The Directed Study Pathway with Slate

Transcript

Hello there everyone, and welcome to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Growing up on a small farm in Northeast Ohio taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and caring for others. Those experiences shaped my path into medicine and helped me realize that I wanted a career focused upon service and lifelong learning.

When I was looking at medical schools, I wanted a place that respected different learning styles and encouraged independence. That’s what drew me to LECOM’s directed study pathway. I’ve always thrived in self-directed environments, whether it’s balancing athletics, research, or leadership activities, so DSP felt like a natural fit for me.

The pathway allows students to independently manage their own schedules, work through learning modules at their own pace, and meet regularly with faculty for guidance and support. DSP requires strong self-discipline, but that structure has helped me grow tremendously as a student. The freedom to organize my days allows me to stay focused, maintain balance, and approach learning with consistency and curiosity.

At the same time, LECOM’s faculty remain incredibly accessible and supportive throughout the process. LECOM has shown me that becoming a physician is about more than mastering the information. It’s about developing the discipline, confidence, and compassion needed to care for others. DSP has strengthened those qualities in me, and I’m excited to carry them in my clinical rotations and my future career in medicine.

Thank you for letting me share my story.