“What I value most about my education at Midwestern University is the emphasis on seeing patients as people first.”
Name: Hannah Keller
Program/Year:
College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, Class of 2027
Hometown:
Tampa, FL
Undergraduate Degree:
Florida State University, B.S. in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?
Being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition at a young age introduced me to the healthcare system early on. Throughout my treatment, I was surrounded by a multidisciplinary team of providers, which gave me a deep appreciation for how different healthcare professionals work together to deliver patient-centered care. Seeing the impact that compassionate, knowledgeable clinicians had on my life inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare, with the goal of one day being that source of support and advocacy for others.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?
My background as an EMT allowed me to experience patient care from a frontline perspective and reinforced my desire to take on a more involved role in the healthcare decision-making process. While working in emergency settings, I saw how critical timely interventions, clear communication, and continuity of care are to patient outcomes. Combined with my earlier experience as a patient, these roles helped shape my commitment to a healthcare career where I could contribute not only in moments of urgency but also through ongoing patient education, advocacy, and clinical decision-making.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?
I chose Midwestern University because of its strong emphasis on hands-on learning, interprofessional education, and patient-centered care. During my interview day, I shared that while pharmacy knowledge can be taught, interpersonal skills and genuine compassion cannot. The panel’s response to that perspective reaffirmed my impression of Midwestern University’s values. In that moment, I realized that Midwestern is not only focused on developing strong healthcare professionals, but on shaping thoughtful, patient-centered clinicians who value communication, empathy, and human connection alongside clinical expertise.
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?
What I value most about my education at Midwestern University is the emphasis on seeing patients as people first. Through interprofessional learning, hands-on experiences, and meaningful mentorship, I have learned that being a good clinician goes beyond clinical knowledge. I plan to carry forward Midwestern’s focus on empathy, communication, and collaboration into my career, approaching every patient interaction with the same compassion and attentiveness that once shaped my own experience as a patient.
