When Kinesiology student Linnea Mattson joined Boise State’s College of Health Sciences, she set her sights on pursuing medical school after graduation and didn’t want to prepare for her post-grad pursuits alone. Mattson imagined other students were feeling the same and founded the Pre-Med Club — where students could prepare for their future health careers together.
“I was overwhelmed by the road ahead and knew that there were probably other students in the same boat,” Mattson said. “I wanted to create a community for students like me where we can all learn from and support each other.”
While the name of the club focuses on medical practice, Mattson said the club welcomes students from all pre-health pathways and beyond. The club’s goal? To make sure no Boise State student on their pre-health professions journey feels alone.
In its first year, the club built a community of more than 100 students. The club meets regularly throughout the school year and engages in activities at Boise State and throughout the community. Meetings range from informational presentations, Q&A’s with various healthcare professionals, workshops, volunteering and service opportunities to fun, community building activities and events.
For Health Studies student Sam Butler, the most rewarding part of being in the club is joining in on activities and events outside the classroom with students that also enjoy learning about health.
“Joining the Pre-Med Club puts you in a group with other students with the exact same goal as you, whether they are much further ahead of you, or just starting out,” Butler said. “It’s a great way to get to know students that you may have class with but in a much smaller and less stressful environment.”
Most recently, the club visited the Treasure Valley Anatomy and Physiology Lab run by Idaho State University’s Meridian campus. Club members engaged in an anatomy lesson and got a chance to utilize the lab’s virtual technology.
“No matter what healthcare career path you are on, it can be a long and difficult process,” Mattson says. “Joining this club will not only surround you with other people who understand and can support you but also provide helpful resources and opportunities.”
Interested in joining the Pre-Med Club? Learn more and sign up on the CampusGroups website.