Joseph White ’20 followed the pre-med track at Berry and is now working as a medical scribe for a cardiologist at Harbin Clinic in Rome. As a scribe, Joseph documents patient information and the physician’s impression of their heart conditions. His interest in cardiology was sparked in high school when a family member developed a life-threatening heart condition. This experience motivated Joseph to focus on heart health throughout his undergraduate career and fueled his passion to pursue a career in medicine.
The summer before entering Berry, Joseph gained experience working at a local hospital, solidifying his desire to study biochemistry. After excelling in his first year of classes, Joseph was offered a position as a peer tutor for the Academic Success Center. Tutoring chemistry, biology, statistics and applied calculus, he learned to adapt to different learning styles based on individual needs. “My job taught me how I could deal with potential patients,” Joseph says. “Since each body and mind are different, I have to learn to develop different approaches for everyone.”
As a tutor, Joseph learned to prioritize tasks and manage time—skills that he applied while conducting research for the biochemistry department and serving as president of the Allied Health Club and the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Reflecting on his full schedule as a student, Joseph says, “It helped me to be prompt, meticulous and self-aware of my time. It brought structure to my life.”
To build his resume, Joseph took advantage of an internship through the Excellence in Cardiovascular Sciences program at the Wake Forest School of Medicine for two summers. He conducted research in cardiovascular and neurological illnesses and then concluded with a presentation of his findings. He is applying these experiences to his current position at Harbin Clinic Cardiology until he begins medical school. “Joseph has been an incredible asset to our team,” says Harbin Clinic Cardiac Electrophysiologist Robert Styperek, M.D. “He is efficient and professional, and he exhibits immense potential in the medical field.”
Though his major required him to delve into scientific and mathematical studies, Joseph committed time to serving his peers and community while drawing on skills built through various work experiences on and off campus. Modeling Berry’s integrated education of head, heart and hands, he is well prepared for a career caring for others.
Mary Banks Shelander (junior)
