When thinking of a SEMO alum with the passion to achieve a well-rounded education, there aren’t many better candidates than Patrick Vining.
He attended the New York University School of Medicine where he discovered his interest in cardiothoracic surgery, but before then he was a Political Science and Economics dual major here at SEMO.
Find out a little more about Patrick’s experience here at SEMO and how he launched his career into the field of medicine.
Why did you choose to attend Southeast?
Southeast provided a very competitive scholarship package and showed itself to be a friendly, accessible, and active campus. I could see myself excelling in my time there.
Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?
Michele Irby was a phenomenal mentor and advisor through Student Government. Dr. Jeremy Walling of political science was a fantastic educator and mentor. Dr. Willie Redmond of economics was also an outstanding educator and leader in extracurricular activities.
Share your best college memory.
My time on Student Government and in Lambda Chi Alpha were the best periods of my college career. I enjoyed working with other students, faculty, and staff to achieve common goals. And homecoming is, of course, an unforgettable tradition.
What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?
Medicine is an outstanding field, but it is a nebulous, large, hard-to-navigate one. Make sure you obtain all the information you can about medical schools/residency programs, and don’t just rely on what others tell you. It is important to pursue the things you care about, and success in extracurriculars and non-science courses are just as relevant as science knowledge.