Courtney Raab ’18
Health Sciences major, Neuroscience and Chemistry minors
Neurology Resident Physician, Northwestern Medicine

How did Butler prepare you for your career?
First and foremost, Butler provided a solid foundation for social sciences that prepared me to succeed in medical school. Not only did I enjoy the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) courses at the time, but I still use things I learned today. I think the small class sizes and accessibility to professors helped me focus on improving my studying and test-taking skills. I also had the opportunity to participate in research during my time at Butler, and I was thankful to have had prior exposure to the process.

What skills or knowledge gained at Butler have been most useful in your career?
The skills and knowledge I gained at Butler include time management, perseverance, and self-confidence. I came into college with so much uncertainty about what I wanted my future to look like. The supportive Butler environment was perfect for me to figure these things out. There were a lot of bumps along the way, but if you had told 18-year-old me that I would one day be a resident at Northwestern, I wouldn’t have believed you. Also, I think the classes and extracurriculars at Butler helped us become good communicators. Communication is a valuable skill I use daily as a physician with my colleagues and patients.

What is the most important thing you learned at Butler?
Butler taught me the importance of experiences outside the classroom and keeping an open mind. The BSHS program always encouraged us to get healthcare experience outside of school with internships, healthcare shadowing, etc. One summer, I took this internship in my hometown, which changed the course of my life, changing my path and deciding to attend medical school. I am so lucky to say I genuinely love my job, and I can’t imagine what my life would’ve looked like if I hadn’t accepted that internship or kept an open mind.

Who influenced you the most while you were a student?
The faculty that influenced me the most were Dr. Amy Peak and Dr. Tara Lineweaver. Dr. Peak was my advisor and research mentor. She never doubted that I would get into medical school, and she even came to my White Coat Ceremony when I did. Dr. Lineweaver was one of my favorite professors at Butler. She is passionate about Neuroscience, and inspired me to enroll in the Neuroscience minor and to consider exploring neurology. Now, I am a neurology resident! I am also grateful for my 2018 BSHS cohort. We were a great group, and I always looked up to so many of my classmates. I know they all became great healthcare providers.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing a career in this field? 
Besides getting experiences outside of the classroom, my other advice for students is quality over quantity. It is essential to get good grades and be well-rounded, but when you dedicate a lot of your time to something, make sure it’s because you’re passionate about it and not just to check the boxes. You’ve got this!