Pre-med students experience being in medical school for a day at Heritage College event

When they first stepped onto campus, not everyone was certain that osteopathic medicine was the right fit. Some had never heard of osteopathic manipulative treatment. Others had never set foot in an anatomy lab. But by the end of the day, many left the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine with a first true glimpse into what it means to become an osteopathic physician, and for some, confirmation that medical school is the right path.

Hosted by the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), the Athens campus welcomed about 25 participants for the daylong Medical Student for a Day program. The event gave pre-med students the opportunity to explore the college’s hands-on approach to learning, connect with current medical students and faculty and learn more about the philosophy behind osteopathic medicine.

“I see excitement. I see a little nervousness. I see their eyes are lighting up, and I see curiosity. That all makes me very, very happy because it reminds me of what it’s all about,” said Taylor Bragg-Brock, who helped organize the event. She is a second-year medical student and vice president of the SNMA Athens campus chapter. “This is what we want. This is why we do Med Student for a Day, to show what it is like as an OU-HCOM student.”

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Learning the osteopathic difference

One of the first stops of the day was a visit to the osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) lab.

“Welcome to osteopathic medicine,” Assistant Clinical Professor Theodore Jordan, D.O. (’92) told the group. “It’s one of the best professions in the world.”

Not all the participants in Medical Student for a Day understood the similarities and distinctions between allopathic and osteopathic medicine. During the OMM session, they learned that OMM is one of the defining features of the Heritage College experience. This hands-on treatment involves applying gentle stretching, pressure and resistance to support the body’s natural structure and functions, alleviate pain and improve mobility.

“I feel like a lot of people don’t know about D.O.s. So, this is a great opportunity to show them what OMM is, also to see what it’s like to be a medical student,” said Delaney Tabbert, a recent graduate from The Ohio State University and a member of PreDOc, a nationwide pre-med club that educates potential students about osteopathic medicine and the Heritage College.

In the OMM session, Jordan introduced the history and philosophy of osteopathic medicine, which emphasizes whole-person care and the interdependence of the body’s systems. He then asked participants to pair up for postural screening exercises, including tracing the spine with a flat hand to sense tension or imbalance. Some students tentatively poked with their fingertips, quickly realizing the importance of touch in osteopathic assessment.

While hands-on practice can initially feel intimidating, first-year medical student Martha Admassu noted that OMM training ultimately boosts students’ comfort and confidence with patient care.

“That’s pretty different from other schools,” she said. 

Ohio University freshman Michael Vanik said he liked OMM and the philosophy of osteopathic medicine.

“I definitely want to come here a lot more now,” said the Akron native. “It definitely reinforced why I want to be a doctor and go into medicine.”

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Exploring medical morphology and clinical skills

From OMM, the group moved to the medical morphology lab, another milestone experience for aspiring physicians. For many, it was their first time encountering a human donor.

Associate Professor of Instruction Ruger Porter set the tone: respect the donor’s privacy, avoid discussing identifiable features outside the lab, remember that this kind of learning is a profound privilege.

Students rotated through four stations, examining hearts, lungs, ligaments, joints and knee replacements. Some approached the tables immediately, curious about the intricacies of the human body; others kept their distance.

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the experience, that’s ok,” Porter reassured them.

The next stop was the Clinical Training and Assessment Center (CTACT), where medical student volunteers demonstrated patient exam techniques. For many participants, it was their first time using a stethoscope.

“You’re way ahead of the game just by being here,” a medical student told one participant.

Between sessions, pre-med students asked current HCOM students about class schedules, clinical training, research opportunities and life as a medical student.

“I think this is a great opportunity for students to come and ask their questions before they’re knee deep in the interview process. It’s also low stakes. So, you can ask things that you really are feeling without the formality and intensity of the interview day,” said first-year medical student Rosa Negash.

Admassu applauded students for being proactive and attending events like Medical Student for a Day, not just to get answers, but to start building relationships with students and faculty.

Bragg-Brock agreed, emphasizing the importance of community.

“A lot of med school is hard academically, yes, but having a village and support system is so important,” she said.

The medical students volunteering at the event embraced their roles as mentors, something that pre-med students noticed and appreciated.

“I think the one thing that stood out to me compared to other med schools is the collaborative environment…everyone here is just so collaborative,” said Arushi Paul, a senior at The Ohio State University. “I definitely want to go to a school that’s collaborative and not competitive with each other.”

For Bragg-Brock, the event was as much about inspiration as it was exploration. A nontraditional student who took several gap years before pursuing medicine, she offered heartfelt advice to future physicians:

“Make sure that you are passionate about why you’re coming to med school. I think anyone can have a great perfect answer to all the interview questions but what they’re looking for is truly what makes you you and why you want to come to med school. That answer should be serving others…So, be excited, be passionate. You can do it.”

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Preparing for the interview process

In addition to meeting a minimum threshold on the MCAT exam and submitting an application, essay and letters of recommendation, prospective Heritage College medical students must interview – one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the application process. Knowing this, Medical Student for a Day offers participants the opportunity to go through a mock interview to get feedback and advice on how to effectively present themselves.

Although pre-med students might be focused on the interview, Negash reminded them to first consider fit as much as preparation.

“There are a lot of schools out there and you need to make sure this is the appropriate investment for you,” said Negash. “I hope this process elucidates a little bit of what we look for and also lets them consider is this what I want to do.”

Reflecting on the day, Ohio University sophomore Wyatt Coble shared: “It’s amazing. It’s an amazing experience. I think if anybody has an interest in medicine, they should come to one of these…It’s not what you think, it’s better.”