From HPU to Medical School: The Journey to Becoming a Doctor

Weeks before she received her neuroscience degree from High Point University, Emerson Heckler was choosing between multiple medical schools that wanted her.

The Natural Science Fellow from Mooresville, North Carolina, will attend Wake Forest University School of Medicine on the full-tuition Dean’s Medical Excellence Scholarship. She also was accepted to M.D. programs at Dartmouth and Virginia Commonwealth universities. It’s an exclusive list as the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports only about 40% of pre-med majors get accepted into medical school.

“My long-term medical practice goal is to pursue a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, followed by a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility,” Hecker said. “This goal is shaped by my past experiences, particularly my father’s unexpected death. I recognized the profound impact that healthcare professionals can have during the saddest but also the happiest moments of people’s lives, such as during childbirth. Being an obstetrician would allow me to play a pivotal role in delivering new life and sharing in the joy of families.”

Heckler’s overarching goal is to advocate for women’s health, specifically in providing access to prenatal care for marginalized mothers. Drawing from her volunteer experiences at the pro bono High Point Community Clinic, she plans to use her skills as a physician to bridge the gap in prenatal care for vulnerable populations.

How HPU Helped Prepare Her

Heckler’s personal journey provided a perspective on pregnancies sometimes coupled with devastating moments, and an empathy with patients who face sudden and unexplained tragedies.

“I became fascinated by Vanishing Twin Syndrome when I learned I had absorbed my twin in the womb, and I aim to use novel technologies to help couples on their journey to parenthood,” said Heckler.

Heckler had sought a well-established pre-medical program but hadn’t considered a school so close to home before she attended HPU’s Presidential Scholars Weekend, which brought a transformative experience that changed her perspective on what she valued in a university.

“I found not only a strong academic foundation but also unparalleled opportunities for growth and distinction,” said Heckler. “I realized that beyond just earning good grades and a high MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) score, it was essential to stand out with unique experiences taught outside the classroom.”

Once at HPU, Heckler dove headfirst into research, leadership and service roles. Choosing a neuroscience major and psychology minor allowed her to engage in cutting-edge research and practical experiences, such as working with human cadavers in a graduate-level gross anatomy course. She also worked as a 911 EMT in Forsyth County to respond to distress calls. These experiences not only prepared her for the rigor of medical school but also set her apart from other applicants.

Heckler held multiple leadership roles, serving as president of the Wanek School of Natural Sciences (WSNS) Advisory Board and a University Ambassador captain. Through the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, volunteering at the High Point Community Clinic and HorsePOWER Therapeutic Riding Center for children with disabilities, Heckler gained a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health and the importance of advocating for marginalized populations. These experiences reinforced her passion for helping others and equipped her with the confidence and resilience needed to overcome challenges and navigate complex situations with grace and integrity.

As a WSNS board member for four years, Heckler worked closely with faculty to advocate for program improvements and organize events to promote academic and professional development. She created a mentorship program to connect first-year Learning Community students to faculty-nominated upperclassmen with similar professional interests. In addition, Heckler organized a pre-advising health seminar, where faculty advisors from each of the pre-health fields spoke to students about how to prepare for those careers.

“Emerson has been a wonderful student … hardworking, smart and caring of her peers,” said Dr. Brian Augustine, dean of the school. “Her leadership on the WSNS Student Advisory Board has been inspiring, and I know that she will have a great future ahead as a physician.”

Heckler described her close connections to HPU faculty and advisors as invaluable.

“With a team of nine advisors supporting me throughout my pre-med journey, I received authentic mentorship and guidance that extended beyond academics,” Heckler said.

Persistently Pursuing her Passions

When Heckler arrived at HPU, she received the full-tuition HPU Presidential Founder Scholarship plus a Natural Science Fellow scholarship. She was awarded the Quell Survivor Scholarship three times from 2020-23 and was a Goldston Scholarship finalist in 2023-24. Heckler was named the Top Junior Neuroscience Scholar, to the Dean’s List for seven consecutive semesters and served as a Chief Junior Marshal in 2023. Recently, she won the 2024 Strickland Women’s Trailblazer Award, recognizing her leadership in a predominately male-dominated field and her passion for serving others.

She was a member of the Neuroscience Club and several prestigious honors societies, including Order of the Lighted Lamp, Alpha Epsilon Delta, Alpha Lambda Delta and the National Society for Leadership and Success.

HPU provided Heckler extensive research opportunities through programs, such as Research Rookies, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), and the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI). She authored five scientific manuscripts, showcasing her ability to engage in rigorous academic inquiry and contribute to the advancement of knowledge. Her research endeavors were recognized with accolades, such as the Best Poster Presentation in 2023 at the annual Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, known as High-PURCS. Heckler was lead presenter at the 2024 Collegiate Information and Visitor Services Student Development Institute Conference in Atlanta, where she shared her perspective as an HPU University Ambassador with peers from schools across the country.

“Overall, my experiences at HPU have shaped me into a more well-rounded, empathetic and socially conscious individual,” Heckler said. “HPU empowered me to go after my dreams – even as big and daunting as applying to medical school. They have empowered me to embrace new opportunities, overcome obstacles and make meaningful contributions to both my campus community and the broader society.”