Graduate Profile: Dr. Brian Nielsen
Brian Nielsen’s chemistry major paved the way for him to pursue his dream of medical school.
“Chemistry gave me a good foundation and created good habits,” he says. “Alma did a great job laying the foundation so I could really tackle a complicated program.”
Graduating from Alma in 1997, he continued on to Wayne State University for medical school, graduating in 2001.
He is now the assistant program director of OBGYN medical education at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn — his former residency program. He sees his own patients and also conducts research while teaching medical students and residents.
“The faculty gave you a lot of responsibility to complete your research. You develop some integrity and a sense of ownership working that way.”
“I love being an OBGYN because you get to do a little bit of everything: in one day you’re a radiologist, a surgeon, an obstetrician and a primary care physician,” he says.
“I don’t like doing the same thing every day - that’s why I’m not in private practice.”
Nielsen was attracted to Alma because he felt was more than just a body in the classroom.
“I liked that you were the primary person who participated in research,” he says. “The faculty gave you a lot of responsibility to complete your research. You develop some integrity and a sense of ownership working that way.”
While at Alma, Nielsen was involved in the Kiltie Marching Band, choir and the chemistry honors society.
“What I enjoyed about Alma was that I could concentrate on my major, but I was also encouraged to participate in other activities,” he says. “Alma really made me a well-rounded person.”
