Kyle Biscoglia, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), said on Mar. 24 that his undergraduate education provided the strong foundation he needed to succeed in medical school and pursue a career as a doctor.
Biscoglia’s experience highlights the importance of undergraduate preparation for students planning to enter the medical field. He emphasized how UNI’s academic environment and close relationships with professors contributed to his development both as a student and an athlete.
“My time at UNI really helped me create a sound base I have been able to build upon while I’m in medical school, and that base has allowed me to move through my rotations,” Biscoglia said. As an undergraduate wrestling student-athlete, he found value in UNI’s intimate learning environment. “One thing I really grew to appreciate while I was at UNI was the intimacy of the learning environment and getting to have a lot of really close connections with professors and classmates and getting to do research projects I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to do if I went to a much larger school,” he said.
Biscoglia noted that supportive faculty not only aided his academic journey but also attended his wrestling meets, demonstrating their commitment beyond academics. “I had a couple of professors who would come to my wrestling meets…they care about us more than just students but as people as well,” he explained.
When preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Biscoglia felt ready thanks to rigorous classes at UNI. “I was really thankful as I was studying for it, and after I got my results, that the rigor of UNI classes was designed in such a way that I was ready for that test…there was nothing I was missing from my classes related to anatomy or physics that I hadn’t already seen there,” he said.
During his time at UNI, Biscoglia earned degrees in biology, biochemistry, and religion; participated actively in Pre-Med Club; conducted research; and chose UNI partly because of its wrestling program. He praised coaches for fostering strong relationships among athletes: “Every school says it’s a family, but at UNI, it really is a family.”
Initially unsure which health career path he would take, Biscoglia ultimately decided on becoming a physician due to its flexibility in patient care. “Having the ability medically to help people…and really get to know them as a person…is something I want to do in my practice going forward,” he said.
As Biscoglia continues his clinical rotations in medical school, he remains confident about choosing medicine as his profession.
