Voices of UNI Health
Real paths. Real impact.
UNI health students and alumni are turning their passion for helping others into meaningful careers. From the classroom to clinics, research labs and communities across Iowa and beyond, these stories highlight the experiences, pathways and impact that shape where this path can lead.
In high school, I feel like I kind of always knew that the medical route was where I wanted to go. I loved the idea of helping people, and nursing is really where you get to interact with the patients and build a relationship with them, which was really important for me. I actually transferred into UNI's program once it started and I think the main thing that really got me is I love the small class sizes, and I really loved the idea of the integrated classroom, where we get to learn a skill and then go in and practice it."
- Norma, Nursing Major
My time at UNI really helped me create a sound base I have been able to build upon while I'm in medical school, and that base has allowed me to move through my rotations."
“UNI’s biology program prepared me very well for medical school. It offers a great breadth of exposure to general biology, but it also has the flexibility to allow students to take more specialized or advanced courses. There are ample opportunities for biology research, and the faculty are approachable and eager to see their students succeed.”
"When my kids ask what I do for work, I explain that I help other kids with their speech and language skills or adults who have communication issues following a stroke or a brain injury. I also help older adults with cognitive issues in the home.
UNI gave me the foundation of everything I've learned about my profession. The support it provided with our clinical experiences, the feedback, the life skills it taught me with responsibility, organization and time management all helped me grow."
- Angie, '04, '06 (Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology)
"The kinesiology department and major are unique in that from faculty and staff to students, there's a shared passion in improving the lives of others through health and human movement."
“I appreciate that social work allows me to support different groups of people and work directly with communities. One of the most meaningful parts of the BSW program at UNI is how intentional it is about preparing students for real-world situations. The practice courses we take before internship are incredibly valuable. The faculty provide constructive feedback, teach practical skills, and make sure we’re fully prepared for the field. I felt confident and supported going into my internship because of that.”
- Andres, '25, Social Work Major
“Gerontology is one of those majors where we do get hands-on. We have lots of experiential opportunities, such as the Dementia Simulation House. It kind of helps us better understand what someone with dementia may be going through. I’ve been able to help with the support group for those who are caregivers (as well as) interacting with those living with dementia.”
“I became interested in Public Health because I’ve always had a passion for helping people, especially in preventive and educational ways. Growing up as the oldest sibling, I naturally stepped into a caregiving role, and over time I realized I wanted to turn that instinct into a career. At UNI, taking an intro public health course confirmed that for me, it opened my eyes to the many ways health impacts every part of people’s lives and how education can be a powerful tool for change”
- Kailey, '25, Public Health, Family Services Major
I was at a point in my education where I realized I wanted to work with kids but also combine my fascination with psychology. That led me to explore a few different paths, but I ultimately chose school counseling because of the consistency it provides for kids.”
- Elle, Psychology Major
“The big thing that drew me to UNI was that tight-knit community. I didn’t want a big school where I was just a number, and at UNI, the environment was really welcoming, and you could tell the professors really cared and were generally interested in helping us succeed.”
Steven Gomez, '19 (Biology Major)
Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant at TSAOG Orthopaedics
“Clinical ethicists help patients and healthcare professionals make good medical decisions. We don’t use scalpels or administer medications. Instead, we listen and make arguments, and we create policies intended to benefit individual patients and entire communities.
My time as a philosophy major at UNI created the foundation for this work and became the catalyst for a career where I try to help patients, families, and professionals discover how their values, intentions, and preferences can lead to good and fair medical care.”
My time as a philosophy major at UNI created the foundation for this work and became the catalyst for a career where I try to help patients, families, and professionals discover how their values, intentions, and preferences can lead to good and fair medical care.”
“Earning my degree helps me open doors for other high school or middle school students who might not believe they can succeed in college. Now they can see someone who has overcome similar challenges as them.”
Joanna Lwin, '22
Social Work Major
Director of Refugee and Immigrant Youth Organization (RIYO) in Waterloo, Iowa
“I’m able to view it from both sides of the coin. I know what it’s like to be the person to receive the help, as well as now give the help. It was very beneficial for me. I can understand and really empathize with the people who come to me for assistance.”
Charles Mhoon, '16
Psychology Major
Educational Counselor, UNI Center for Urban Education
"I completed some job shadows in high school and immediately fell in love with the profession of physical therapy. Once I came to UNI, the Department of Kinesiology and the Cedar Falls community provided so many opportunities and experiences for learning, leadership and growth throughout my four years here. These have shaped me into the person I am today, and helped tremendously in the PT school admissions process."
Maya Deuso, PT, DPT, '22
Exercise Science Major, Pre-Professional: Physical Therapy
Physical Therapist, Neurology Specialization, MercyOne Ankeny Physical Therapy