COSAM News Articles 2023 August COSAM graduate earns Brad Davis SEC Community Service Leader of Year award and shares advice for future physicians
COSAM graduate earns Brad Davis SEC Community Service Leader of Year award and shares advice for future physicians
Sara Pacer ’23, a graduate from Auburn University with a major in biomedical sciences in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), begins her studies at the University of Alabama Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine.
Pacer received the prestigious 2022-2023 Brad Davis Southeastern Conference Community Service Leader of the Year award. From 2019 through 2023, she participated in both cross country plus track and field at Auburn University.
“In COSAM, my professors and classes prepared me for medical school,” said Pacer. “They were always available to go over concepts and discuss projects in greater detail.”
As a full-time student and student athlete, Pacer had to balance her schedule and not lose track of her goals.
“As a student athlete, you have to work with both your coaches and your professors to set priorities and plan ahead,” she said.
Her advice to COSAM students is to ask questions early on each semester.
“Go to office hours and ask your professor questions,” she added. “They want to help you and they want you to succeed.”
For the letter-winning athlete, she knew the importance of staying who you are.
“I believe that my experiences are connected to my passion,” Pacer added. “It is not what I do, it is who I am.”
And that passion has led her to the finish line.
“Don’t lose track of who you are,” she said.
Now, she is dedicated to making the most of her time in medical school.
“I am 100 percent focused on becoming a physician and helping the underserved,” Pacer said.
During her time at COSAM, research helped her prepare for medical school.
“During my sophomore year, I had to conduct research which took me out of my comfort zone,” Pacer explained. “I had to present to faculty the work I was conducting in the lab, and it was not what I was used to doing.”
However, overcoming this challenge gave her more insight to become a doctor.
“I felt like I belonged there conducting research and it was a real turning point for me where I became more engaged in science,” she said.
For future COSAM students who want to explore the medical profession, Pacer’s last bit of advice is clear.
“Don’t spread yourself too thin and don’t forget your priorities,” she said. “You can prepare now in COSAM to help you excel in medical school.”
Latest Headlines
-
04/27/2024
-
04/23/2024
-
04/18/2024
-
04/18/2024
-
04/18/2024
