Volunteering to work with young cancer patients at a hospital near his home in Uganda confirmed then-14-year-old Edmund Wekunga’s plans to become a doctor. 

“The connections I made with the children and seeing their strength in the face of such a tough disease inspired me to pursue medicine. It was those heartfelt interactions that showed me the profound impact a doctor can have on someone’s life,” he said recently. 

In 2019, Wekunga moved to the United States to fulfill his dream. He enrolled at Penn State Abington and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, in the vertebrate physiology option, in 2023. 

He said his coursework and the impact of being selected as a Schreyer Honors College Scholar, the University’s honors programs, prepared him for the rigors of medical school, which he begins in August at Drexel University. 

Several faculty and staff served as mentors to Wekunga including Chris Walters, senior coordinator for student success; Kevin Cannon, professor of chemistry; and Christine Krewson, associate teaching professor of chemistry. 

The Schreyer Scholar designation led to Wekunga working with David Ruth, the honors program coordinator and an associate professor of history.

“I joined Schreyer to challenge myself, push my boundaries and enhance my research skills,” Wekunga said. “The journey was not without its challenges, and there were times when I was truly tested. However, I gained far more than I anticipated — a rich network of peers and mentors, and a wealth of knowledge. The experience profoundly shaped my academic and personal growth.”

In addition to managing challenging coursework, Wekunga said he developed skills outside the classroom to enhance his medical career. He volunteered in the Hospital Elder Life Program at Jefferson Abington Hospital, and he qualified to become a certified pharmacy technician at Holy Redeemer Hospital.  

On campus, he was a member of the Pre-Health Professions Organization and the African Student Organization, and he worked as a peer tutor in the Chaiken Center for Student Success.  

Wekunga recently completed a master of science through the Drexel University Pathway to Medical School program, and he will begin medical school there in August.

Reflecting on the last five years, he encourages other students not to hesitate to ask for help when they need it. 

“For those pursuing pre-med, remember that it is a marathon, not a sprint,” he said. “It’s easy to become burnt out and frustrated on this demanding path. Prioritize self-care and understand that there’s no need to rush through the process. Taking your time can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable journey.”

Read more about Edmund Wekunga’s journey to medical school on Penn State Abington’s website.

Penn State Abington in the World