Drake Toms: From Childhood Curiosity to an Aspiring Pediatrician
Drake Toms: From Childhood Curiosity to an Aspiring Pediatrician
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Published: March 25, 2026
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Health,
Student,
Career,
Innovation
In medicine, everyone has a story to share: the experiences of school, the rigorous work, and most importantly, why they are pursuing a career as a physician. Today, we will briefly share the experience of Drake Toms, a second-year medical student at Marian University-Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine. Drake grew up in a small town in Michigan and developed a passion for pursuing a career in medicine as early as the fourth grade. What started as a childhood curiosity grew into a clear sense of purpose in the healthcare field, shaped by his community, personal experiences, and a growing desire to serve others as he navigated through life and continued his education.
During our interview with Drake, he recalls a defining moment from elementary school that planted the seed for his future career: “I was inspired to pursue medicine first in fourth grade when I got a PET scan, and I told myself that one day I would be able to read it.” This childhood curiosity gradually developed into a serious academic and professional goal.
As his interests matured, Drake found himself increasingly drawn to working directly with patients. This shift eventually led him away from his interest in and volunteering in radiology and toward a future in pediatrics. Reflecting on his aspirations, Drake stated confidently, “I believe I will become a pediatrician. I have a calling and know that peds is what I am meant to do.” His motivation lies in the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with patients and families while making a tangible impact early in people’s lives.
Like many premedical students, Drake’s journey was not without setbacks. One of the most significant challenges he faced came during the medical school application process, as many can imagine. “A major setback was when I took the MCAT for the first time,” he explained. “I had a full plan of how I was going to go straight into medical school, and this and that, and not performing as I thought, it was a bit of a slap in the face and made me reevaluate myself. It was the way it was supposed to happen, though, I had to do a lot of self-reflection.”
Rather than discouraging him, this experience became an opportunity for growth. It forced Drake to reflect on his goals, expectations, and resilience—qualities essential for success in medicine. His experience highlights a common reality for aspiring physicians: the path is rarely linear, and setbacks can serve as valuable learning moments.
Drake was particularly thoughtful when offering advice to students considering a career in medicine. He emphasized the importance of balance and authenticity during the premedical years. “I think premed students need to stop worrying about every little thing and enjoy their premed years as much as possible,” he said.
He also challenged the idea that success comes from building a “perfect” resume. Drake talks about how medical schools value genuine passion over superficial accomplishments. “When applying to med school, people who can talk passionately about things outside of medicine do very well—maybe even better than those who have cookie-cutter things that they only did because they thought it would help them, not because they were interested in them.”
Ultimately, Drake views the premed journey as a period of self-discovery rather than just preparation. “Premed is a time to evaluate whether or not you truly want to be a physician,” he explained, noting that “med school is a huge commitment.”
Drake Toms’s story reflects some of the realities of pursuing medicine: early inspiration, evolving interests, inevitable challenges, and meaningful self-reflection. His experiences serve as both reassurance and guidance for aspiring medical students, reminding them that growth often comes from unexpected turns and honest evaluation. As Drake continues his medical education with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician, his journey stands as an example of perseverance, passion, and purpose in the demanding yet rewarding field of medicine.
About the Authors
Shreyas Bulusu is a freshman at Marian University pursuing a double major in biology and mathematics and is a Saint Luke Scholar under the pre-med track. His dream is to become a physician, and he is passionate about conducting research in medical imaging or computational neuroscience. He also loves playing soccer and badminton or hanging out with friends.
David Gray is a freshman majoring in biology and chemistry at Marian University. He is from Plainfield, Indiana, and attended Plainfield High School, where he was involved in HOSA, an organization that focuses on healthcare professions, which sparked his interest in the medical field. He plans to go to med school and to become a radiologist specializing in neuroradiology.
About Franc Notes
Discover the voices of Marian University's health professions students through "Franc Notes", a vibrant, student-led blog that embodies our Franciscan commitment to community, reflection, and compassionate service. Inspired by the rhythm of "SOAP notes," it features weekly insights—from "DO Diaries" interviews with physicians to summer reflections and program spotlights—fostering collaboration across disciplines."
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