Mikayla Sargent ’21

Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)

I came into UNE as a Pre-Physician Assistant (PA) major, but I was unsure of what I wanted to do exactly. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do PA, become a physician, or do premed. One of the things that drew me to UNE was the medical school and the health professions programs in general.

During my first year, I took a course with Eric Zuelow [Ph.D.] who created the HUMED program [UNE’s pathway to medical school for humanities students]. He pulled me aside one day and asked me if I would be interested in HUMED because he thought I was a strong writer and knew I was already on a premed track.

In high school, I was in a program where we studied the humanities. I took Latin and looked at Greek mythology, so I have a strong background in the humanities. I always thought that if I wanted to become a doctor, I had to do science for my undergraduate career, but with the HUMED program, suddenly it all seemed to just come together. I realized there was another option. I am able to pursue my passion in the humanities but still stay on track for the career that I want.

UNE offers unique access to clinicals and interprofessional events as part of the medical school. Also, I am forming connections in the humanities since I am in the HUMED program. By being in this program, I am also establishing a really good support system.

UNE Inspiration

During my freshmen year, I had a back injury that they could not diagnose. I got sent to the OMM clinic, which is the medical school clinic at UNE. The student who worked with me knew that I was interested in becoming a physician, so she explained everything to me as she went. She could feel the exact spot where I had my fracture, she could tell which disc was bulging and not bouncing back. Then I got an MRI, and she had been right. I remember thinking right then that I wanted to be a D.O. Having that personal experience sparked my interest. It was very inspirational.

I think that the HUMED program will make me a more well-rounded person. Having a background in the humanities will allow me to connect to my patients in a more human way. I want to treat my patients as human beings and be able to relate to their struggles.