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STUDENT PROFILE

Ann Marie Patterson

Third-year student, Versailles, KY.

Student Life: Intramural football. "We're medical students, so we're competitive."

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Huffman likes to be involved in community

Chris Huffman, a 3rd Year medical student at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, likes to help others.

It's why he volunteers with two community services programs and why he's excited about having more patient interaction that comes in the 3rd Year.

Huffman returned to Columbia, his hometown, for medical school after graduating from Yale University as a double major in math and philosophy. He quickly became a volunteer, which he says helps keep him grounded.

"I've been involved with the Tar Wars smoking awareness program, which educates middle school kids about the dangers of smoking, and the Crayton Middle School Science Tutoring project," he says.

"Sometimes we find it easy to focus just on learning material for exams, but I think it's important to keep in touch with the fundamental reasons we all chose to come to medical school in the first place, which is what volunteering has helped me to do."

Working hands-on with patients, including opportunities to use one of GE Healthcare's LOGIQ E portable ultrasounds, is one of Huffman's favorite experiences.

"The 3rd Year at the School of Medicine is fantastic because we actually get to see patients and be involved in diagnosing and caring for them," he says. "I think the new ultrasound portion of the curriculum is fantastic. It gives us an advantage for 3rd Year and for residency that I don't think can be overemphasized."

The school's academic environment is ideal, he says. "The School of Medicine faculty is very committed to helping us learn. The class size is relatively small, which is conducive to getting to know the faculty well, which ensures that everyone's learning needs are being addressed."

As excited as he is about his 3rd Year studies, Huffman is also anticipating the benefits of his final year at the School of Medicine -- whether he's actually there or not.

"I'm looking forward to 4th Year because of the opportunity to do electives, both here in Columbia and anywhere else in the world," Huffman says.

ALL ABOUT US

About SOM:
Information about all our programs, such as the M.D. Program and our Clinical Departments.

Our mission:
-- explains what our school is all about. 

Office of the Dean:
803-733-3200

Address:
USC School of Medicine
6311 Garners Ferry Rd. (Next to VA Hospital Complex)
Columbia, SC 29208

Maps:
Richland Campus, VA Campus.

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