2017 Hoyas for Science Recipient
M.S. in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy
I couldn’t be more sure that this program wasn’t actually a detour, but exactly the course of education I needed.
About Alex
Alex Long is currently pursuing a M.S. degree in Biomedical Science Policy & Advocacy at Georgetown’s Biomedical Graduate Education. Alex is from Buffalo, New York and pursued a degree in Biology from the University of Richmond.
Why did you choose Biomedical Graduate Education at Georgetown University?
It’s a pretty classic story. I have always been in love with Washington DC and the culture the city provides. Politics and government have always enthralled me, and I knew that I couldn’t ignore this huge part of my life. So naturally, during my senior year, I was grappling with the decision to either apply to medical school outright, or to take a slight detour.
I took the detour. Georgetown’s Biomedical Science Policy and Advocacy program blended my love of the sciences and medicine with my urge to learn the intricacies of policy. Basically, I wanted to learn the rules to the game before I became a player in it.
As a Hoyas for Science Scholarship recipient, you were selected because your application “demonstrated a commitment to biomedical research and graduate studies at the Masters’ level.” What do you hope to accomplish here at Georgetown and/or what is your interest in biomedical research or graduate studies?
Currently I have my sights set on an MD/PhD program that combines the practice of medicine with a social science PhD in, for example, medical anthropology or health policy. Specifically, I see a future in focusing on advocacy for the health care of the LGBTQ+ community at home and abroad. The program I’m currently enrolled in has introduced me to the world of policy and advocacy I only had dreamed of when I was a middle schooler watching Meet the Press over breakfast. Through the classwork, professors, and connections via the guest speakers—I couldn’t be more sure that this program wasn’t actually a detour, but exactly the course of education I needed.
What is your life motto for overcoming challenges and/or supporting diversity and cultural understanding?
Routinely take a moment to ask yourself if you are doing the most you can to increase minority access to that which you have power over. If you aren’t — it’s time to start.