Meet Calvin MacDonald. The Burnett Honors College student and Order of Pegasus recipient decided to come to UCF after his first visit to campus felt like coming home. He began his college career in biomedical sciences, but soon discovered that he was less interested in the molecular level of biomedical science than the “big picture” courses offered in health sciences. He says courses like pharmacology helped him reaffirm his interest in healthcare. When he’s not studying or applying to medical school, he enjoys working out, playing on intramural soccer teams, catching waves on South Florida beaches and going to concerts. After graduation, he intends on going to medical school.
Hometown: Melbourne Beach, Florida
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences
What will you be doing after graduation?
I will be attending medical school in the fall with plans to pursue either neurosurgery or plastic surgery.
What are your long-term career plans?
Once I finish medical school, I plan to attend a residency for plastic surgery or neurosurgery. I then plan to do a fellowship in pediatrics to work with kids.
What accomplishment from your time at UCF are you most proud of?
I am most proud of what I accomplished with Limbitless Solutions as a researcher. I entered the organization with no research experience but worked hard to learn as much as I could about clinical research. I eventually worked my way up to become the undergraduate lead for the research team. I feel that my impact on my peers and the research team will live on past my time at UCF. I hope to use this knowledge to continue helping the pediatric community as a physician.
What did you love the most about your time at UCF?
I loved the people that I was blessed to meet while I was a student. Without the help of my mentors and peers I would’ve never been able to accomplish all that I have in the last four years.
What was your favorite class, professor, or experience at CHPS, and why?
My favorite class was pathophysiology with Dr. Latifa Abdelli. I really enjoyed the material and real-world application of it all, especially as someone who wants to be a physician.
