Student Profile: Sadie LaPonsie
Sadie LaPonsie was interested in biology in high school, but a semester spent working in a hospital in India showed her where she wanted to specialize.
“My experiences at the hospital comforting patients with incurable forms of cancer solidified my desire to practice medicine,” the Grand Rapids senior says. “I would recommend to every college student that they find a way to study abroad.”
Even though she spent a semester studying abroad, a combination of high school AP credits and the flexibility of the biology major will allow LaPonsie to graduate in three years.
“The number of credits required is the same as any other major here, but there are very few specific courses that must be taken,” she says.
Sadie LaPonsie
“This has allowed me to take the courses most relevant to a future career in medicine, such as genetics and physiology, rather than those courses that I am not as interested in, such as botany or zoology.”
In addition to her coursework, she volunteers one morning a week at the Gratiot Medical Center doing a variety of activities including transporting patients and has observed a variety of procedures. She hopes to specialize in primary care or oncology.
“My science courses have been challenging and thorough, and I am confident that I have learned the basic knowledge and study habits necessary for success in medical school,” she says.
“Just as importantly, I feel that my liberal arts education has prepared me to understand the social complexities of the practice of medicine.”
Drawn to Alma by the size and environment, she is an RA in Gelston Hall and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, Colleges Against Cancer, the Residence Hall Association and the Center for Responsible Leadership.
