Health Professions

Joseph Mountain ’22

Class Year

2020

Area(s) of Study

Major in Neuroscience
Minors in Chemistry and Religion

Hometown

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Graduate Study

MS
Rosalind Franklin University

What made you choose Lake Forest College?

I was first drawn to Lake Forest College due to its proximity to Chicago, but the small class sizes and opportunities that the pre-health department could provide helped strengthen my choice.

How did a liberal arts education make a difference for you?

It allowed me to study a wide range of topics, including combining both the Neuroscience and religion disciplines together. I think this will allow me to be a much more well-rounded health care professional as I move forward in my career.

What experiences outside of the classroom do you think helped prepare you for graduate studies in PA studies?

I was able to get a wide range of experiences outside classroom; getting the chance to work as a medical assistant in cardiovascular and acute care settings really helped give me clarity on what path I wanted to take in healthcare.

How did your time at Lake Forest College help you prepare to apply to graduate school?

My time at Lake Forest College was essential in preparing me to apply to graduate school. The professors at the College played a key role in my development as they were able to push me to reach my full potential. Additionally, the wide variety of courses, and ample opportunities for internships really helped make me feel ready for grad school.

What do you think of the new Health Professions Program between Lake Forest College and Rosalind Franklin University?

I think this new program will be very impactful. It presents multiple opportunities for advancing in the health professions other than the traditional medical school route. It will open the doors for many students to pursue healthcare careers and explore new opportunities.

What skills and experiences at Lake Forest do you believe will help you be successful?

It taught me to be a curious and independent learner. My First-Year Studies course was one or the most impactful classes I have ever taken. It taught me how to think critically, and work hard towards my goals. I still look back often at that time still to this day. The skills I learned during that time will help contribute to my success as I move further on in my career.

What advice would you give a high school student looking to pursue pre-health and is considering Lake Forest

Explore every route possible in healthcare, and in your college search, look for a place that can provide you the most opportunities to do that. Lake Forest College provides an environment for exploration, I would strongly recommend Lake Forest College to anyone looking into pre-health.