�鶹Porn

Midwestern University’s Downers Grove Campus welcomed more than 30 undergraduate students from Aurora University on October 29, 2025, for the Mentors in Medicine and Science (MIMS) fall 2025 kickoff event. Now in its second year on the Downers Grove Campus, the yearlong MIMS program pairs graduate healthcare students from a variety of disciplines, including osteopathic medicine, dental medicine, pharmacy, optometry, and health sciences, with undergraduates seeking guidance as they prepare for advanced studies and careers in healthcare.

At the event, undergraduate mentees met their Midwestern University mentors, toured the campus, and attended a lively “Professionals in Healthcare” panel. The panel featured Daniel Provencher, M.S., PA-C, Director of Faculty and Student Development for the Physician Assistant Program; Larry Williams, D.D.S., M.P.H., Professor in the College of Dental Medicine–Illinois; and Kurt Heinking, D.O., Chair of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine in the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Each shared their unique journey into healthcare and offered practical wisdom for students preparing to follow in their footsteps.
 

“You don’t have to know exactly where you’re headed yet. What matters is saying yes to opportunities that stretch you and being open to where they lead,” said Mr. Provencher, recalling how he eventually found his calling as a physician assistant. “Now I get to help develop the next generation of healthcare providers, and I love it.” Dr. Williams emphasized persistence and flexibility, reminding students that setbacks can lead to better paths. “When one door closes, another opens,” he said. “I didn’t get into medical school because I wasn’t informed that I needed one specific class, but that led me to dental school, where I found my place.” Dr. Heinking encouraged students to pursue what feels meaningful and sustainable, adding, “Find a field where you can connect deeply with people. That connection is what sustains you through the long hours and hard work. It’s what makes the calling worth it.”

The evening also included insights from the Office of Admissions, highlighting Midwestern University’s wide range of graduate programs and its interprofessional approach to education. Students were encouraged to “apply early,” “get to know their mentors,” and “talk with them about every part of the process.” 

With 40 graduate student mentors from Midwestern University participating in the program, the kickoff set the tone for a year of meaningful connections and shared inspiration, each mentor-mentee conversation at a time.