News Archives - 2007

Ever since high school, Augsburg junior Nou Chang has been interested in the medical field. Now, thanks to a program at the University of Minnesota and Mayo Medical School, Chang has the chance to explore what it means to be a medical doctor. The program, Minnesota’s Future Doctors, is aimed at increasing the number of Minnesota minority, immigrant and rural physicians.

The program, which is in its first year, works with students to develop academic skills, an understanding of medicine and an appreciation for serving within an underserved community. Students spend three summers or academic years in the program.

Chang and her family immigrated to Rochester, Minn. from Thailand in 1988. A double major in biology and English, with a minor in religion, Chang first visited Augsburg as a freshman at John Marshall High School. At that point, she still wasn’t sure where she wanted to go to college. Then during her junior year, her English and ethics teacher, Rebecca Koelln, who happens to be an Augsburg alumna, told Chang about Augsburg’s mission and its leadership success in the community.

“Rebecca recognized my passion for serving and she encouraged me to give Augsburg a second look.” During another tour, she met Soua Lee, her admission’s counselor.

“Soua was one of the reasons I decided to attend Augsburg. She connected really well with my parents and tried to get to know me as a person. Augsburg’s small student body size and campus, as well as its biology and English programs were also a determinant in my decision.”

Chang said the Minnesota’s Future Doctors program has really inspired her to reach for her dreams.
“Before, I would meet people who doubted my abilities and who made me doubt myself. Being around other students who have had similar setbacks and have risen to take the challenge has been uplifting. The program has given me breath to fulfill my aspirations to become a medical doctor.”