ALUMNI INSIGHT
Cate Lowe
Lynchburg Physical Therapy '21
"I'm a student in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Lynchburg. My first semester started this summer in June of 2018, and my planned graduation is May of 2021. I've loved PT school so far, especially anatomy and anatomy lab. You learn so much so fast at this level, but it also feels like the professors care more. DEM definitely helped prepare me for graduate school, such as how to dress correctly for business casual, which students are actually required to wear to class most days. DEM also taught me how to come out of my shell and be confident in myself, which is important in PT school to show your confidence in yourself, but also being able to still ask for help when you need it. My community of friends in my cohort reminds me a lot of DEM, because even though you're not close with everyone, you know everyone in that community will be there for you if you need it. DEM will always be my family, just like my cohort is starting to become my family too."
VCU Nursing '19
Camille Peeples
"Since graduating Virginia Tech, I have been working as a certified nurse assistant at VCU Health on the women's surgical care unit for just over a year now, which was an amazing opportunity to gain critical clinical skills. I'm also now enrolled in VCU's accelerated nursing program, and will receive my BS in nursing in December 2019. Eventually, I hope to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse practitioner, but am enjoying my time in school exploring every speciality. Being a part of DEM helped shape my education and career path both at VT and beyond, because it gave me the opportunity to explore all of the healthcare fields as well as form relationships with other pre-health students. DEM provide numerous opportunities for involvement in service and leadership throughout the Blacksburg community and the friendships I formed in DEM have lasted well beyond college."
"I graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 and am currently in my second year of PA school up in Pittsburgh. Right now, I am doing clinical rotations, traveling across the country and getting amazing experience in a variety of medical specialities. So far, I have really enjoyed pediatrics as well as dermatology! DEM completely changed my undergraduate experience for the better. I met lifelong friends that I still keep in touch with (despite the distance), and it provided me with lots of leadership experience that is crucial for whatever field you decide to pursue. Feel free to reach out with any questions about what PA school is about what or a PA is!"
Caitlin Daughtry
Chatham Physician Assistant '19
"After graduating from Virginia Tech in May 2018 I began a job as a medical scribe in the VCU Massey Cancer Center. I was able to participate as a member of my physician's team and gain invaluable knowledge about working directly with patients, medical terminology, and writing visit notes. My leadership experience from being on the Executive Board of DEM also gave me the experience necessary to be promoted to the Chief Scribe of my site. I am now about to begin medical school at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and I hope to one day practice in Oncology or Obstetrics and Gynecology. DEM helped shape my college experience and set me up for success in the health care profession by exposing me to countless opportunities for leadership, service, and personal growth. I was also able to form amazing friendships with other members who supported each other during college and after graduation. I am so thankful to DEM for playing a role in getting to where I am today!
Cassidy Thomas
UVA Medicine '23
Where They Are Now
