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Himmelfarb Headlines: Student Profile - Meet Riley Decker, In the premedical post-baccalaureate program

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Student Profile - Meet Riley Decker, In the premedical post-baccalaureate program

Faculty Profile - Miro Liwosz

Riley Decker is a student at GW’s Virginia Science and Technology Campus in Ashburn. She is in the premedical post-baccalaureate program.

What brought you to GW?
The undeniably great outcomes of the students in the premedical post-bacc program brought me to GW. We are one of the top programs in the country! The dedicated professors care about the success of their students, and I feel a sense of community among my peers. There’s no better setting to go through such an academically challenging year. It also helps that my family lives about an hour away, so I am able to see them quite often.

Are there any memorable research or special projects you have participated in while at GW?
I’m currently working on a research project studying the effects of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic on serotonin levels. I first became interested in this relationship when I noticed a lot of patients at the psychiatry clinic I volunteer at were taking these drugs. I decided I wanted to write and publish a paper on it. Himmelfarb has been really helpful in finding resources for publication; the librarian at VSTC, Tara Patterson, was really helpful. My team is aiming to complete the project in the next two weeks!

What's been the most unexpected, surprising or challenging experience as a GW student?
The greatest challenge has been time management. I’m taking three science classes at a time, so there is always an exam to prepare for. I make sure to accomplish tasks according to their priority and to make time to do the things that rejuvenate me like hitting the gym and taking bubble baths. It’s important to recharge. Another approach I’ve taken to bettering my time management is improving my sleep habits. I’ve always been a night owl, but I’m currently trying to become a morning person. I feel so productive in the morning because no one is awake to distract me!

As you reflect on your time at GW, can you share a favorite Himmelfarb memory, or an experience you found to be most useful?
My favorite part of Himmelfarb is the online resources. So much important literature is hidden behind paywalls, but through Himmelfarb I’m able to access every paper I need for free. It’s a really awesome resource and makes pursuing research accessible for students no matter what their interests are. I’ve also really enjoyed borrowing books through interlibrary loans; I ordered All in Her Head: the Truth and Lies Early Medicine Taught Us About Women's Bodies and Why It Matters Today recently, and it arrived so quickly. These services make getting any material I want a breeze!

When you are not studying, what are your hobbies, interests, or special things you like to do?
When I’m not studying for classes or the MCAT, I love to lift weights! I compete in powerlifting. This sport challenges both my body and mind, and I always feel proud of myself when I think of how far I’ve come. Being able to use my body for sport has made me realize how lucky I am to be living in a healthy body, and it’s inspired me to help others live more comfortably through a career in medicine.

I also spend a lot of time volunteering at a psychiatry clinic in Ashburn. I’ve found a really great mentor in the owner of the practice, and I’ve learned a lot about effectively communicating with patients during really vulnerable times. It’s really rewarding.

What are your plans after GW?
After finishing my program in April, I’ll be in full study mode as I prepare to take my MCAT. I’ll be applying to medical school this summer! I’m excited to see where I’ll end up for the next four years of my education. Any med school connections are welcome! While on my glide year between my GW post-bacc and medical school, I hope to do more work with patients as a medical assistant or in clinical research. After my MCAT and before getting to work, I am planning a road trip to Chicago with my friends!