How I Got There: Medical Studies | Katie Hughes (COL ’16)

Posted in Student & Alumni Stories

Katie Hughes studied Mathematics on the Pre-Med track in the Georgetown College of Arts & Sciences. She was previously a third-year medical student at Rush Medical College during the time of her interview. Learn how Georgetown shaped her path, what led her to her current position, and more insights regarding her company and the broader medical industry:

What activities at Georgetown did you find the most valuable and why?

Throughout college, I tried to participate in one activity per school year to enhance my premed application, and one for my personal enjoyment.  Volunteer work is an important component of medical school applications, so my freshman year I got involved in GUMSHOE (Math & Science Tutoring at Shaw Middle School), and sophomore year I volunteered at Georgetown University Hospital Foot and Hand Clinic (I was also able to shadow for this experience).  

Medical school admissions officers also look for leadership, so in my freshman and sophomore years, I got involved with the Premedical Society and Georgetown Admissions Ambassador Program (GAAP); I continued to get more involved in these activities and served as President of the Premedical Society my junior and senior years and Vice President of GAAP my senior year.  Research is another critical component of the medical school application. I chose to participate in research projects at local hospitals at home over the summer, as I was able to get paid and work in a clinical research setting, more appealing than basic science for me.

What surprised you the most when you started studying at Rush Medical College?

After coming from Georgetown’s rigorous undergraduate science program, I assumed that my medical school coursework would be roughly as challenging or maybe a little more challenging than Georgetown premed classes.  I quickly realized that, despite being well-prepared for college, medical school is truly on another level of difficulty.  The amount of work can be very overwhelming at times, but I just keep the big picture in mind and remind myself that this will all be worth it soon enough!

What skills are most needed in your role?

Organization and time management are of utmost importance in medical school!  Even getting behind 1-2 days makes catching up very challenging.  Staying focused and sticking to an organized schedule makes life much easier!