Katie Jose ’23: Merging Tradition With Modern Medicine
Katie Jose ’23 came to Whitman College with a dream—to study medicine and one day become a pediatric physician. Along the way, she created her own major, Global Health, merging the humanities and science. She found inspiration and community in several of Whitman’s health-related student clubs. And with the help of Whitman Internship Grants, she secured hands-on experience in the medical field.
After graduating, she went on to a prestigious Watson Fellowship, which enabled her to travel the world learning about traditional and Indigenous medicine. Now, as she prepares to take the next steps in her education, she’s grateful for the support she found at Whitman—and the chance to follow her dreams.
“Whitman was the place for me to step out of my comfort zone and achieve what I initially believed was impossible. I was surrounded by people who saw the best in me and pushed me to succeed to become the person I am now.
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Katie’s Pathway
2019 | Admitted to Whitman
as a pre-med student
2019–2023 | Joined and led health-related campus clubs,
including the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, the Pre-Health Society and the SOS Volunteer Club
2019–2023 | Worked on campus
as a Social Media Intern, Library Cataloging Assistant, Senior Admission Intern and Hispanic Studies Tutor
2020 | Worked on a COVID-19 video campaign
as an intern with the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
2020–2021 | Played varsity women’s soccer
for the Blues and intramural sports
2021–2023 | Completed two summer internships
with SOS Health Services, with the help of Whitman Internship Grants
2022 | Completed an international internship
at a juvenile health guidance center in Spain while studying abroad
2022 | Worked as a Research Intern
at Seattle Children’s, doing research on HIV and liver disease
2023 | Completed a summer internship
with SAY San Diego (Social Advocates for Youth)
2023–2024 | Completed a yearlong Watson Fellowship,
researching traditional and Indigenous medicine around the world
2024 | Began working as an Anesthesiology Assistant
at SDMD Mobile Anesthesia while applying to medical school and master’s programs in Public Health and Business
“I have become more confident in the type of change I want to create in this world with the help of Whitman.
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Upward Pathways. Our alumni’s diverse student experiences and career paths showcase the transformative power of a Whitman education. Find other Upward Pathways.