“It automatically felt like this is what I’m going to do with my life – whatever it takes,” said Grant Campbell reflecting on the shadowing opportunity he had last summer in the Operating Room department at University Medical Center (UMC) in Texas.
Motivated to turn his desire to become a doctor into a reality, Campbell is now three weeks into his journey to physicianhood as a first-semester student at Ross. He also is the recipient of two financial scholarships - the Dean’s Scholar and the Community Health Leadership Awards.
“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to make a big impact on the community, but I didn’t know how,” said Campbell.
Campbell attributes his sense of community to his father who is a family physician. His father would take him on hospital rounds and expose Campbell to what he perceived as a gratifying life.
“My father is my hero - the best person I know. I wanted to do something good with my life and have a significant and meaningful effect on people like my father has,” said Campbell. “However, I somewhat pushed medicine aside. I didn’t want to get a medical degree just for the sake of following in my father’s footsteps.”
However, it was the shadowing experience that gave Campbell the clarity and confirmation he needed to make the commitment to get a medical degree. “I realized that getting a MD would give me the knowledge and skills that would allow me to reach my potential to do the most good.”
In addition to having his “aha” moment about following a career in medicine, Campbell first learned about Ross at UMC. A physician he shadowed encouraged Campbell to consider the university. Also, a Ross alumnus gave a memorable lecture on abdominal surgical technique that resonated with Campbell.
Though, Campbell acknowledged his decision to attend Ross was in part due to the mentor relationship that developed between him and Norma Serrano, graduate admissions advisor at the university. “She really was a factor in choosing Ross,” said Campbell. “I knew if she was indicative of the quality at Ross, then I would be in good hands.”
“The decision to go to Ross was the biggest, but the easiest,” continued Campbell. “And, now that I’m here, it’s awesome.”
According to Campbell, he likes the seclusion of being on an island, without the distractions to divert him from his studies. “Most people dread studying all day, but I love it,” said Campbell. “I know that it’s helping me get closer to helping people.”
Campbell is a graduate of California State University – Sacramento and received a post-baccalaureate degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. He has future aspirations of joining the US military after his residency training.
