Attending medical school has been a long-term goal for Harvey Sebastian, a Hazard, Ky., native. He has remained committed to that goal, even through ups and downs.
This fall, Sebastian will take a major step toward achieving it. He is enrolled in the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS) program at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. The program is designed to provide graduate students a standalone degree for advancement in biomedical careers and can serve as preparation for medical school.
“I was looking for a master’s that would be conducive to that goal,” Sebastian said. “Plus, I really liked the biochemistry that is in the MSMS program.”
Sebastian did not always think he would get to this point. After graduating high school with a grade point average higher than 4.0, he fell victim to what he called “youthful immaturity” when he went to college.
Ultimately, he lost his scholarship but still worked hard in other jobs. He joined the food service, working his way from dishwasher to assistant manager at Reno’s Roadhouse. He was also a salesman at Verizon Wireless and worked construction for Allegany Greenhouses.
It was a moment on a construction site when it hit him that he still dreamed of being in a health care setting helping patients. So, he went back to school and changed his study habits.
Today, he is a graduate of Morehead State University, having finished his biology degree on the dean’s list in his final semester. He even volunteered at St. Claire HealthCare during school, gaining experience in the oncology department.
“That really got the ball rolling for me, seeing how I could help patients,” Sebastian said. “I want to do something that’s going to radically help people because I think that’s what one should do.”
Sebastian is excited to begin his next chapter as a graduate student this fall. Not only has he dreamt of becoming a doctor but also to attend the University of Kentucky. His family is full of UK sports fans who have encouraged Sebastian to follow his passion as a Wildcat.
Sebastian is also the first in his immediate family to complete a college degree. He said his dad, who worked in the coal mines for 25 years, has been adamant in encouraging him to pursue a college education.
“It’s something he's always wanted me to do,” Sebastian said. “And I've always wanted to do it to try to help a family.