ST U DE N T S I N A C T I O N
S TA R T ING A
NEW (NON)TRADITION ‘Nontraditional’ first-year student Hollie Bearce goes from medical lab scientist to UND medical student. “I should start by explaining that I’m
definition: exceeding the 24 years-old
“My background in biochemistry and MLS
rocking because I have a baby in my lap,”
average matriculation age, claiming
have been tremendously helpful,” she
begins first-year medical student Hollie
a spouse and/or children, and having
says. “Of course, there will be units where
Bearce, tilting her computer’s camera
spent several years working in a different
I don’t have a trick in my in my bag. The
downward to reveal a sleeping infant. “I’m
profession before pivoting to medicine.
next unit is musculoskeletal, and that’s
a nontraditional student in many ways— there aren’t that many of us with kids.” Such was the focus of the video chat Bearce had just joined: discussing the “nontraditional” medical student experience. For although she is hardly alone, Bearce is correct in suggesting that even in the twenty-first century few American medical students fit such a
Bearce checks each of these boxes. Plus, she’s a first-generation college student—a rarity among medical students. Rather than seeing all of this as a disadvantage, though, the medical laboratory scientist (MLS) by training considers herself in an enviable position.
probably my least strong area. But there has definitely been an advantage [to my background], especially this unit.” Furthermore, the ex-laboratorian explains, being both a spouse and mother has prepared her for the medical curriculum. There is, after all, much health education to be gleaned from sitting up late at night with sick kiddos. North Dakota Medicine Spring 2022
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