Rachel Lee just finished her first semester in the pre-med program at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC).
When she started the program in Fall 2015, she brought along nine months of experience gleaned from the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy, as well as advice from Steven Couch, MD, Washington University oculofacial plastic surgeon at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital.
Lee, who was featured February, 2015 in our Newsroom, decided that she was interested in becoming a physician after hearing Dr. Couch speak to the Parkway Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy, a course for high school seniors interested in health and biomedical careers. The Pre-Professional Health Sciences Academy combines classroom learning with job shadowing at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, in partnership with Special School District, Parkway School District and BJC School Outreach and Youth Development. Lee also observed Dr. Couch in the operating room.
Dr. Couch encouraged Lee to apply to UMKC, his alma mater. “I had a great experience at UMKC,” he says.
Lee is having a similar experience. “I'm having a blast over at UMKC,” she says. “The entire place is so academically focused because most of the students are in pre-professional programs and it's so great being around people who want the same things that I do.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Couch or another specialist, call 314.542.WEST (9378) or toll-free 844.542.9378 or request a call for an appointment.