philosophy, fine arts and political science makes me proud,” she says.
“I was also able to enjoy campus life to its fullest. The friends I made and the experiences I had at Alma are lifelong.”
