ATSU-SOMA student says school was right choice for her from the first moment on campus
Posted: April 24, 2025
Molly Johanson’s decision to attend A.T. Still University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona (ATSU-SOMA) was a quick one.
“From the moment I walked onto campus, I knew ATSU was the place for me,” Johanson, OMS I, said. “All the students and faculty that I interacted with showed me that they truly loved and cared for everyone. I knew the curriculum would help me to become the best physician I could be, because of the small group based learning and discussion. ATSU’s emphasis on whole person centered healthcare and focus on community health resonated with the type of physician that I strive to be when I graduate.”
Johanson is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, and was a double major in math and biology at College of Saint Benedict. She is determined to become a provider with patients who are comfortable sharing and feel welcomed and accepted.
“ATSU provides its students with many different programs, such as various volunteer opportunities with the community to help with our clinical and communication skills. I know I am receiving a well-rounded education and will be able to provide my patients with not only the best care possible, but also a welcoming and safe environment for them to share their stories and concerns,” she said.
Johanson serves as treasurer for the Emergency Medicine Interest Group and is a member of the Ultrasound Interest Group.
“I am a part of the Emergency Medicine Interest Group because I am interested in becoming an EM physician. I wanted to help provide my fellow classmates with the resources and opportunities that can help us all be better physicians, and EM physicians in particular. We have hosted a few speakers, as well as volunteered and partnered with the Ultrasound Interest Group to host a workshop on utilizing ultrasound in cardiac exams,” she said. “I joined the Ultrasound Interest Group as a way to gain more practice in this useful skill, as well as to gain a better understanding of how to use the ultrasound to provide the best care possible to all of my patients. Both clubs provide me the opportunity to learn more about fields of medicine that I am interested in, as well as the ability to better myself as a student and physician.”
She also serves as a student ambassador.
“During my interview, I received a tour from a current first-year student and she was very helpful in providing a student’s view on school. I knew that if I came to ATSU, I wanted to be an ambassador, so that I could provide that to interviewees. I think it really showed off the school in a positive light, because it was nice to hear about her experiences at ATSU,” she said.
Johanson enjoys being active and said she was worried she’d need to give some of that up when starting medical school. Happily, though, she and her friends have found a great balance.
“We have started taking a nightly walk after our studying to enjoy the weather before it gets too hot! My friends and I have also been able to build in various volunteering opportunities, such as helping teach fourth graders about nutrition and health, and helping out with the dental school Give Kids a Smile event,” she said. “While medical school is incredibly challenging, I have found a way to balance my time, and still find ways to continue being active.
“We also started a run club in the fall, which has been super fun to be a part of. Almost every Tuesday afternoon we get together and run about 40 minutes. It is super fun to see my friends and classmates outside of school, and a great way to get active and enjoy the weather. This has become something that I look forward to every Tuesday.”
Johanson said she enjoys how ATSU-SOMA’s curriculum is based on a self-study method, where students work through cases with their community-based interprofessional (CBI) groups.
“This allows me to spend time on the topics that I really need to work on, while also collaborating with other students who are not in my normal study group. It allows me to see a bigger picture, and gain a better understanding of the material,” she said.
There are also ample opportunities provided by the University outside of normal coursework, like the annual flag football tournament during Founder’s Day.
“This was a great way to spend time with some of my classmates that I don’t normally see and to get to know more people,” Johanson said. “It was fun to see our class come together and support each other.
“I have also been able to form many good connections with various faculty and staff, which has made school much easier. It is nice to know that there is always someone supporting you, and someone to go to when you are stuck on material or need help with something.”