Prepared for the Challenge

Southeastern alumnus recalls undergraduate experiences that set him up for success in medical school

Monday, May 19, 2014 


Dr. Smitty Smith attributes his academic success to the friendly, student-centered environment he enjoyed while pursuing his bachelor's degree in organismal and integrative biology at Southeastern.

After completing his undergraduate degree, Smith attended medical school and earned a doctor of medicine degree from Louisiana State University's School of Medicine. He is completing his residency in family medicine.

While Smith says "nothing can prepare you for the rigors of medical school," his experience in an honor society and in undergraduate research at Southeastern prepared him well for the challenge.

Smith was a member of the pre-professional honor society Delta Omega Alpha, which gave him the opportunity to tour graduate schools, attend workshops and meet medical professionals. He also worked closely with his professors on their professional research projects – something few undergraduates get to do at most institutions.

Smith

 

"I did research in the area of organic synthetic chemistry with Professor Debra Dolliver," Smith said. "It was a great experience, and I learned a lot working on these projects. I was able to present the results of this research at a number of conferences, including a national meeting of the American Chemical Society."

Smith was originally attracted to Southeastern because of its proximity to his hometown of Amite City, La., beautiful campus and "small-town" atmosphere.


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