Precious Izuchukwu has always been passionate about healthcare. Growing up in Nigeria, she witnessed the gaps in her country’s health care system. “If someone was willing to put in the work to make things better, many deaths could have been avoided,” Izuchukwu says. These experiences drew her to pursue a career in health. 

With plans of attending medical school, Izuchukwu wanted her undergraduate to make her stand out, stating, “Most people major in bio or chem for medical school, but I wanted to do something more hands on.” When exploring majors at Rutgers Newark, she came across the undergraduate program in the Department of Clinical Laboratory and Medical Imaging Sciences. Catching her attention, she connected with an alumnus of the program to learn more before deciding that it was the right next step. 

Izuchukwu chose this program because of its hands-on education and focus on diagnostic lab skills, “90% of what doctors diagnose is informed by the lab. The doctor relies on lab results to give proper medical care – being able to do that well is crucial in helping others.” 

Going in, Izuchukwu was anxious about the course work since it was all new territory for her. Yet, her fears were put to rest because of the small class size and quality education and support she received from professors. In a class of 20 people, she didn’t have to worry about getting lost or being treated as just a number and this allowed her to form lasting bonds with her peers.  

This also helped build a better relationship with professors, making it easier to ask for help when needed. She says a highlight of her program was learning from her professors, “They have worked in the field for many years and this expertise lets them break down real-life concepts, allowing us to understand how to troubleshoot if we are faced with them.” 

Stepping outside of the classroom, Izuchukwu serves as a leader in the Medical Lab Student Association. Recently, the group held bake sales to successfully raise funds for lab coats for their pinning ceremony.  

When speaking with new students in the program, Izuchukwu offers encouragement. “Don’t be scared, your professors are there to guide you,” she says recalling times when professors provided extra lectures and hybrid learning outside of the classroom. 

Izuchukwu is set to graduate in August 2024 with her bachelor’s degree. Looking back on her student journey, she realizes the importance of good health and how when it declines, it affects all aspects of your life.  

“I want to be a humanitarian doctor that travels to different countries. I may not be able to change things on a systems-level, but I will do my part to provide quality health care, one country, one patient at a time,” Izuchukwu says.