ROME, Ga. – Junior Bailey Lawson will pursue his dream of working in the medical field at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University when he graduates from Berry College in May 2020.
Lawson, a biochemistry major with a minor in One Health, has had his sights set on a medical career since high school. He is the first junior at Berry to be accepted into the program. Lawson was able to apply with the help of his pre-health advisor, Clinical Assistant Professor of Health Professions Christopher Mingone, and Berry’s partnership with Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Berry also helped him to gain hands-on experience through shadowing opportunities suggested by Mingone and senior pre-med students already involved in the community.
“VCOM’s slogan of ‘Body, Mind, and Soul’ correlates well with Berry’s ‘Head, Heart, and Hands’ motto. Berry’s focus on helping the community of Rome, through service days, service cottages, etc. has prepared me for a similar focus at VCOM,” Lawson said. “Berry definitely raised the bar high when it comes to the type of education, atmosphere and support system I want out of a school.”
Lawson, who is from Tifton, Ga., has had exceptional support from faculty and students while at Berry. He has also been involved in several areas on campus such as working at the Welcome Center and the Office of Admission as well as playing on the ultimate frisbee team.
“I know it sounds cheesy, but Berry really has made me ‘life ready,’ Lawson said. “I think my time at Berry has tremendously prepared me for the lifestyle needed to be successful at medical school and has given me a lot of skills to make the transition easier.”
###
Public Relations Student Assistant Megan Benoit
