Adam Eckburg

Class of 2024

Home city and state: Rockford, Illinois

Undergraduate degree: University of Michigan, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Student organizations and affinity groups

• Chicago Street Medicine (Treasurer)
• Emergency Medicine Interest Group (Treasurer)
• Oncology Interest Group (Lurie Coordinator)
• Buddy Program
• Admissions Tour Guide
• NU-Feinberg Connections Mentor

What do you enjoy most about living in Chicago?

The people. The varying personalities and perspectives that flood every Chicago street make this city such an amazing place to learn medicine. As medical students, we interact extensively with the people of Chicago through our involvement in ECMH and community clinics. Something I quickly realized after starting medical school is how much learning comes from interactions with patients rather than textbooks and lectures. The patient population we have the opportunity to serve and learn from is so unique and eclectic in its composition.

Being so centrally located in the city is also a massive perk. Everything Chicago has to offer is available to us. There are so many great restaurants and fun things to do in the immediate vicinity of our campus - Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, Riverwalk, Lakefront. I was also pleasantly surprised by how affordable Chicago is compared to other big cities.

Tell us a bit about your interests and hobbies outside the classroom.

Although I was raised and went to school in a mid-sized city, my upbringing was very much centered in rural culture. The stark contrast between ideas related to human health in urban versus rural settings has always interested me. The dichotomy between the two sides of life in which I grew up molded my perspective of the human condition. As a result, I have developed a unique interest in the holistic nature of patient care and the impacts physiological well-being have on physical health. Sprouting from this came an interest in caring for the homeless and mentally impaired – two populations with distinct non-physical barriers to health. Prior to medical school, I volunteered for 8 years in a therapeutic recreation program in my hometown, providing guidance and support to children with mental disabilities. I also spent time in college volunteering at a local homeless shelter, assisting a population I found to be incredibly receptive of my help. Of all my extracurriculars, I particularly enjoyed these experiences, as I felt my efforts were sincerely impactful and made a difference in someone’s life. Feinberg is overflowing with student groups and community opportunities that allow you to form and/or pursue your pre-developed interests outside of the classroom. At Feinberg, I have become involved in several amazing programs that have allowed me to dive deeper into my involvement with these populations, including The Buddy Program and Chicago Street Medicine. The Buddy Program pairs up medical students with community members diagnosed with Alzheimer’s to facilitate mentorship and social engagement. Chicago Street Medicine is a student group at Northwestern where students walk through the city and provide free medical care to the homeless. Both are incredible organizations I would encourage any prospective student to explore!

Topics I can discuss with prospective students:

• Life in Chicago
• ECMH
• AOSC
• Academic Support (studying, learning)
• Student Organizations, Affinity Groups