Jason Conner
Coffee and Conversation with Jason Conner, Michael Sussman and Honorine Rouiller | English | Digital Narratives | November 3, 2021
Why FSU?
Well, the easy answer is that FSU is where I was accepted. It is an easy answer and an honest answer.
Motivation to pursue a graduate degree
The drive for graduate school came from the end goal of becoming a physician and from an innate desire to help those around me. To be a doctor, I had to go to graduate school, so here I am!
Importance of research and work
It is important to be a bridge. Science people talk in science lingo. Blue collar types use blue collar lingo. Helping bridge the gap between communities is especially important to me.
Describe an aspect of your military service that is especially memorable or exceptional
The first time going to a grocery store after a deployment. Being lost in a maze of isle after isle of choices after being in some very poor countries really opened my eyes to how blessed we were in America. Some countries struggle for water everyday; we had a public crisis when we ran out of toilet paper.
Tell us how your military service provided skills and experiences that you were able to apply to your graduate studies
Leadership, experience, and diverse backgrounds. The military is a true equalizer and a melting pot of cultures. Years of dealing with drunken Marines from every climb and place really helps you communicate and understand environments like medical school with 120 new students scrambling to survive the grind.
Advice for anyone considering graduate school
Be realistic. Look at your personal goals in life. Look at your current priorities, and think about how your priorities can change in the upcoming years. If graduate school helps you achieve your goals without disrupting your priorities, then go for it! If not, reevaluate in a few years. Grad school will still be there.
Accomplishments during graduate career
I was recently awarded Veteran of the Month by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. This award was presented by the Florida Cabinet, consisting of the governor, commissioner, attorney general, and chief financial officer.
Career aspirations
I want to be a trauma surgeon and help each patient as best I can, one patient at a time