Mara O'Connor
(She/Her/Hers)
Class of 2026
Home city and state: Orland Park, IL
Undergraduate study: University of Iowa
Human Physiology, B.S.
Student organizations and affinity groups
- Chicago Street Medicine Outreach
- Medical Education Interest Group
- Chicago Youth Program Tutoring
- Feinberg FIT
- NU Vision
- Wild Med
- Feinberg School of Medicine Tour Guide
Why did you choose Feinberg?
When I interviewed at Feinberg, not only did I feel incredibly welcome, but I also found that all of the faculty and students were so excited about the possibility of me attending their medical school. As I was searching for a school with a strong emphasis on mentorship, I appreciated FSM’s inclusive environment providing several opportunities to make meaningful relationships from day one. In addition to being assigned a college and ECMH mentor, there are also several small group preceptors that you work with to learn different topics like clinical skills and lifestyle medicine.
Similarly, the AOSC portion of the FSM curriculum creates a supportive environment to conduct research in, while allowing students to independently determine what they are passionate about studying. Along with emphasizing research, FSM also prioritizes the sociology behind medicine in both the curriculum and different opportunities through student organizations. With Northwestern Medicine being a groundbreaking institution in medical care, research advancements, health equity, and the prioritization of wellness, I could not imagine a better place to complete my medical education than Feinberg!
What do you enjoy most about living in Chicago?
Both of my parents grew up in Chicago and I grew up in the south suburbs, so I always visited Chicago frequently. Now that I actually live here, Chicago has solidified itself as my absolute favorite city. Specifically, living in Streeterville has been exceptionally great being so close to Navy Pier, Ohio Street Beach and both the lakeshore and river walking paths. I have always been a huge sports fan and it is so easy to hop on the “L” to go see a White Sox game. I am also looking forward to seeing more Blackhawks and Bulls games in the future and of course making my way to Evanston to see a Northwestern football game as well.
There are always events going on in Chicago too. Some of my favorites are the movie screenings in Millennium Park and the discounted admission days at the city’s incredible museums. Living in Chicago provides the opportunity to experience so many different cultures by exploring different communities and trying endless new foods. I am so happy to be living here and I hope that you choose Feinberg and also get to experience attending this incredible medical school in the heart of a truly extraordinary city!
Topics I can discuss with prospective students:
- Life in Chicago
- Campus Life
- ECMH
- Student Wellness
