“Midwestern University checks each box I sought for graduate school: a storied history, a spacious and green campus, and a university setting. Interdisciplinary education is invaluable, and I am thrilled to benefit from it.”
Name:
Jack Paul Berens
Hometown:
Beach Park, IL
Undergraduate Degree:
University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), B.S. in Neuroscience
Current Program of Study: Doctor of Clinical Psychology Program, College of Health Sciences-Downers Grove
What inspired you to pursue a healthcare career?:
Please allow me to distill innumerable inspirations into three essential ones for brevity's sake.
First, my mom, Annie Berens, always has been and will be my role model. Decades in the pharmaceutical communications industry ground her knowledge of the healthcare field. In addition to learning from her experience, her spirit and love are unsurpassed: Any memorable qualities in me sprouted from my mom.
Second, my mentor, Steven K. Huang, M.D., Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, is my most influential and cherished instructor. The University of Michigan overflows with outstanding people, and no one stands out more than Dr. Huang. I hope to emulate his expertise, versatility, work ethic, and warmth as a clinician.
Third, my life would be nowhere near as vibrant without high-quality healthcare. Particularly, those who treated my childhood epilepsy and adolescent mental health challenges enriched my life beyond measure. I hope to embody the caliber of care I have so fortunately received.
How did your background and history factor into your career choice?:
My relatives' dedication to healthcare certainly influenced my career decision. Chiefly, my stepmom, Maureen Kelly, is a retired medical doctor and medical director. Maureen's love and guidance have empowered me for years. Her side of the family includes several medical doctors, and my mom and dad's sides consist of many nurses. While I will be my family's first psychologist, my family's commitment to healthcare predates me.
Why did you decide to attend Midwestern University?:
Several factors elevated Midwestern University to my first choice for graduate school, so please allow me to pinpoint three primary ones.
First, the Clinical Psychology Program's faculty and I jelled immediately. Namely, two professors, Lauren Sbarbaro, Psy.D., LADC, Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, and Connie Natvig, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences, College of Health Sciences, propelled my admiration for the Program—their candor, enthusiasm, and mastery soar, reinforcing MWU atop my list.
Second, the University’s history and facilities impressed me. My mom and I toured the Downers Grove Campus the summer before I applied. Jillian Galich, M.S., Senior Admissions Counselor, expertly fielded questions during the tour. Midwestern University checks each box I sought for graduate school: a storied history, a spacious and green campus, and a university setting. Interdisciplinary education is invaluable, and I am thrilled to benefit from it.
Third, there is no place like home. Chicagoland is also home to world-class resources, including training sites. The Downers Grove community is lively and well-established. It is a perk to be surrounded by fellow Bears fans again, too.
What about a Midwestern University education do you want to carry forward in your career?:
I cannot realistically imagine a more fruitful beginning to my MWU experience. As suggested from my first impressions of MWU and the Clinical Psychology Program, I have a blast and learn a ton. From top to bottom, the 2028 cohort is the most embracing peer group I have ever been around. I cherish the friendships we forged. The faculty is highly knowledgeable and kind, and their courses are edifying and digestible. Senior cohorts are approachable and eager to spend time with us. MWU outfits me with people and skills for success.
Anything else you'd like to add?:
Thank you to MWU for this opportunity. I am so grateful to be a student here and am eager to continue my education.
