Abigail Roy, 23
Major: Biology major, Neuroscience minor
Attending: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (MD)
"A-Ha" Moment: My junior year of college, I decided to shadow a local pediatrician in Gettysburg, Dr. Dave Nelson. He is an alum of Gettysburg and also has children attending Gburg, so I loved getting to have that commonality while also being able to witness the inner-workings of a pediatric clinic. His dedication, diligence, and passion for childhood wellness confirmed my desire to become a physician as well. All it takes is one impactful mentor!
Gettysburg College / Health Professions Highlights: I enjoyed getting to work with the Pre-Health interview committee during the spring/summer I applied to medical school. They did mock interviews with me and asked questions to simulate real medical school interviews. This was invaluable in boosting my confidence as I interviewed in the fall. I also enjoyed getting to conduct genetics research with Dr. Hiraizumi throughout my 4 years at Gettysburg! Dr. Hiraizumi, Dr. Kittelberger, Dr. Delesalle, and Dr. Suryn were some of my favorite mentors and professors at Gettysburg.
BOMB Squad Hip Hop Dance Team Captain, Campus Tour Guide, PLA for Organic Chemistry and Biology, Genetics Research (Hiraizumi Lab), X-SIG 2020, Copenhagen Study Abroad 2021, Global Leader Program, Patient Care Technician, Behavioral Health Technician, Migrant Education Volunteer Program
Abby’s Top Tip for Preparing for Medical School: My top tip is to continue pursuing activities that are uniquely you. Everyone can do research, volunteer, and work in a hospital, but what lights *your* fire? I grew up doing competitive dance and was involved with the dance team all throughout school. I based my medical school essay around my passion for dance/art and connected it to how art and science are intertwined. It felt authentic to write about and was the #1 thing that came up in my interviews!
Final Words of Wisdom: Do not be afraid to take gap years! My gap years were incredible experiences that refreshed me after undergrad and allowed me to gain new perspectives as an adult. I got to live in France for 6 months (Lyon, France) and work as an au pair! The travel, language-exchange, and friendships I made will forever live with me amazing memories. An extra break is never a bad thing. Being a pre-med and health-science student is incredibly difficult at times - you owe it to yourself to find balance! I now have a much more balanced perspective of academics now that I'm in med school.
Thank you!
Abby Roy
University of Cincinnati COM Class of 2029