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Kayla Brooks

Kayla Brooks

Undergraduate Institution:  Northwestern University
Undergrad Major: Communication Studies/Business Institutions

Why did you choose the MS Health Communication Program at Northwestern University?
I took an Intro to Health Communication course while in undergrad at Northwestern and I absolutely fell in love with the subject. I always knew that I would work in health care in some aspect, and as a Communications major, I felt as if both of my passions had merged. After speaking to professors and previous students from the program, I felt that this would be the perfect program for me to pursue between undergrad and Physician Assistant School. The MSHC program will give me the tools to properly and effectively communicate with patients. Going in with the tools to navigate the US healthcare marketplace will put me one step closer to being a successful clinician.

What are your career goals?
Currently I am finishing pre-requisite courses for Physician Assistant school. Although becoming a physician assistant is my current goal, with the resources available through the MSHC, including the proseminar course and career coaching, I am open to other options in the health field that I have yet to learn about.

What is your favorite part of the program so far?
My favorite part of the program so far has been learning about such engaging and relevant topics. The professors are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the topics they teach. I have left every class feeling like I learned such new and valuable information. 

Any tips on balancing school, work, and life?
Take a day off. I think it can be overwhelming knowing there is always something that you could be doing right now. It WILL get done. That being said, taking one day off to do absolutely nothing but self-care is essential to your happiness and thus your success.