Biology

Laura Myers, M.D.

Undergraduate Education: Drake University 1995, B.A. Biology and Psychology

Medical Education: M.D. Dartmouth

Additional Training: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Current Occupation: Dermatology

Location: Mcfarland Clinic, Ames, IA

How Drake prepared you for a career in medicine?

Excellent science foundation.  Learned how to learn, not just to memorize facts. Faculty didn’t let us get lost or underperform, that push kept me working hard to be my best.

Why did you want to join the Drake Alumni Physicians Board?

It’s a hard career if you don’t pursue for the right reasons. But if it’s your calling, the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. I think an honest picture of the path and the life is important for students.  The pre med advising (back in my day) was not strong, and I think I would have benefited from a more robust, supportive pre Med program. 

What is one piece of advice you would give like to give Drake pre-med students about a career in medicine?

There are lots of hoops to jump through to get into med school. Don’t let those necessary things deter you from a course of study you love. I went to med school with students who were English and theater majors, and that background enriched them.