Tobin Huffman

Hometown - Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Undergraduate Institution - University of Mount Union

Class of 2024

Why did you pursue podiatric medicine?

After being involved with the sports medicine program in high school, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in medicine.  During my undergraduate degree, I decided I wanted to become a physician and pursue medical school. It wasn’t until I talked with my advisor that I discovered podiatric medicine. My passion for this was ignited in high school, as sports medicine dealt heavily with the treatment of the lower extremities. My devotion for podiatric medicine only grew stronger, as I was able to shadow podiatrists around me and felt a connection to be able to effectively help and treat people, with regard to the lower extremity.

Why did you choose Kent State?

I chose Kent State because after my first visit to campus, I felt a “family atmosphere” where people were willing to help and there were many people available to help me thrive in reaching my goals.  This is something I value, and I saw myself being successful in this environment. Also, KSUCPM is about 30 minutes from where I live and felt like a great fit for me.  Additionally, my mentors both went to school here, and talked about how great of an education it was for them.

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

All of the upperclassmen students are willing to give their time to help me succeed in my classes.  I always had the initial thought that medical school was very isolated, and everyone was trying to be better than each other.  That could not be farther from the truth at KSUCPM. We are all working towards a common goal and want to see each other succeed.

What advice do you have for anyone considering podiatry school?

Make sure you do your research about podiatric medicine and shadow as much as you can to make sure this is something you want to do as a career. You will invest a lot of time and effort into your education, and you want to be committed whole-heartedly to this process.

Have you begun to prepare Boards yet?  If so, what are you doing in terms of preparation? Any advice?

I have not started to prepare for boards yet as I am in my first semester of school.  I have been focused on getting into a good school schedule and prioritizing time for each of my classes.

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

One big decision I made from the very beginning was to stick to a strict study schedule and to study on campus every day.  I am more productive when I am in a school setting, and it keeps good separation between school and personal life.

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

Give yourself time to relax and build friendships with your classmates.  You will get burnt out very quickly if all you do is study all day.  Find time for other non-school related activities and try to enjoy them each week with people you form relationships with.

What one word describes you best?

Authenticity.  I try to be authentic in my character and have a passion for others reaching their goals.

What are some activities you are involved in at KSUCPM?

With COVID-19, it is difficult to be super involved right now, but I am a Student Ambassador on campus.  However, I would like to get more involved at KSUCPM.

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

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!!! My first week, I did not want to bother anyone with asking for help and wanted to try and do this on my own.  I quickly realized that there are so many people willing to help and that I was not being a burden to them.

What one word describes KSUCPM?

Accepting

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

Keep working hard in your studies and be yourself in your application!  Do not try to be someone you are not!

Most challenging course and why?

So far, anatomy because it is a lot of content and you have to devote a lot of time to studying it, while also balancing time to study other courses.

Favorites

Movie - The Dark Knight

Song - I don’t have a favorite song, but my favorite musical artists are Jon Bellion, Quinn XCII, and The Beatles.

Starbucks Drink - Peppermint Mocha Latte

Book - The Kite Runner

Season - Fall

Cleveland Activity - Playhouse Square and watching Cleveland Sports Team at their stadiums (pre-COVID of course).

KSUCPM Class - I am most looking forward to the Staying Alive class

Restaurant - Swenson’s

Science course - Biochemistry Metabolism