Education is one of the four pillars of UNMC’s mission and our students are the lifeblood of that aspect of campus life.
In UNMC Today’s Student Spotlight, we get to know some of these students, who will become tomorrow’s health care professionals.
Today we meet:
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Apollo Stack |
- Name: Apollo Stack
- Hometown: Lincoln
- Program/Year: Medicine, fourth year (M4)
What sparked your interest in your chosen career path?
During my first year as a medical student, I had the chance to shadow in the operating room during the implantation of a total artificial heart.
While I was there, I met Dr. Nicholas Markin, a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist. I was impressed with his knowledge of physiology, pharmacology and skill at being able to think on his feet during critical times throughout the case. Not only that, he took time to teach and include me in the team discussions even though I had only just started medical school.
That extra mile taken by Dr. Markin got me started on my career path toward anesthesiology, and my clinical rotations confirmed my suspicions that this was the field for me. The second-to-second critical care provided by an anesthesiologist is unparalleled in medicine and it is something I hope to be able to provide as I progress in my career.
Further, the trust that patients place upon their anesthesiologist during a remarkably vulnerable time in their lives is sacred and a privilege. It is a special aspect of the field and another reason why I want to train in anesthesia.
Three songs on my playlist:
- “So Young,” by Portugal. The Man
- “Ave Maria,” composed by J.S. Bach and performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott
- “Higher Ground,” by Odesza
My favorite study snack is:
Laffy Taffy (for the endless supply of Dad jokes)
My favorite app is:
Apple Music
Three things people may not know about me:
- As an undergraduate, I seriously considered a career as an academic in the field of philosophy.
- During my free time, I am an avid golfer, and my handicap is 2.9 currently.
- I am obsessed with iced vanilla lattes.