Medical school is designed to teach future physicians to care for patients, diagnose illnesses and other health issues and to think critically under pressure. But according to Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) student Curtis Wilkerson, success in medicine requires more than mastering anatomy, pathology and board exams.
It also requires intentionally developing the person inside the white coat.
That philosophy inspired Wilkerson, a second-year medical student, U.S. Army National Guard officer and host of The Physician's Mind, a podcast dedicated to helping medical professionals optimize every aspect of their lives, not just their academic performance.
"The common perception is that if you're in medicine, you've already made it," Wilkerson said. "But those of us in the space realize there are so many more ways we can optimize our lives beyond our medical pursuits."
Since launching the podcast, Wilkerson has interviewed physicians, medical students, educators and healthcare leaders whose careers extend beyond clinical practice into leadership, entrepreneurship, finance and innovation. The conversations explore how high achievers build resilience, cultivate discipline and continue growing throughout their careers.
Among his guests has been MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Joyce deJong, D.O., whose conversation reinforced many of the values that originally drew him to the college.
For Wilkerson, the podcast fills a gap he experienced himself.
"I was hungry for that information," he said. "I loved listening to how this medical student succeeded or how this physician became successful. Eventually, I ran out of content that satisfied that desire, so I decided to create it."
His military experience helped shape that mindset. Serving in the military taught him discipline, resilience and the ability to remain composed under pressure – qualities he now carries into medical school and entrepreneurship.
"If I can endure some of the toughest military training, I can endure an eight-hour study session or a difficult clinical experience," he said. "The military taught me to stay steady when challenges come."
That same philosophy extends to his broader message for future physicians. Wilkerson believes professional excellence is strengthened, not diminished, by investing in physical health, financial literacy, relationships and personal development.
"We can absolutely become medical robots," he said. "We can neglect finances, faith, fitness and relationships. But optimizing all of those areas helps us become better physicians and better people."
Wilkerson said choosing the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine was a deliberate decision. He wanted a school that would prepare him to become an outstanding physician while providing opportunities to grow as a leader.
"Michigan State had the opportunities that aligned with my goals," he said. "I wanted to become the best physician I could be and learn as much as I could about the human body so I could positively impact other people."
He credits MSUCOM's collaborative culture, extensive clinical network and dedicated faculty for creating an environment where students are encouraged to pursue excellence beyond the classroom. Interviewing Dean deJong on The Physician's Mind further reinforced his appreciation for the college's commitment to educating physicians who lead with compassion, integrity and lifelong curiosity.
Wilkerson believes one of MSUCOM's greatest strengths is the opportunity it provides students who are willing to take initiative.
"Whether you're at Michigan State, Harvard or a school in the middle of nowhere, if you have the mentality to do whatever it takes and you're willing to work hard, you can become a great physician," he said. "Michigan State gave me abundant opportunity, outstanding faculty and every chance to succeed."
Looking ahead, Wilkerson hopes The Physician's Mind becomes the premier resource for physicians and trainees seeking lifelong growth. His vision includes expanding the podcast, writing books and eventually bringing together healthcare professionals through conferences focused on leadership, wellness and personal development.
His advice for fellow medical students is simple. "Don't worry about what other people think," he said. "If you know what you're doing is valuable, pursue it anyway. Find a goal, build a plan and keep moving forward."
For Wilkerson, medicine is more than a profession – it’s a platform for continuous growth, service and leadership. Through The Physician's Mind and his work at MSUCOM, he hopes to inspire the next generation of physicians to pursue excellence, not only in clinical practice, but in every aspect of their lives.
By Jim Peck
Medical school is designed to teach future physicians to care for patients, diagnose illnesses and other health issues and to think critically under pressure. But according to Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) student Curtis Wilkerson, success in medicine requires more than mastering anatomy, pathology and board exams.
It also requires intentionally developing the person inside the white coat.
That philosophy inspired Wilkerson, a second-year medical student, U.S. Army National Guard officer and host of The Physician's Mind, a podcast dedicated to helping medical professionals optimize every aspect of their lives, not just their academic performance.
"The common perception is that if you're in medicine, you've already made it," Wilkerson said. "But those of us in the space realize there are so many more ways we can optimize our lives beyond our medical pursuits."
Since launching the podcast, Wilkerson has interviewed physicians, medical students, educators and healthcare leaders whose careers extend beyond clinical practice into leadership, entrepreneurship, finance and innovation. The conversations explore how high achievers build resilience, cultivate discipline and continue growing throughout their careers.
Among his guests has been MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean Joyce deJong, D.O., whose conversation reinforced many of the values that originally drew him to the college.
For Wilkerson, the podcast fills a gap he experienced himself.
"I was hungry for that information," he said. "I loved listening to how this medical student succeeded or how this physician became successful. Eventually, I ran out of content that satisfied that desire, so I decided to create it."
His military experience helped shape that mindset. Serving in the military taught him discipline, resilience and the ability to remain composed under pressure – qualities he now carries into medical school and entrepreneurship.
"If I can endure some of the toughest military training, I can endure an eight-hour study session or a difficult clinical experience," he said. "The military taught me to stay steady when challenges come."
That same philosophy extends to his broader message for future physicians. Wilkerson believes professional excellence is strengthened, not diminished, by investing in physical health, financial literacy, relationships and personal development.
"We can absolutely become medical robots," he said. "We can neglect finances, faith, fitness and relationships. But optimizing all of those areas helps us become better physicians and better people."
Wilkerson said choosing the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine was a deliberate decision. He wanted a school that would prepare him to become an outstanding physician while providing opportunities to grow as a leader.
"Michigan State had the opportunities that aligned with my goals," he said. "I wanted to become the best physician I could be and learn as much as I could about the human body so I could positively impact other people."
He credits MSUCOM's collaborative culture, extensive clinical network and dedicated faculty for creating an environment where students are encouraged to pursue excellence beyond the classroom. Interviewing Dean deJong on The Physician's Mind further reinforced his appreciation for the college's commitment to educating physicians who lead with compassion, integrity and lifelong curiosity.
Wilkerson believes one of MSUCOM's greatest strengths is the opportunity it provides students who are willing to take initiative.
"Whether you're at Michigan State, Harvard or a school in the middle of nowhere, if you have the mentality to do whatever it takes and you're willing to work hard, you can become a great physician," he said. "Michigan State gave me abundant opportunity, outstanding faculty and every chance to succeed."
Looking ahead, Wilkerson hopes The Physician's Mind becomes the premier resource for physicians and trainees seeking lifelong growth. His vision includes expanding the podcast, writing books and eventually bringing together healthcare professionals through conferences focused on leadership, wellness and personal development.
His advice for fellow medical students is simple. "Don't worry about what other people think," he said. "If you know what you're doing is valuable, pursue it anyway. Find a goal, build a plan and keep moving forward."
For Wilkerson, medicine is more than a profession – it’s a platform for continuous growth, service and leadership. Through The Physician's Mind and his work at MSUCOM, he hopes to inspire the next generation of physicians to pursue excellence, not only in clinical practice, but in every aspect of their lives.
By Jim Peck