Michael Martin
Class of 1997, B.A. in Classics
Class of 2001, Doctor of Medicine
Neurosurgery resident - OU Health Sciences Center
Q. How did you choose your major?
A. I knew I wanted to go to medical school, and I really enjoyed Latin and ancient history in high school.
Q. What was your biggest academic challenge while at OU?
A. At the beginning of my second semester of Honors Organic Chemistry I struggled a little. I decided to go to Dr. Lehr’s office hours each week until I understood the material. His teaching style was unique in that his lectures were done assuming you had already mastered the material in the textbook, and his tests were essay only – no multiple choice. With persistence I began not only to learn the material but also to understand it more fully. I wound up with an ‘A’ and one of the better grades in the class.
Q. What was your favorite class at OU?
A. Tough to say because there were several. I enjoyed all of my classics courses. I really liked histology and comparative vertebrate anatomy.
Q. Who was your favorite OU professor?
A. Also tough to narrow this down to one. Professors Bell, Mroczka, Farmer, and Thompson in zoology were excellent. Professors Stanley, Fears, and Catlin in Classics were great. I was privileged to have the late Roland Lehr for honors organic chemistry. Of course I could never forget “Coach” Gene Thrailkill and Roland Barrett from the Pride.
Q. What are some study techniques, campus resources, or other factors that helped you graduate?
A. Prioritization is probably the most useful technique. Figure out which papers need to be done first, which studying gets done first, etc. Play when the work is done. Your professors have office hours for a reason. Use them.
Q. What organizations were you involved in at OU?
A. I was in the Pride of Oklahoma drum line for four years. I also played in the concert band and steel drum band. I was active in the Pre-Med club and Crimson Club, as well as the Classics Society.
Q. How did your degree help you achieve your goals?
A. Having a broad-based arts and sciences education made me well rounded (I think). I also had enough hours for minors in chemistry and zoology, and the advanced science courses were invaluable in medical school.
Q. What is your favorite aspect of your current job?
A. I am challenged every single day. Neurosurgery requires continual education simply to stay current. We use the latest available technology combined with basic science on a daily basis. While my job is a bit stressful, I am never bored. The diseases we see are interesting, and the surgical procedures are technically demanding.
Q. What are your future goals?
A. I will finish residency in June of 2008. After that I plan to do a fellowship in complex spine surgery. I will probably go into practice somewhere in Oklahoma after my fellowship.
Q. What one piece of advice can you offer students seeking to graduate in four years?
A. Stay focused. College is meant to be a means to an end. It’s a lot of fun, but in reality you have a job to do. From your first day, know your degree requirements so you don’t get off track. Ultimately the burden of graduation falls on you and no one else.