Health Blogs
April 22, 2026
Nika Rebec: A Future Physician Becoming a Physician as an International Student
Undergraduate students at Marian, Shreyas and Gabriel, interview second-year osteopathic medical student Nika Rebec to understand her journey to medicine as an international applicant. Read on to learn about Nika’s continued resilience and determination to accomplish her dream of being a physician.
April 13, 2026
Stop the Bleed: How Medical Students Can Save Lives in Their Communities
Life-threatening bleeding poses a serious threat following traumatic injury. Simple skills such as applying a tourniquet and applying pressure could save lives, but unfortunately, most Americans don’t have any training or knowledge in bleeding control. To help combat this knowledge gap, Sophia Siminow has become a Stop the Bleed instructor and has certified over 150 people.
April 08, 2026
Beyond Entry Level: How an Online Associate in Health Sciences Builds Career Momentum
Marian University’s online Associate in Health Sciences helps students enter healthcare while staying on a transfer-friendly path toward career advancement.
March 30, 2026
Breaking the Ceiling from Inside the OR
Dr. Dawn Tartaglione, the first board-certified female osteopathic neurosurgeon, recounts a career shaped by early responsibility, tough mentorship, and a refusal to ask permission to belong in a male‑dominated specialty. Her story emphasizes that competence, decisiveness, and preparation—not concession or quiet endurance—opened opportunities and can expand what’s possible for women entering competitive surgical fields.
March 25, 2026
Interview Profile: Dr. Rachel Shockley
This article shares Dr. Shockley’s journey to medicine. Read on to learn more about how Dr. Rachel Shockley became a family medicine osteopathic physician and how she incorporates the pillars of osteopathic medicine into her practice.
March 25, 2026
Drake Toms: From Childhood Curiosity to an Aspiring Pediatrician
For one second-year osteopathic medical student, childhood curiosity evolved into a candid look at premed setbacks, undergraduate self-reflection, and a deepening passion for pediatrics. Drake Toms’s journey—shaped by MCAT struggles, meaningful patient connections, and practical premed advice—offers real-world insight for high school and undergraduate students considering a future in medicine.
March 16, 2026
Finding Your Way: Multiple Paths to a Career in Occupational Therapy
Curious about a career that blends hands-on care, creativity, and meaningful impact? Read how Marian University faculty followed different routes—direct-entry master’s (MOT) or doctoral (OTD) programs, assistant pathways, and career pivots—to become occupational therapists, and discover which path makes sense for you.
March 16, 2026
Behind the Images: A Look into Radiology with Dr. Eric Balle
Explore diagnostic radiology through Dr. Eric Balle’s shift from anesthesiology to imaging—his story reveals the specialty’s detective-like problem solving, hands-on image-guided procedures, and a generally predictable work-life balance. He offers candid perspectives on the field’s challenges and competitiveness, plus how AI is likely to augment (not replace) radiologists, giving a clear, realistic look at whether radiology might suit your career goals.
March 09, 2026
Healing Hands, Caring Hearts: How Occupational Therapy Lives Out Franciscan Values
Discover how occupational therapy brings Marian University's Franciscan values—dignity, justice, reconciliation, and responsible stewardship—to life by helping people reclaim meaningful daily activities. In this piece, Dr. Kate Huber shows how Marian’s new OT programs pair interprofessional training and hands-on simulation to turn clinical skill into a calling that heals individuals and strengthens communities.
March 02, 2026
Occupational Therapy: Understanding the Whole-Person Power of OT
Occupational therapy centers on the everyday tasks—getting dressed, cooking, returning to work—that give life meaning, helping people across the lifespan reclaim function, dignity, and purpose. With a whole‑person, deeply collaborative approach, OTs bridge clinical recovery and real‑life independence, making the field indispensable to modern healthcare and a compelling career to explore.
February 23, 2026
A Marian Milestone: Closing the Physician Gap in Indiana
As Indiana continues to face a physician shortage, especially in rural areas, MU-WCOM takes a great step towards addressing this by achieving status as an ACGME-accredited sponsoring institution. Read on to learn more about the potential impact this milestone achievement has on the state of healthcare in Indiana.
February 16, 2026
Blueprints for Board Success
Need a study schedule that actually works? Third-year osteopathic medical student Samuel Baule rounds up student-tested strategies and ready-to-use blueprints to help second-years prep smarter for boards. Get the guide now!
February 16, 2026
From Doctor to Teacher
Anna Hazelrigg, OMS-2, interviewed Dr. Rebecca Rothstein about medical residency wellness, highlighting programs shifting toward learning-friendly environments that support residents' well-being. Learn how evidence-based teaching is changing residency culture—read the interview on Franc Notes!
February 09, 2026
Scalpel & Service
Janie Myers, DO, is a fellowship-trained general surgeon whose candid interview covers her unconventional training, how she balances a demanding surgical career with family and leadership, and practical advice for students—including why she chose private practice and its rewards and challenges. Read student doctor Samuel Baule’s full conversation on Franc Notes for an inside look at what it takes to thrive in general surgery.
February 02, 2026
Discovering New Passions Through Rural Medicine
Thuwebat Adebayo, OMS-2, completed a six-week rural health preceptorship at Union Hospital last summer, shadowing physicians in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, and Emergency Medicine. Their firsthand account reveals the distinct challenges and rewards of rural practice—an inside look that reshapes how community-based care is seen.
January 26, 2026
Empowering Future Physicians: Conversations with Dr. Michelle Solik, Part 2
In part 2, Dr. Solik describes how she was drawn to Academic Medicine by influential mentors and a Chief year that revealed the field’s many paths. At MU‑WCOM she balances high standards with mentorship—read on to learn how she plans to guide and inspire future physicians.
January 20, 2026
Empowering Future Physicians: Conversations with Dr. Michelle Solik, Part 1
Michelle Solik, MD, MS, FACP, joined MU-WCOM in July 2025 after training at Wright State and leadership roles at St. Vincent. Her mentors and hands-on leadership shaped a deep commitment to education, mentorship, and developing compassionate, competent physicians.
December 08, 2025
Babies, Bacteria, Boards, Oh My!
Parenthood in medical school forges a perspective that reaches beyond grades and exams, transforming priorities and strengthening commitment to medicine. Read about how the dual roles of academic and mother can complement each other and reshape a medical career.
December 01, 2025
Expanding My Clinical Lens: Insights Gained From Rural Healthcare in Honduras
Fourth-year osteopathic medical student Megan Titus describes her medical mission trip to rural Honduras and returned seeing the white coat differently—more as a promise to listen, teach, and help. Between makeshift clinics, long hikes, and close patient moments, she learned how simple conversations and basic education can change lives.
November 11, 2025
Artificial Intelligence in Procedural Medicine
Explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence in surgical specialties, from innovative documentation tools to cutting-edge robotics in the operating room. See how new technologies are transforming daily practice and what that could mean for the future of medicine.
November 03, 2025
Jumping for Obesity Medicine
Dr. Oksana Karpov discusses her passion for Obesity and Nutritional Medicine with third-year osteopathic medical student Faraz Syed, noting how the field has evolved from informal training to a structured discipline now being integrated into medical education.
November 03, 2025
AI in Medicine: Frontline Opinions from Today’s Healthcare Residents
Internal medicine residents weigh in on how AI is changing healthcare—boosting efficiency but raising important questions about overreliance. Is AI a breakthrough tool or an added risk? Discover their frontline insights.
November 03, 2025
Beyond the Stereotypes: What Medical Students Should Know About Internal Medicine and Surgery
Medical students are bombarded with solicited and unsolicited opinions and thoughts during lectures and rotations, from television programs, on social media, and even from strangers about what certain medical specialties are like. This blog discusses and dispels some of those myths or rumors around Internal Medicine and General Surgery.
October 20, 2025
Insight into Internal Medicine: Reflections from MU-WCOM Alumni, Part 3
Curious about life as an Internal Medicine resident? Discover firsthand tips on work-life balance, fellowship choices, and advice for medical students from MU-WCOM alumni. Get inspired by their journeys and find out if IM could be your perfect fit!
October 13, 2025
A Unique Start: My Summer of Clinical Discovery at Beacon Medical System
Experience a first-year medical student’s summer at Beacon Medical System, filled with hands-on patient care and early exposure to different specialties. See how real clinical moments fueled confidence and shaped a future in medicine.