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Class
of 2009 |
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| Jessica Balog |
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| I graduated in May 2005 from John Carroll University with a teaching degree in middle school math and science. After doing my student teaching I realized that the education field was not for me. I was originally a premed major and then changed to education. After learning about this program from a friend and shadowing in the OR, I realized that being an anesthesiologist assistant is exactly what I want to do. I went back to John Carroll for two years to fulfill the prerequisite requirements and took the MCAT. I am very excited to be in this program. |
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| Jaime Cook |
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| I graduated from Lake Erie College with a BS in Biology. Prior to entering the MSA Program, I worked as a chemist in the Toxicology Department at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office. Although I enjoyed doing lab work I wanted more contact with people in a clinical setting. I always had an interest in anesthesia care, which was first sparked during college when I worked as a veterinary technician and assisted during surgery. I did some research and discovered the AA profession. I shadowed as much as possible at Lake West Hospital and at UHCMC which reinforced my interest in the profession. I knew then that I wanted to work in an operating room. After researching various programs I felt I could accomplish my goals best through Case's program. I decided Case's MSA Program at UHCMC is the finest because of its emphasis on hands-on training through experience, which fits my style of learning. I am so happy to be a part of this exceptional program. |
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| Christen Donohoe |
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| Ever since elementary school I thought I wanted to go to medical school, and this goal stuck with me through most of my undergraduate years. I graduated in May 2007 with a degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina, but I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I realized during my junior year of college that medical school was not for me and started researching other careers in the health care field. My advisor helped me find the MSA Program and I immediately knew this could be a nice fit. Some shadowing experiences further heightened my excitement and solidified my thoughts about the program being right for me. All of the students and staff I met during my interview made me feel at home, and I knew I would be very happy and comfortable as a student in the Case MSA Program. |
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| Jonathan Eberlein |
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| I graduated from Miami University with a BS in Zoology, and subsequently with a BS in prosthetics and orthotics from Florida International University. Prior to applying to the MSA Program at Case, I had been involved in the prosthetics and orthotics field in Toledo, Ohio, as a certified practitioner. After 12 years on the job, I felt compelled to expand my role within the medical field and decided to take the MCAT. After becoming aware of the MSA Program through Case's brochure, I immediately recognized the benefits of the program. As an older student with a family pursuing a second career, I certainly favor the shorter intensive path as compared to medical school. Following several shadowing experiences, it became clear that the MSA Program would ideally suit my goals and abilities. I couldn't be happier to have discovered such an exciting opportunity. My wife Kathie and I have two wonderful daughters: Emily, 6 and Audrey, 3. |
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| John Ferrara |
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| I graduated from Kent State University with a BS in Pre-Med and a MS in Cell and Molecular Biology. After graduating I was involved in biochemistry research at Kent State University and have worked in a Clinical Pathology Lab at the Cleveland Clinic. I have always had an interest in anesthesia and was seriously considering medical school until I realized that would mean hardly seeing my family for the next eight years. While I was considering the alternative of Nurse Anesthesia I discovered the Anesthesiologist Assistant Program at Case. It seemed like the best of both worlds combining the ability to help my patients and balance my family life. My shadowing experiences in the operating room reinforced my interest. |
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| Camille Jansen |
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| I graduated in 2002 from a small liberal arts college in California with a BA in Liberal Arts. The following year I took off to travel. While traipsing through Central America, the desire to enter the medical profession became firm in my mind, and upon my return to the States I began my premed at Shepherd University. During the med school application process, I considered a future in surgery but realized that many more years of schooling lay ahead of me. I then decided to look at some more options to be in the OR. Enter Case!! |
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| Matthew Kaufmann |
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I graduated from Bowling Green State University in May 2003 with a BS in Biology and Chemistry. I worked at the Medical University of Ohio for a year in a research laboratory that bred and pheno typed rats based on their aerobic capacity. The next two years I was employed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in a research and training laboratory for surgeons. The work involved prepping cadavers and monitoring anesthesia on various animal species.
The AA profession is the best kept secret in the medical field! I strongly recommend this program and the AA profession to any and everyone with a healthcare/science background. During my senior year of college I thought I was aware of all the opportunities available to me to further my education: medical school (allopathic and osteopathic), dental school, graduate school, physician assistant school, podiatry school, optometry school, pharmacy school, chiropractic school, etc.; however, I was mistaken. The first time I heard the term anesthesiologist assistant was three years after I graduated from college. Prior to this I had heard of Nurse Anesthetists but not of AAs. I truly believe the wait was well worth it, and I look forward to the healthy balance between my personal and professional life that this profession offers. I am an AA student looking forward to the future. |
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| Amanda Kroll |
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| In May 2004 I graduated from Cleveland State University with a BA in Psychology. During my junior year I was still unsure of what career path to choose. I was obviously interested in psychology and thought about becoming a counselor, but I felt my calling was for more of a hands-on job. My mother is a CRNA at MetroHealth Hospital System and she encouraged me to shadow her for a day in the OR. I went with her at the end of spring semester, right before my summer classes were starting, and immediately fell in love with her line of work. The amount of patient care involved was amazing to me. Later that day one of the anesthesiologists asked me to be part of his research team, and for the next two summers I was at Metro in the OR nearly every day working on various projects. It was the time that I spent in the hospital which solidified my decision to finish my psychology degree and to complete a premed core curriculum for entry into the MSA Program at Case. I could not be more thrilled to be in this program and move closer to becoming an anesthesiologist assistant. |
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| John Lipian |
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After graduating from Cleveland State University with a BS in Chemistry in 1996, I immediately began working in the world of high tech polymers as an industrial research chemist. I discovered and developed new organometallic transition metal coordination catalysts for novel polymers used in computer chip fabrication applications over the past 10 years. Despite great success - I authored 15 patents, numerous scientific journal and textbook publications and received several awards for discoveries - I found the work to be unfulfilling. I felt a void from the lack of meaningful interaction with people as well as a lack of a deeper meaning and purpose behind the work itself. I sought to enter the medical field to satisfy my passion to use my technical abilities to help others.
I began preparing for traditional medical school by taking night courses and taking the MCAT. It was during this time that I found out about the AA profession. After talking with several doctors and AAs, I simultaneously applied to the MD and AA programs, gaining acceptance into both. For my personal situation the MSA Program at Case was the best fit. It's a 2 year program, requires less debt than medical school, offers the opportunity to combine chemistry directly with caring for others in need, and after graduation you begin working as a licensed professional at full salary without a residency period or the need for malpractice insurance. I feel that Case Western Reserve has the most attractive AA program because it combines enhanced individual learning through small class size, immediate and extensive clinical involvement, affiliation with one of the top hospital systems in the country, as well as the reputation and distinction of a highly ranked academic institution. It's a perfect fit for an experienced scientific professional and non-traditional student to make the transition from industrial science to medical technology and to do real, meaningful work to help others in the community. I am very excited to begin this new chapter in my life and my career and couldn't be more pleased to be starting my journey at Case Western Reserve University. |
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| Michael McDermott |
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| I graduated from John Carroll University in May 2006 with a BS in Biology and Chemistry. Although I knew my future career would involve the health profession, upon graduation I was still unsure of which path to take. During this period I worked as a Research Technician at the Cleveland Clinic. After weighing my options and shadowing AAs at the MSA Program multiple times, I found that this program is the perfect fit for me and for my lifestyle. I have heard only positives from students and AAs. I am very excited about this program! |
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| Lan Nguyen |
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| I am a graduate of the University of Texas (2006) where I majored in Biochemistry. I took a year off from school and worked at a tutoring company. I first became interested in anesthesiology in my late high school years. At that stage I, along with many of my peers, was directing my efforts toward medical school. During my early college years I had the opportunity of speaking with an anesthesiologist while volunteering at the local hospital. That was truly an eye-opening experience. It wasn't until mid college when I decided medical school required too many years of schooling and may not be right for me. The MSA Program fell in my lap in the form of a brochure that was sent in the mail. I researched the program at Case and a few others of the sort online. Case Western's program struck me as most compatible for me in terms of curriculum, location, and structure. I look forward to the journey! |
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| Jenna Saraniti |
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| In May 2006 I graduated from John Carroll University with a degree in Biology. Since I was young I have had a passion for science and became interested in a healthcare profession while at John Carroll. At first I thought medical school was my only option but was never truly confident in that career path. Upon graduation I was hired as a full time research technician for the Cleveland Clinic. Still unsure of future plans, I decided to move back home and use the year to reflect on what would be best for me. I was learning much working in two Molecular Cardiology labs, but ultimately I realized that I desired a more clinical job where I could interact with people. I had been introduced to the MSA Program early in my college career and it immediately sparked my interest. After graduation I rediscovered the program through a friend; after some research and shadowing, I knew it was the perfect place for me. It fit my career goals, personality, and lifestyle. I couldn't be more excited to begin a challenging and rewarding future that I can look forward to every day! |
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| Andrew Sumner |
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| After graduating from Miami University in May 2006 with a chemistry degree, I decided to take a year off and work as an R+D chemist in the private sector. I wanted to take time to look at all my options from MD, DO, DDS, MPH, and even podiatry. When I found the AA profession I knew I had found the right fit. The profession gives you the option of working 40 hour work weeks which an MD or DO doesn't have until later in their career. The decision to enroll in the program at Case was based on the strong clinical emphasis and small class size. The profession allows you to practice after two years of study and the program has you start clinicals after only three weeks. It is the perfect situation for someone passionate about working to make a difference as soon as they can, for as long as they can. |
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| Mark Tomsic |
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| I graduated from Case with a BS in Chemistry in 1996. I briefly worked as a silicone chemist and knew fairly quickly that it was not for me. I started doing research at Case while I applied to medical school and was on several waiting lists over several years. I gave up on the idea of being an MD when my MCAT scores were three years old. While on the waiting lists I figured I would take a summer off and become a bartender before Med School started. I never was accepted but found that bartending was incredibly fun. If you are good at it there is money to be made. I tended bar for almost 7 years before I found out about the MSA Program from a neighbor whose son is a CRNA. After I shadowed an anesthesiologist assistant I reaffirmed that medicine is where my passion is. I retook the MCAT, took a course to fulfill my requirements, and applied within 6 months. I am glad to be moving in the right direction for me. |
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Class of 2010 |
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| Nicholas Beastrom |
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| I grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, and graduated from Lutheran West high school in 2001. As an undergraduate, I spent time majoring in paper science engineering, and then eventually athletic training and pre-physical therapy before I graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BS in Applied Health Science in 2005. I moved to Columbus, OH, and began working as a research assistant in the Center for Gene Therapy at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, where we studied gene- and cell-based therapies for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In 2006, I began a MS in Anatomy program at The Ohio State University while continuing to work in research. I am currently completing a thesis based upon my work as a research assistant to complete the requirements for the master’s program at OSU, before I join the MSA Program at Case. I was drawn to the program because I think the profession fits my personality well. After shadowing AAs in Cleveland and talking with students and staff, it seems that I will have both challenging and rewarding opportunities while maintaining a comfortable balance outside of work. I’m looking forward to starting this summer. |
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| Jillian Beech |
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| I graduated from Miami University in 2007 with a BA in Zoology and a minor in Neuroscience. It was my initial intention to go to medical school; however, during my senior year, I had a change of heart and realized I wanted to pursue a career that I would both love and that would allow me to enjoy family. In the summer of 2007, I enrolled in the masters of anatomy program at Case. It was through this program that I became aware of the Masters of Science in Anesthesia. I was eager to shadow an AA to learn more about the field and to see if it was right for me. It turns out this program was everything I was looking for. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and look forward to starting! |
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| Erin Bodnar |
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| I graduated from The Ohio State University in December 2006 with a BS in Psychology. I decided to be pre-med from the day I started college, and after three years heard about the MSA Program at Case through a friend who was finishing her residency as an anesthesiologist. I was instantly interested and felt that this was the perfect career to fill my desire to help people in the medical field. After shadowing an AA in the operating room and researching the career, I am certain that this is where I belong. I am very excited and look forward to a rewarding, successful career as an anesthesiologist assistant. |
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| Michael Byrum |
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| I am 36 years old, married with four children. I have been employed in the medical profession for 18 years as a respiratory therapist. I first became interested in anesthesia when I did surgical rotations in respiratory school. Subsequently I started on a pre-med curriculum with intentions of becoming an anesthesiologist. Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a semester break from school ended up being ten years and medical school no longer seemed right for me. When I found out about the MSA Program at Case, I knew it would be a good fit for me. I had to finish my degree, retake several courses and study a lot for the MCAT, but I know I have made the right career choice for me. |
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| Jessica Lee |
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| When I started college I spent a large amount of time evaluating different careers, and as part of that process I shadowed an operating room nurse. Although I decided that day that I did not want to be a nurse, I began an interest in anesthesia. In spite of this interest, however, I went on to graduate from Lake Erie College with a degree in business. Some years later I was exposed once again to the health care system due to my involvement with a Community Mental Health Center and found that my interest in anesthesia had not wavered. I looked into the required premed coursework for the program and made arrangements to complete the coursework as quickly as possible at Cleveland State University. I look forward to beginning my new career! |
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| Katherine McClain |
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| I graduated from Miami University in May 2008 with a BA in Microbiology and a concentration in Chemistry. I discovered the MSA Program while shadowing an anesthesiologist assistant for a high school senior project, and I immediately took an interest in the program. After my sophomore year at Miami, I started shadowing other AAs around the Cleveland area and decided to pursue anesthesia as a career. I am so happy to be accepted to this exceptional program! |
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| Michelle McCourt |
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| I graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. I was a pre-med student originally, but decided medical school wasn’t for me. I still wanted to work in the health professions but could not find a career that seemed right. I then switched to psychology. Fortunately, someone told me about the AA profession the summer before my junior year. I looked at all the information I could find on the Internet and shadowed an AA. After my first day of shadowing I knew that I wanted to do this job. I am very happy to be pursuing this career at Case Western Reserve University. |
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| Zachary Nearman |
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| I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a BS in Psychology. I completed the pre-med requirements as I initially wanted to go to medical school. After graduation, I spent three years doing research in an experimental hematology lab at the Cleveland Clinic. Although I enjoyed research, it lacked patient contact which I feel is one of the most important parts of medicine. I began to evaluate the MSA Program compared to working towards a PhD and felt that the MSA Program offered a career that is more suited towards my personality and my goals in life. |
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| Colleen O'Malia |
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| I am from Cleveland, Ohio, and earned a BS from The Ohio State University in March 2008. My mother works for University Hospitals and informed me of the MSA Program at Case. After shadowing with an anesthetist in the OR, I knew this was the career for me because it allows me to combine my two career goals of entering the medical field and helping others. This program provides the unique opportunity to enhance the science skills from my undergraduate education and incorporate them with the technical skills I will learn in the anesthesiologist assistant program. I will be able to apply both skills in the operating room. |
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| Christopher Schumann |
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| When I graduated with my BS in Biochemistry from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, I felt that basic science was what I wanted to spend my working years doing. For a variety of reasons, after three years at Dartmouth pursuing my PhD, I felt that obtaining my MS in Neurophysiology and changing career paths was the best choice for me. My sister is currently in the MSN program at Case and she suggested that I look into the AA program. After shadowing at Case, I knew that I had finally found the career that I had been looking for and the program to help me get there. |
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| Ashley Shupienis |
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| I will enter the MSA Program immediately after graduating from Ohio University with a BS in Biological Sciences. I had been on the Pre-Med track and considering Medical School for most of my undergraduate career until I heard about this opportunity from a family friend, who happened to be a Physician. It seemed too good to be true, but I did some research and felt that the MSA Program would be the perfect fit for me. In just a few years, I'll be doing what I love professionally, as well as maintaining a balanced lifestyle that Medical School would have never provided. I strongly encourage prospective students to consider this program! |
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| Marina Sincerney |
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| I am from North Olmsted, Ohio, and graduated from The Ohio State University in March 2008 with a BS in Biology. I began my freshman year at OSU knowing that I wanted to gain a degree that would go towards having a career in the medical field. It was not until later that same year that I learned of the MSA Program at Case. It immediately grabbed my attention and from that point on I began working towards gaining the necessary criteria to get into the program. During my undergraduate years, I also worked for the department of chemistry. After graduation I moved back to Cleveland and am looking forward to starting the program this coming June. |
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| Bich Vuong |
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| I graduated from The Ohio State University in 2007 with a BS in Microbiology. I worked for a year as an environmental scientist for a private lab in Columbus. I enjoyed the challenges of laboratory life and finding new solutions to problems, but I soon realized that I missed the interaction with new people and the feeling that I was making an impact on other peoples' lives. I wanted to go into medicine all my life so I decided that is where I wanted to focus. I researched graduate schools and found Case's AA program in my search. I was amazed by the opportunities so I called the office the next day and made an appointment for a shadowing experience at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. I consider myself very lucky to have found out about the program, to have been accepted, and to be given this wonderful opportunity to make such a huge impact on others' lives. I am so excited to be able to attend Case and work with gifted AAs and instructors. |
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