Jacob Feirertag, ’20

I will be attending the Penn State College of Medicine in the Fall of 2020 to pursue my Doctorate Degree in Allopathic Medicine and fulfill my dream of becoming a physician!

I was first introduced to the Penn State College of Medicine through my Pre-Health Advisor, who was able to talk with me about prospective medical schools that would fit my personal, professional, and academic goals.

While being a student at SJU, I was encouraged to take the biomedical knowledge that I learned in the classroom and apply them to help others around me. While being a full-time student, I had found time to perform volunteer microbiology research, treat patients as an EMT, and teach CPR classes in Center City Philadelphia. Additionally, taking classes in philosophy, sociology, medical ethics, and theology allowed me to get a more well-rounded look at the world, how I can contribute. I volunteered for various programs that enabled me to interact with and help many people around the greater Philadelphia area. One of my favorite volunteer programs that I was apart of at SJU was Back on My Feet. I ran with persons who were experiencing homelessness at 6 am every Monday to promote physical well-being and social support. I looked forward to chatting with my friends and learning how their lives have turned for the better due to the opportunities provided by the program. This experience is something I will never forget, and I am thankful that SJU has introduced me to this opportunity. The solid foundation in the natural sciences, as well as the underlying Jesuit principles taught through my humanities courses guided me toward my love for the medical field.

While being a full-time student at SJU, I participated in various extracurricular activities to expand my learning experience. As a Track and Field Student-Athlete my freshman and sophomore years, I was pushed further than I ever thought I could go. Everyday, I was challenged by my coach and my teammates to become a better athlete. This work ethic translated to the classroom, as I found myself much more structured student. I was forced to create effective study plans to fit into my schedule, which allowed me to reach my peak academic and athletic capabilities! I also participated in the Summer Scholars program, in which I conducted microbiology research into metabolic pathways in nitrogen-producing bacteria. I discovered the intricacies of bench research, and how my findings can have greater implications for future research efforts. Throughout the school year, I worked as an EMT on campus. After acquiring my EMT certification my freshman year, I found work as a special events EMT for SJU sports. During my tenure on Hawk Hill, I supervised the health of the varsity athletic teams (mens and women's basketball, mens and women's lacrosse), club sports teams (women's soccer, mens lacrosse) as well as professional sports teams (Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Freedom tennis). It was a truly meaningful experience to be able to provide moral and medical support to my fellow classmates and professional athletes. On-campus, I was a Resident Assistant for sophomore students. I provided academic, social, and professional help for the residents through programs and informational meetings. Additionally, I greatly improved my time management skills. I found time to study for an upcoming Biochemistry exam as well as stay up until 2 am to ensure safety within the resident halls. This experience challenged me to become a better leader and student, which will certainly help me in medical school.