The future looks bright for Westerville South Senior Olivia Talamo, who just learned that she was admitted to the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (OU-HCOM’s) prestigious Early Assurance Program (EAP), in conjunction with John Carroll University. Talamo was conditionally accepted into medical school and will be officially admitted after successful completion of program requirements.
OU-HCOM selects a limited number of outstanding Ohio high school seniors each year to participate in the EAP. In as few as seven years, students can earn their undergraduate degree from one of five partner institutions – and their Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Heritage College. Upon successful completion of their undergraduate coursework and meeting OU-HCOM’s academic and technical standards, pupils will matriculate into medical school. “We are very pleased to have a student of Olivia’s caliber join our EAP and look forward to working with her,” wrote Samantha Baker, M.Ed., Assistant Director, Admissions & Outreach.
Academically, Talamo has earned a 4.5676 weighted, cumulative grade point average in a rigorous AP and honors curriculum, and ranks number seven in her class. Outside the classroom, she is involved in athletics, National Honor Society and Key Club. She serves as captain of both the soccer and swim teams. “I have found Olivia to be one of the most well-rounded students I have worked with during my career; a self-aware and reflective student who is also a problem-solver, leader and mentor,” commented Westerville South Counselor Charles Runyan. “What I think will eventually make Olivia a standout medical school candidate is her personal qualities of empathy, compassion and communication.”