“I definitely made the right choice,” Braden Williams said about Northwestern.
While in high school at Fort Supply, Okla., Williams planned to attend a university elsewhere.
“But when I stepped foot on Northwestern’s campus, I said, ‘no way am I leaving here.’ I instantly fell in love with Northwestern.”
Williams is one of the first students to be in the 3-1 program. This accelerated program allows for students to complete their first three years at Northwestern and their fourth at medical school. The program allows the students to set their path early and with Northwestern’s guidance.
Williams’ fourth year will be at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, Okla. He will finish his biology major and work toward his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree in its Rural Medical Track. He will complete the schooling program in seven years rather than eight. In order to be accepted into the program, Williams had to have a 3.5 GP and a 3.5 science GPA; 90 shadowing hours in the medical field; six recommendations; and three rounds of medical school interviews.
“Braden’s hard work and dedication to being accepted into this accelerated program is an accomplishment that few receive,” said Dr. Jenny Sattler, Department Chair of Natural Science, “I believe he will be an excellent representative of the values of Northwestern Oklahoma State University and its dedication to helping students succeed.”
Williams desire to accomplish his goals started before college. Achieving academic team, winning the high school spelling bee while in eighth grade and qualifying for Academic Meet Tournament of Champions for the state of Oklahoma were just the beginning. He began at Northwestern with 41 credit hours on his transcript. His inspiration came from his parents, who always went above and beyond to make sure he had everything he needed to be successful in life.
The medical field is a career in which Williams has always been interested. As a young boy, he watched his cousin become a family doctor and knew he wanted to follow in her footsteps.
“I have always wanted to help people and I knew the medical field is where I would do that,” said Williams.
Williams was diagnosed with Atrial Tachycardia, a type of abnormal heart rhythm, in 2021. After seeing how his cardiologist treated him and his family in a kind, respectable manner throughout the medical process, Williams did not feel defeated after his diagnosis. He used his experience as motivation. Williams said, “It assured me that I did, in fact, want to go to medical school.”
At Northwestern Williams has kept a busy schedule. He works as a student employee at the J.R. Holder Wellness Center and works part-time at Share Medical Center in Alva, Okla., to gain additional experience. Williams is active in intramural sports and has earned recognition on the President’s Honor Roll and the Red and Black Scroll Honor Society.
“Northwestern has helped me mature and learn how to balance my responsibilities,” said Williams. “Everyone at Northwestern is extremely helpful and I’m not sure where I would be without the support.”