Meet our Liberal Studies Graduates - Madison Kerley

Individualized Major: International Healthcare

Minor in Psychology, Concentrations in Spanish and Chemistry

Double-majored in Biology

Graduation year: 2018

Next Steps: Medical School

How did your Individualized Major through the Liberal Studies Program prepare you for your next steps after graduation?

Through the Liberal Studies Program and my major, I was able to incorporate studying abroad into my college curriculum while also taking classes I was interested in while abroad. I also was able to tie together my interests in Psychology and Spanish in a cohesive way.

Most memorable class you took as an undergrad? Why?

Honors Art History with Dr. Susan Jarosi. I have always been interested in art, but this class taught me how to analyze, assess, and ultimately appreciate various art forms in a better way. 

What is the most thrilling or adventurous thing you've ever done?

My friends and I took weekly trips in Costa Rica. One weekend, a friend and I hiked 15 miles in 2 days and got to see Río Celeste and Volcán Tenorio National Park. We didn't plan much ahead of time, besides where we wanted to go that weekend.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you're committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.

Dr. Scott Duncan was my mentor for the Board of Overseers Mentorship Program. He helped me feel more confident about pursuing medicine while we also discussed how practicing medicine interacts with having a personal life. Dr. Steve Bloom is a physician I recently shadowed and he showed me that physicians, even in a large city like Louisville, can have a personal connection with their patients, something that I hope to one day emulate. 

What is your guilty pleasure?

Binge-watching Grey's Anatomy while eating Ben & Jerry's Phish Food ice cream! 

Advice for current Individualized Majors?

Go to the "Meet the Professor" luncheons! I met some amazing people through going to them, and got to hear talks on subjects of interest to me. Also, don't be scared to go abroad and take something out of the box!