A minute with … Nicole Toppses ’23 AROUND THE DIMPLE

Nicole Toppses, a pre-med senior majoring in biochemistry, has a passion for clinical practice as well as research. Each step of her journey through Wheaton has led her closer to a professional career that will encompass both. That path—in addition to her coursework—includes working as a medical/practice assistant in orthopedics and physiatry at Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough, Mass. She also has secured a full-time paid position that begins in July after she graduates as a research associate for the Cardiovascular Disease Initiative at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. A healthy dose of knowledge: “Many topics in my public health classes made me aware of ways health care can improve to provide equitable care to patients from various socioeconomic backgrounds. These classes also gave me a better appreciation of how Brigham and Women’s/Mass General approaches patient care and strives to create a safe, caring and inclusive environment. My biology and medical terminology classes provided background medical knowledge that helped me transition smoothly into this position.” Taking note of vital signs: “There is something so rewarding about working with patients in a clinical setting. Each person you come across has the potential to impact your life just as your interaction with them can impact their lives in ways you may not see.” A prescription for success: “The unique opportunity to simultaneously work as a medical/practice assistant while also conducting experiments for my honors thesis at Wheaton reinforced my career desire for research alongside working in patient care. Going down this career path allows me to continue in the best of both worlds. Both disciplines complement each other, and my career would not be as fulfilling without both.”

—Sandy Coleman