Junior Blake Hardin’s path to pre-med was forged as early as he can remember. Complications due to a birth defect led to severe health issues causing Hardin to spend considerable amounts of time in and out of medical facilities for much of his life. He also endured bullying throughout grade school for his health issues. But for Hardin, it was the medical professionals who cared for him that made an impact during the most trying times of his life. In fact, these health care workers ushered him into his life’s mission to become a compassionate physician for those in need. “I decided to go into bio-chemistry because I wanted to incorporate my love of science with improving the quality of other people,” he says. “Many physicians and health care workers made a huge impact on my family and me, making us feel like family and comforting us. I want to be able to provide that same level of care and sympathy for other individuals.”

Blake, in his own words

On cross-cultural care. “I’m currently serving as the president of Phi Delta Epsilon, our co-ed pre-med fraternity here on campus. Members get a chance to grow as better leaders in medicine by having different experiences that prepare them to make an impact on people from all different backgrounds and cultures. Diversity is really important to me because I’ve firsthand experienced the stigma behind having a disability. I want to show that you can achieve any of the dreams that you want to accomplish — regardless of race, religion or ability.”  

On hands-on learning lessons at UM-Dearborn. “My most defining moment at UM-Dearborn was being accepted into the Emergency Medicine Research Associate Program. I had the opportunity to work at St. Mary Mercy hospital in Livonia, working on clinical research and physician shadowing, which gave me great exposure to the field. I never expected to have a chance to get exposed to health care in the way that I have here at UM-Dearborn. I believe I’m a Difference Maker because I’ve made an impact on campus and in my community by being able to be a part of amazing student groups as well as making an impact off campus through volunteering and research and other clinical experiences that have helped me grow as a person and as a future physician.”

On the Dearborn Difference. “To anyone who’s thinking of coming to UM-Dearborn in the future: I would stress the importance of having small class sizes, being able to really learn material well and getting to learn from faculty in a very personal manner. You’ll also be able to build mentors and get exposure to any future career plans you might have. You get a chance to become a better student and a better citizen and a better community member.”