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While Tobey always knew she wanted to become a doctor, her focus on health care  for the underprivileged grew from her involvement with the Center for Public Service. Tobey served as program coordinator for poverty issues as a sophomore, and then as publicity coordinator for the center her junior year. She returned as program coordinator for poverty issues her senior year and is planning the first regional conference on rural poverty issues for neighboring colleges and universities in the spring of 2005.
"I noticed that a lot of colleges and universities are located in rural communities that have different needs than those in big cities," Tobey said. "I think it will be valuable to share ideas and experiences with one another. I hope this can become an annual event."
And her passion for public service runs parallel to her commitment to learn about medicine. Over winter break in 2003, Tobey spent two weeks at the University of Maryland Medical Center working in the trauma resuscitation area. She assisted nurses and doctors with prep work, blood analysis and observation. The trip included a visit to the Health Care for the Homeless clinic in Baltimore. Tobey also interned last summer with Health Care for the Homeless in Boston - another experience she found life-changing.
"I knew I wanted to help people, but I found a passion for it through my experiences," Tobey said.
As for the future, Tobey is applying to medical school and looking forward to a career in an organization involving universal healthcare and community-building initiatives.
Her advice to potential pre-med students and others: "Decide what will make you happy and don't always focus on what will look good on your resume."
Erica Tobey is a senior from Trumbull, Conn., and is majoring in biology with a minor in philosophy.
Adam Purzycki '05
 Adam Purzycki chose Gettysburg College because of its strong reputation as a liberal arts college and excellent science program, which were important because he wanted to study medicine. What he did not know at the time was how many doors the name "Gettysburg College" would open for him. His story is one of being in the right place at the right time and in this case, with the right jacket on.
"My dad went to a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game and was wearing a Gettysburg College jacket he bought in the bookstore," Purzycki explained. "A gentleman leaned forwarded and asked him if he knew anyone that went there. My dad answered, ¿My son does.'"
After some discussion between periods, the spectator introduced himself as Gettysburg College graduate Arthur Feldman '70, Magee professor and chair of the department of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University's medical school. As a result of the chance meeting, Purzycki had an experience like no other working closely with Dr. Feldman at the medical school.
"He is a great role model and it shows that when you are an alum from here it means something," Purzycki said.
Purzycki has also worked hard to gain experience on his own. Starting his freshman year, Purzycki volunteered at the Gettysburg Hospital. After a year of service, the hospital offered him a part-time job as an operating assistant, helping with surgeries, set-ups and on-call shifts. Purzycki finds the experience irreplaceable and encourages every student to volunteer and get involved in local organizations and businesses, regardless of your major.
As graduation approaches in the spring, Purzycki knows that the experiences and connections he made at Gettysburg College will follow him.
People like Jane Oliver, director of surgical services at Gettysburg Hospital, Dr. Feldman, Prof. Don Jameson and Prof. Kazuo Hiraizumi "are helping me get to where I want to go," Purzycki said.
Adam Purzycki is a senior from Sewell, N.J., and is majoring in biochemistry. He is also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
Brian Ford '05
Growing up in Schenectady, N.Y., with a father as a pediatrician, senior Brian Ford knew he wanted to work in the health care field. As he looked into colleges, his interest in studying dentistry grew as well as playing lacrosse. Ford says he has found a compromise at Gettysburg College, where he is able to do both.
"I wanted a school with small class sizes, a strong science program and a lacrosse team. I found that here," Ford said.
As a biology major applying to dental schools, he is also captain of the Gettysburg College lacrosse team. Between classes and practices daily, Ford credits his success to his time-management skills.
"I have classes and am playing lacrosse 2 to 3 hours a day, but I know that there are others involved in clubs or activities that take up just as much time," Ford said. "It is striking a balance that is important."
And after graduation in May 2005, Ford will find the next school that fits his needs for the remaining four years of dental school. But for the remainder of his senior year, Ford is focused on classes and the approaching lacrosse season. With a national championship as a first-year student and Centennial Conference champions his junior year, the captain is hoping for a play-off season.
"We have a lot of hard work ahead of us," Ford said.
Brian Ford is a senior from Schenectady, N.Y., and is majoring in biology. He is also a member of Gettysburg College men's lacrosse team.
Jeremy Ross '05
Senior Jeremy Ross always knew that he wanted to study medicine. His interest in  orthopedic surgery grew out of his experiences playing high school football.
"I saw some of my teammates suffer injuries that required surgery," Ross said. "I really became interested in the complexity and diversity involved with orthopedic surgery.
Ross knew he wanted to go to a small school with a strong science program where he would have hands-on experience using high-tech equipment in his field. As a presidential scholar at Gettysburg College, Ross said he found that here.
Now a biochemistry and molecular biology major graduating Phi Beta Kappa in the spring of 2005, Ross is glad he made the decision to call Gettysburg College home.
"I get a lot of one-on-one time with professors. I am constantly stopping by their offices and asking questions," Ross said. "I work really hard but the professors are always there to point you in the right direction."
Ross is also a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and served as an orientation leader for first-year student programs. He also spent last summer conducting organic chemistry research with Prof. Don Jameson and worked at Hanover Hospital analyzing blood samples.
His advice to incoming students:
"I found that what worked best for me was staying active and getting involved. You have to find a balance between your studies and being involved."
Jeremy Ross is a senior from Dallastown, Pa., and is majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology. He is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha.
Students graduating from Gettysburg College have pursued numerous careers in the health professions. Examples of some of our recent graduates are listed below:
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