Storm Berman

Hometown - Davie, Florida

Undergraduate Institution - University of Central Florida

Class of 2024

Why did you pursue podiatric medicine?

I had always wanted to go into medicine and I was very interested in doing surgery and being specialized from the beginning of my medical school education. Podiatry I found seemed to offer a great work-life balance and a lot of work settings and avenues in which I could pursue.

Why did you choose Kent State?

I felt the most at home, I felt as though all the staff and the ambassadors that I interacted with before, during, and after my interview were all very helpful and genuinely wanted me to become part of the Kent State family.  

Favorite aspect of Kent State now that you are a student here? 

I really think that the friendly environment in which all students and faculty work together to create the best learning environment for all the students is the best thing I have discovered about this school.  I certainly feel like I am receiving good information from the professors, and that they all want us all to succeed.

What advice do you have for anyone considering podiatry school? 

I would say for them to do their research and understand what the profession entails, I admittedly did not initially consider podiatry because I hadn’t researched enough about the field. I didn’t know how large and broad the scope of practice was.  

How do you strike a balance between class work, studying, and social activities?

I think that having a good social life is important because it is beneficial to your mental health and wellbeing.  I personally am engaged, own a home, and have two dogs.  I think that setting time apart to spend time studying and excelling in school and taking walks with my fiancé and going on date nights, as well as meeting up with classmates, is a difficult but doable task.  I have lived with my fiancé for several years now so I have some experience balancing a job, school, personal life, and extracurricular activities. All of this is made possible because I focus and study intensely during the time that I set aside to study and work on assignments.  I avoid multitasking while I study and think that allows me to maximize my study time.

Any suggestions for prospective students on building/ maintaining a balance? 

I would say that the biggest thing is to not fall behind on any one thing.  Don’t spend so much time with friends or loved ones that you fall behind in school and get stressed trying to catch up.  If you fall behind, you can’t spend time with people as you try to catch up.  Similarly, if you spend all your time studying, friendships pass you by and it becomes difficult to try to make friends and keep significant others happy and your personal relationships healthy.

What one word describes you best?

I think “passionate” describes me very well.  I think that while there are other words that describe me, passion is something that can kind of encompass many of my attributes and explain my actions and reasons for doing things.

What are some activities you are involved in at KSUCPM?

With Covid-19 restrictions in place, it has been difficult to engage in as many activities as I would like to, but so far, I have met with other students at restaurants, my home, Top Golf, Brecksville reservation, I have gone to group study meets, and anatomy tutoring. 

As a first-year student, what are some of the challenges you faced (if any) while transitioning into medical school? 

I was nervous about moving so far from where I had spent my whole life, so there was some internal struggle of wondering if I would make friends or if I would miss my family.  I have since made many friends and I keep in touch with all of my family, so I have adjusted very well I think.  Academically, I personally haven’t found much struggle, I think that my preparation for struggling to keep up with all the material was all I needed.  Because I was so determined to not fall behind, I have stayed ahead and it has made a world of a difference.

What one word describes KSUCPM?

I think that “inviting” really describes KSUCPM.  I always felt like everyone I spoke to would either like to be friends, or would like for me to attend the school.  

What advice would you offer to any prospective students wishing to attend KSUCPM who are in the current application process? 

I would say go for it.  I would say that advice wise, I would recommend making sure they do well academically, and if the MCAT is still being offered to strive to do the best they can.  I didn’t end up taking the MCAT because they all got cancelled right before I was set to take it, but I had done months of prep to ensure I scored the best that I could.

Most challenging course and why? 

So far, I would say that the portion Cells and Tissues, focusing on more biochemistry would be my most challenging course, but I had a very in depth anatomy and genetics class at my undergraduate school that prepared me for those courses here.

Favorites

Movie - All of the John Wick movies

Song - Love Like Crazy, Lee Brice

Starbucks Drink - iced black coffee, no cream, no sugar.  

Book - The Harry Potter series

Season - Fall

Cleveland Activity - Hiking

KSUCPM Class - Anatomy

Restaurant - Capital Grille

Science course - In undergrad, I loved Quantitative Biological Methods.