Meet our alumni: Josh Elmer '20

Class of 2020

Major: Biology with Honors

Activities at SLU: Pre-Health Club, Research in the Biology Dept with Dr. Heckman, Class Council, TA for Gen Bio and Anatomy lab, Hospice Volunteer, St. Lawrence Correctional Facility CBL (2 semesters), Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa, Beta Beta Beta (National Biological Honor Society) member and president. SLU Summer Research Fellow,  Ultimate Frisbee Club-member, secretary, and treasurer, SLU Festival of Health presenter, Campus Kitchens volunteer (summer), Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow at the Mayo Clinic

 

Why did you choose SLU to start your pursuit of a health career?

St. Lawrence offered me the opportunity to form close-knit relationships with my peers and faculty. I loved that SLU had small class sizes and professors that I would come to know on a first-name basis. St. Lawrence was also close to home for me, which was important.

 

What SLU experience has helped you be successful in your professional program and/or current job?

Volunteering as a health coach increased my confidence when tackling one-on-one patient encounters and served as a basis for learning how to interact professionally with patients in medical school.

 

What course(s) did you find most helpful in preparation for professional school academics?

Immunology with lab, Human Nutrition, and Anatomy and Physiology I/II.

 

What advice do you have for students pursuing a career in your particular field?

Get connected with a pre-health advisor during your first semester. They are a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you plan your St. Lawrence pre-health track and have valuable advice on courses/extracurriculars/etc.