Incoming Medical Student Leads with Gratitude, an Open Mind

The future College of Osteopathic Medicine student loves working with technology, but he also plans to embrace hands-on learning in the anatomy lab. He’s drawn to the fast pace of trauma surgery, but he’d also like to explore the challenges of wilderness medicine.
 
While he’ll take time to explore before committing to a career path, Dimenbort knows one thing for certain–he was meant to practice medicine.
 
“I’ve known since I was young,” he said. “Medicine provides a unique way to help individuals on a daily basis in their most vulnerable states. To help people through those times is an honor.”
 
To prepare for medical school, the Columbus, Ohio, native is pursuing a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences at Duquesne. He’s embracing the coursework, experiential learning and resources available on campus.
 
“The tech at Duquesne is amazing, especially the HoloAnatomy® lab” he said. “You can see a heart as a three-dimensional holographic, rotate it and look inside its ventricles.”
 
Dimenbort also enjoys studying artificial intelligence (AI), which he predicts will be beneficial throughout his career.
 
“We’re working with AI to help formulate questions and responses,” said Dimenbort. “This helps us study better and retain knowledge, and through this we learn how artificial intelligence is going to develop and become an asset to medical professionals.”
 
Hands-on learning is an additional draw for Dimenbort, and he knows experience in the anatomy lab on campus will be invaluable. He expresses deep appreciation and respect for those who have donated their bodies to educate students.
 
“This is an incredible resource and honor,” he said. “This time in the lab also provides a means to learn more about ourselves and work as part of a team.”
 
Upon completing this personal growth and multi-dimensional training, Dimenbort will be prepared for anything–whether he pursues a career in the operating room or in the wilderness.
 
“I do my best in conditions where you have a lot of variables and changing conditions that push you,” he said. “I feel like medical school will help me be the best leader possible in those scenarios.”
 
Dimenbort is confident that College of Medicine faculty will help him reach these bold goals. Based on his admissions experience, he already views them as trusted partners who are similarly driven by compassion and empathy.
 
“College of Medicine faculty encourage you to take on challenges you would have thought to be impossible, and their faith in you is felt from day one,” he said. “Not only do they give you the space to learn about your interests, you have the chance to be part of something greater, like research. Duquesne faculty give you confidence knowing that you are always going to be pointed in the right direction.”
 
Inspiring, supportive relationships with peers will be equally important. Dimenbort is excited to invest in collaborations with Duquesne students in the health profession programs across campus.
 
“There will be a lot of opportunities for interprofessional work, particularly in the state-of-the-art simulation suites,” he said. “This is where students start to understand the roles and responsibilities of their colleagues in different simulations such as the emergency room, birthing suite and more.”  
 
Dimenbort looks forward to completing graduate school and meeting fellow medical students over the coming months. “As part of the first class, we’re forerunners and we can develop new traditions,” he said. “It’s an unparalleled challenge, yet such an awesome privilege.”