Biology

John Rosen, M.D.

Undergraduate Education: Drake University 2001, B.S. Biology

Medical Education: M.D. University of Kansas Medical Center

Additional Training: Residency in Pediatrics at NYU/Bellevue Hospitals, Fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Current Occupation(s): Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Associate Director Pediatric GI Fellowship Program

Location: Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO

How Drake prepared you for a career in medicine?

Excellent, broad liberal arts education improved my ability to relate to and understand the world around me including patients, administrators, hospital staff, and colleagues.  Exposure to research techniques made laboratory experience during medical training much easier to start (didn't have to start from scratch).  Jon Ericson's parliamentary procedure class enabled me to serve as the sole medical student on the American Medical Association Bylaws committee.

Why did you want to join the Drake Alumni Physicians Board?

To provide resources to aspiring medical students including advice and clinical or research opportunities.  Drake provides an excellent education and college experience, and I want to help strengthen undergraduate readiness for a medical career.  

What is one piece of advice you would give like to give Drake pre-med students about a career in medicine?

A career in medicine is undeniably interesting, gratifying, and fulfilling.  There is greater variety of opportunities in medicine than most undergraduates or medical students can experience, and there is generally a lot of self-determination (chart your own course) throughout a career.  Regardless of gripes about the healthcare system that you may hear, it is evolving and will no doubt be completely different by the time you retire based on rapidly changing technology.  Don't worry about the note-writing, insurance companies, and perceived hassles---those are manageable.  Instead, focus on the people's lives, scientific advancement, and unfolding mysteries that you get to be a part of in medicine.