For Missouri State University senior Danielle Lynch, becoming a physician has been a goal years in the making.

Thanks to the past four years at Missouri State, she is equipped to thrive in medical school.

Growing and learning as a Science Bear

A native of the Philippines, Lynch moved to Springfield, Missouri, as a high school student. She started studying at Missouri State in fall 2021. This December, she will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology (CMB), a minor in human life sciences and two undergraduate certificates: Health Sciences and Human Genetics and Genomics.

“It was the affordability and diversity of what the university offered that encouraged me to come here,” she said.

An Honors College student, she began college as a biology major. But after attending the Majors Fair on campus in her freshman year, she learned about CMB. She realized it was the better fit for her and made the switch.

“At the booth, representatives shared how CMB supports medical school preparation and what I’d learn in this major,” Lynch said. “That’s when I knew it was for me.”

Lynch is most grateful for the professors and resources in the School of Health Sciences, which houses the CMB program. From the cadaver lab to the cell culturing labs, she notes the facilities and the personable faculty have helped her to become a more successful student and prepare for her future.

“I’m very lucky to be at Missouri State with a major that offers so much support to become a well-rounded person. And the Honors College has prepared me immensely,” she said.

The Honors College provides an enriched academic experience for high achieving undergraduate students.

Lynch credits Missouri State for helping her build the skills and confidence she will need for her future career in medicine.

“I’ve learned how to use the tools Missouri State has given me to prepare for what’s ahead. The classes, the people and the communities I’ve been surrounded with have helped make me who I am,” she said.

Gaining valuable work experience

Despite a busy schedule as a student, Lynch has worked in health care. The different roles have deepened her understanding of patient care and strengthened her commitment to medicine.

For two and a half years, she worked at Mercy as a radiology imaging technician in the DEXA department. In this role, she performed scans for patients across a range of needs, including lumbar issues, bone densities, body compositions, hip replacements and spine assessments.

“I loved making connections with patients. I wanted to be the best advocate I could be and create the most comfortable environment for them,” Lynch said.

At Mercy, she also got the opportunity to shadow physicians, such as family physician Dr. Jay Sparks, general and breast surgeon Dr. John Bumberry, internal medicine physician Dr. Elene Pilapil and many more medical staff.

Now, as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens, she has learned even more about the patient experience.

“At the hospital, I’d see doctors order the scans I’d conduct. Here at the pharmacy, I’m the one giving patients the prescriptions their doctors prescribe,” Lynch said. “I really love working in health care. I enjoy focusing on patients and communicating with them.”

Involved on campus and in the community

Lynch has also found time to volunteer and participate in extracurricular activities.

Among the organizations she has volunteered at include Eden Village, Habitat for Humanity, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Convoy of Hope and Discovery Center.

Based at the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning exhibits at the center, she helped teach genetics through the use of fruit flies.

“I’d explain to kids how genetics and embryonic development work,” Lynch said.

On campus, she has been involved in Student Government Association, Pre-Medical Society, Biomedical Sciences Society, Ice Girls, Model UN and Phi Sigma Pi Gamma Sigma Chapter.

Pursuing her dream career

After graduation, Lynch plans to complete her pharmacy technician certification and then start applying to medical schools. She hopes to continue her journey toward becoming a patient-centered physician.

To future and current students, she stresses the importance of resilience and perseverance.

“You can have all these goals, but they’re just ink on a paper if you don’t act on them,” Lynch said. “Take in the experiences you’ve had and evaluate how you can use them to shape your future.”

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