Homegrown medical leaders

What do a human physiology major, a nutrition and medical sciences major, and a medical diagnostics major all have in common?

They're all from Delaware and thought they wanted to attend college out of state. However, they chose the University of Delaware College of Health Sciences (CHS) because they believed it was the best place to prepare them for medical school. All three are also STAR Ambassadors, with a strong passion for sharing with prospective students how much the school in their home state has to offer.

Matt Ebron

Matt Ebron, a senior honors human physiology major from New Castle, always had his heart set on a career in healthcare but didn't realize he wanted to be a physician until his sophomore year at UD.

"My classes showed me I enjoyed the expectations of medical school and could rise to the challenge," Ebron said.

Working as a medical technician at Newark Urgent Care, near UD's campus, solidified his aspirations.

"We see people of all ages, from young children to elderly patients, with a range of injuries and conditions, and that piqued my interest in emergency or primary care," Ebron said.

Like many Delawareans, Ebron thought he wanted to go "far away" for college.

"UD was the best choice, financially, especially for someone who wants to attend medical school," he said.

Ebron now realizes how influential UD is in cultivating students in health sciences from nursing and pre-med to pre-dental and pre-optometry.

"Going to UD is the best outcome I could have had," Ebron said. "Students get hands-on experiences in classes and labs conducting research. We connect with faculty who mentor us, and all of these experiences have been preparatory for medical school."

Abigail McLaughlin

Abigail McLaughlin, a junior medical diagnostics major from Wilmington, couldn't agree more. During her first year, she joined UD's volunteer, student-run Emergency Care Unit (ECU) as an emergency medical technician (EMT).

"I've learned so much about patient communication and care, and it's really valuable for pre-med students," McLaughlin said. "I don't think I could get the same experience as an EMT from anything else."

Staying close to home also allowed her to continue working as an EMT for the Talleyville Fire Department. Plus, she adds, "If you have a bad week, you can go home; if you're feeling lonely, call mom and dad, and they can come for dinner."

Like Ebron, the Wilmington native remembers wanting to attend college in Boston. Then, as a prospective student, she attended a Blue and Golden Day, and her perspective shifted.