Alex DeHoet is one of two Newman students to receive early admittance to the University of Kansas School of Medicine beginning mid-July.
When he received his acceptance letter, he felt two emotions: excitement and relief.
“I was relieved not only because it’s a long process to get through, but also because my wife and I are expecting and the due date is in just a couple of weeks,” he said with a smile.
DeHoet’s interest in medicine formed when he was a 4-year-old.
“My mom was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and I went with her to those appointments,” DeHoet explained. “Later, the endocrinologist showed me how to give the insulin shots, which had a big impact on me.”
In 2012, just two years after the Haiti earthquake, DeHoet participated in a Mission of Hope mission trip with fellow members of his church.
“It was eye-opening to see the need in Haiti, then coming home I was able to see other forms of need here in the U.S.,” he said.
DeHoet believes that the rigorous education he received at Newman University has prepared him for the next step. Newman was the clear college of choice for DeHoet because of its exceptional science program and faith-based learning environment.
DeHoet, a St. Newman Scholar, took part in the Newman chorale, troubadours and several theater productions during his time as an undergraduate student, including “Elf The Musical” and Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Today, the biochemistry graduate is a student in the Master of Business Administration program with a concentration in healthcare administration.
“I realized biochemistry would be a good way to mix biology and chemistry and give me a good understanding of both aspects,” he explained. “I also minored in Spanish because I want to have less of a language barrier and interact better with patients. The healthcare administration concentration will help me open my own practice in the future and have an understanding of business.”
DeHoet is excited to dive deeper into the field of medicine and grow alongside peers and fellow Newman alumni.
“I feel a lot of my professors have been mentors,” he said. “Dr. Ryan Hushka, Dr. Alan Oberley and Professor Deanne Zogleman have been great throughout this process. Outside of Newman, my family and my wife have been huge supporters. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have made it to where I am.”
If DeHoet could offer advice to any student applying to medical school, it would be: “Don’t procrastinate.”
“Start ahead — whether it’s studying for the MCAT, writing secondaries or even just the personal statement. I tried cramming for the first MCAT that I took, but it did not go well. Once I learned how to properly study for myself, the second time went a lot better. Try different study methods, too. What works well for one person might not be the best method for others.”
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Graduates of any of the programs within the Newman School of Healthcare Professions are highly sought after by the health care community in Wichita and the region.
