Follow Through and Follow-Up: Keys to Establishing a Professional Relationship with a Professor

One of the benefits of attending a small college is the opportunity for faculty members and students to get to know each other well. This professional relationship can enrich the overall academic experience for students, but it takes both parties to make this happen. Faculty members make themselves available in class, via appointment, during set office hours, and over e-mail. Although some students will take advantage of these opportunities, there are others who do not reach out. Some may find it is difficult to start up a conversation unless they have a topic in mind; for instance a question about an assignment or what courses to take for the next term. Students shouldn’t let a lack of questions stop them from connecting with an instructor. Make the “getting to know you” agenda item number one! 

Students are encouraged to schedule appointments with faculty members to just talk about their career interests and academic goals. The first meeting may last for only 10-15 minutes. It can be easier to start small and build from there. For example, a student might begin by requesting to meet with the professor to share some of their professional goals and see what opportunities may exist on or off campus to help accomplish them. This appointment is a great time for pre-health students to explain why they are pursuing a particular career, how they selected their major, and what other things they do outside of class that may enhance or influence their school performance. From here, the instructor may have some insights to offer and specific suggestions on what to do next. Follow through and follow-up are crucial at this stage! Students should look into the recommendations and keep the professor apprised of the progress; whether it is in passing in hallway, via e-mail, or otherwise. Not only will this keep the lines of communication open, but it is also a sign of respect to show you listened to what they shared. Students may receive additional advice in follow-up conversations that allow for future interactions. 

 

 

These small steps help to create a strong connection over time. When new opportunities arise for internships, scholarships, leadership roles, etc., students who have made the effort to reach out are more likely to be included on the list of candidates. In addition, when the time comes for students to apply for jobs or professional/graduate school, letters of recommendation are often needed. If the faculty member knows a student well, they are more willing and better able to provide a strong letter of support. 

Relationships rarely develop overnight so a conscientious student will begin cultivating a few with various professors early on in their undergraduate career. Just remember, faculty members are people too—this shouldn’t be about using them for their connections or recommendations. You may come to find you value their opinions, wisdom, and company so much more!

Meals to Help Heal: Kelsey Dodd's Clinical Practicum in Dietetics

For pre-health professions students, gaining clinical experience can be one of the most exciting aspects of a student’s undergraduate years. The opportunity can confirm they are pursuing the right career path, teach them valuable professional lessons, and provide practical applications for the material they study in class. Many students work with the Patterson Center for the Health Professions (PCHP) to coordinate their shadowing, internships, and practicums. In conjunction with the PCHP, Kelsey Dodd is completing her clinical practicum this summer as a requirement for her major in exercise science. Her career interests include dietetics and personal training. Below Kelsey shares a bit about her practicum experience. 

"While working here at KSB Hospital (Dixon, IL) I saw so many aspects of nutrition that interest me, and I learned so much while being here. By being in a hospital I saw patients in all types of situations, and was able to personally interact with them when I brought them up their breakfast and lunch trays. I also was able to see where the food preparation all begins in the kitchen and how everyone in the kitchen works together in order to effectively serve the patients, meals on wheels recipients, and the guests in the cafeteria. This all taught me that my career choice of a dietician and a personal trainer is perfect for me, because I really enjoyed being here and knowing that every single day as a dietician is different. There are also so many opportunities and areas in the medical field that require diet and fitness, and everyone in the hospital such as: doctors, nurses, and lab technicians, all work alongside the dietician for the patient."  --Kelsey Dodd

No Drugs or Money Kept in Box, Blood and Urine Specimens Only

Faizal Malkana, ’14 is a pre-med, biology major at Elmhurst College. On Friday afternoons, he volunteers at the Norma Jean Sanders Free Clinic in Chicago. Below he shares a bit about his experience and how it has helped to shape his perspective of healthcare. 

No drugs or money kept in box, blood and urine specimens only. This is the warning label that is taped onto the front of a metal lockbox that is hung outside the clinic’s gate at the end of the day. For many, this site is a haven for delivering healthcare and medicine to those who do not have other means in Chicago’s Southside neighborhoods. It is the Norma Jean Sanders Free Clinic a ministry of Kenwood United Church of Christ. Dr. David Stewart serves as the medical director and associate pastor providing basic healthcare and pastoral services to all who come, free of charge. 

All of the healthcare professionals who provide care to the patients at this free clinic work on a volunteer basis. Throughout the year, a number of family care residents, nurse practitioners and medical students make their rotations through the clinic to practice their clinical skills and offer help on Friday afternoons to Dr. Stewart, the sole family care physician there. Each patient that walks into that clinic is not just evaluated in terms of their physical health, but also cared for in terms of their mental and spiritual well being. This extends certainly from Dr. Stewart’s pastoral training and faith tradition. One experience which stands out in my memory involved a patient who had disclosed to the doctor that her grandson had fallen victim to senseless street violence as a bystander. It was a readily noticeable observation that she was suffering more than just in the physical sense. Her eyes were distraught and her palms were peeling. She told the doctor she’d lately been keeping her mind busy by cleaning around the house more. Her physical exam revealed signs of bodily stress. After performing his exam, Dr. Stewart proceeded to close his file and offered the patient a word of prayer to ease her pain and grieving. It was clear she had a sense of resolve and hope as she left the room with her chin held high. 

Having spent a year at this clinic, the experience has afforded me a window into the reality of some of Chicago’s impoverished communities. Meeting patient after patient has led me to the conclusion that these types of institutions are direly needed in our society for the good health of a community in order to advance socioeconomically. This insight is perhaps most prominently featured with the warning label posted on the metal box mentioned earlier: “No Drugs or Money Kept In Box, Blood and Urine Specimens Only.” The box is a constant reminder to me of the work that always needs to be done to secure the health and overall well-being of a community. Calling it a symbol may be a bit far-fetched and a bit less romantic than ideal, but it certainly serves as an indication of what it means to be a healthcare professional. It is a meaning that the people at the Norma Jean Sanders Free Clinic underscore in leading, empowering and changing lives through healthy minds and healthy bodies.  

 Norma Jean Sanders Free Clinic in Chicago, IL

Coming Full Circle: Cancer Survivor, Rocco Catrone ’13, Interns With Health Care Professionals Who Treated Him

Rocco Catrone, '13 (psychology major) recently completed an internship at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital where he was treated for cancer years ago when he was a child. Below he shares a bit about what he did and learned through this special opportunity.

Rocco Catrone, '13

During my spring semester of senior year at Elmhurst College, I was a psychology external at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, IL. I worked under Gabrielle Roberts who was the only clinical psychologist on staff at the hospital who provided one-on-one therapy, group therapy, resources for patients and support for the staff in times of crisis. My job was to help her complete the first ever baseline psychological assessment, intended to be completed every 4 months for comparison, in the cystic fibrosis clinic. I was responsible for running a basic interview test called the BASC-2 and writing a summary after entering and analyzing the data. Through this part of the internship, I learned how to conduct myself as a professional during the interviews while also becoming confident and proficient in using a new type of computer software.

The other part of my internship was the most influential in my career development and personal favorite portion. I would go on rounds with the psychologist and was a part of a multidisciplinary team with doctors, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, nurses and social workers. It was amazing to see how efficient the group was and that the hospital recognized the value in creating a diverse team to better meet the needs of the patients. In addition, the teams I was a part of saw me as a professional, not just a student. They would ask what I thought about a certain patient, and I was expected to recite the results of the tests I ran. I learned how to present myself in a non-threatening and professional way with the patients so that they would not experience more stress with more people in their room. I even was a part of therapy, working directly with some of the children. After completing this internship, I realized that I want to one day work in a hospital as a clinical psychologist and have built relationships to help me get there. Perhaps one of the most personally rewarding parts of this internship was being a part of the team with doctors and other health care professionals that helped me when I was a patient with cancer. It was amazing to have the doctors who treated my cancer as a child hug me and smile seeing one of their successes. It made me realize how much they care about the health and prosperity of their patients. This experience will always hold a special place in memories and my heart!

 Advocate Hope Children's Hospital where Rocco Catrone completed his internship.

Director of the Patterson Center Retires

About nine years ago, Dr. Frank Mittermeyer (Dr. M) put forth a proposal to have a center on-campus devoted to preparing students who were pursuing the health professions. His knowledge, wisdom, and history of working with these students over the years made him a natural fit to be the first director of what is now the Patterson Center for the Health Professions. He has been a phenomenal leader for the Center and provided support to many students and alumni. Yet, his connection and influence on-campus goes much further back than the birth of the Patterson Center. In 1969, Dr. M joined the faculty in the Biology Department as a microbiologist. He was always willing to assist students in their learning and to this day, is still incredibly enthusiastic about microbiology; in particular virology. His passion for the subject is as infectious as the viruses he studies. He served as Chair of the Biology Department for a number of years and was on several campus wide committees. Beyond the classroom, Dr. M traveled with students throughout Europe not only to study elements of biology and the health care systems in other countries but also to learn about other cultures and languages. 

With so much that he has accomplished and what he continues to offer, it is difficult to see Dr. M retire, but we appreciate all that he has given our campus community and know his legacy will live on after he leaves. In retirement, his fervent desire to continue exploring the world around us will lead him on many more travels around the world. Dr. M already speaks fluent German but plans to learn Spanish as well. Certainly there will be time for relaxing on the lake in northern Wisconsin, where he is originally from, and spending time with his family and friends. Regardless of where he is, Dr. M will find enjoyment in what each day holds, and we wish him the best in retirement. 

A love of biology brought him here.

When facing viruses, he showed no fear.

A jovial man with wisdom to share,

He was called to teach and serve as chair.

With a health professions center to lead,

Student minds he continued to feed.

Retirement called as time passed,

And good-bye seemed to come so fast.

We honor his service in celebration,

Dr. M—thank you for your dedication!