Bree Jones

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia 

Undergraduate Institution: Trinity Washington University 

Graduate Institution: Master’s in Public Health at George Washington University 

Why did you pursue podiatric medicine?
I truly believe that podiatric medicine chose me. I didn’t know that podiatry and other medical schools were two separate schools. One night, I was stressing about how I’d make it to medical school and “My Feet Are Killing Me” came on. I saw Dr. Ebonie Vincent’s name and I saw DPM behind it. I immediately started googling the difference between DPM and MD or DO. Once I realized that there were different medical schools for each, I contacted a nearby podiatrist to shadow. I loved the fact that she could bring her dog to work. Because she was a mother, she was able to drop her children off to school, come to work, and then pick her children up from school. I loved the flexibility that came with Podiatry. In addition, I loved that I would be able to specialize right away but I also I would get to see a little of everything (Dermatology, Wound Care, Pediatrics, etc.)

In addition, my mom had a stroke a few years prior. This left her with some physical ailments. One of which was foot drop. When I told her I was considering pursuing podiatry she immediately state, “Oh, you can help me with my foot drop! “

Why did you choose KSUCPM?
I interviewed at 2 other Podiatric Medical Schools, but when I interviewed at KSUCPM I immediately felt at home. The students on the panel were so nice and willing to answer any questions I had, even the most ridiculous one :). When I came to tour at the school I fell in love with the campus, and the faculty and ambassadors were also very kind. When I left the campus tour in March, I was eager to come back as a student in August. Although I would be 7 hours away from my family, I felt that I would gain a new family here at KSUCPM, and I have.

Favorite aspect of Kent State now that you are a student here?
My favorite aspect is having access to tutoring. I also feel that I’ve met some lifelong friends that will eventually become my collogues in the field. 

What advice do you have for anyone considering podiatry school?
I’d say go for it! It is a lot of work, but it will all pay off in the end. 

Do you have any ideas as to where you’d like to specialize (residency and beyond)?
Pediatrics. It is my long-term goal to travel abroad and be able to help children in third world countries. 

How do you strike a balance between class work, studying, and social activities?
I typically try to study throughout the week during school and I give myself an entire day off during the weekend. I work at the school, so my work hours are extremely flexible and dependent upon when I want to work. 

Any suggestions for prospective students on building/maintaining a balance?
School is very important, and you will spend a lot of timing doing things for school. However, don’t always study and do things for school. Set aside time to do things other than school. 
When I’m doing schoolwork, I often study amongst my friends and use the Pomodoro Method. We study for about 50 minutes straight and after the 50 minutes, we’ll take 10 minutes to talk about things that do not involve school. When the 10 minutes are up, we repeat. This allows me to get work done and talk with my friends. 

Also, I do not get to speak with my mom and sisters as much as I used to. My mom and I speak everyday still but now we speak either on my drive to or from school. 
I also plan out my study schedule using my to do list on my iPhone. For example, if I have two lectures to watch in one day, I’ll put both on my to-do lists with dates and times that each needs to be completed. If I do not complete the tasks in time, the task will appear red. It makes me happy when I’m able to check off tasks either before or at the allotted time. If the task turns red, I feel super behind, so I go complete it immediately. 

What one word describes you best?
Spunky

What are some activities you are involved in at KSUCPM?
Global Brigades, ACFAS, and now Student Ambassadors 

As a first-year student, what are some of the challenges you faced (if any) while transitioning into medical school?
The biggest challenge was relearning how to study. There is a ton of information and the way I studied during undergrad and while I was getting my master’s did not work. I am still learning how to study but I think I’ve finally found my groove. 

What one word describes KSUCPM?
Family

What advice would you offer to any prospective students wishing to attend KSUCPM who are in the current application process?
I would tell prospective students to relax, be yourself, and talk to interviewers or students as if you’re having a conversation. Show your personality. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Most challenging course and why? 
Anatomy because it is a ton of information, and you will be tested on it in different ways (Lab and Lecture).
 
Favorites
Movie: Norbit 
Song: Anything Beyonce 
Starbucks Drink: Pink Drink 
Book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks 
Season: Spring 
TV Show: Tyler Perry’s Sistas 
Restaurant: Lobster and Pho
Science courses: Genetics, Microbiology and Biology of Women