Colson Glover
“I am drawn to the responsibility of caring for people in their most vulnerable moments, and I am motivated by the chance to make a real impact on patients, families and communities, especially in West Virginia.”
Why did you decide to pursue a career in medicine?
I wanted a career built on service, problem-solving and relationships. I am drawn to the responsibility of caring for people in their most vulnerable moments, and I am motivated by the chance to make a real impact on patients, families and communities, especially in West Virginia.
Why did you choose WVU for your medical education?
WVU felt like the right place because it is home. Its mission aligns with what matters to me, which is training excellent physicians who serve West Virginians. I also valued the strong clinical training opportunities and the sense of community I have felt throughout my education here.
How would you describe your experience at the WVU School of Medicine?
It has been challenging in the best way. It is rigorous, fast-paced and growth-oriented. I have also been grateful for the supportive culture among classmates and faculty, and for the feeling that people genuinely want you to succeed.
Are there any subspecialties you are currently considering?
I am still exploring, but I’m currently considering diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology, along with neurology and cardiology. I am drawn to areas of medicine that require strong anatomy and physiology knowledge, sharp clinical reasoning and decisive problem-solving. I also like the range between diagnosis and action by using imaging to guide care in real time and, in procedural fields, being able to directly intervene and improve outcomes.
Tell me about your thoughts on receiving your white coat.
Receiving my white coat feels like being welcomed into something bigger than myself. To me, it is a symbol of trust and a reminder that patients will be placing a lot of faith in me before they even know my name. Moving forward, it makes my education feel more purposeful. I want to earn that trust through how I listen, how I learn and how I treat people.
What is next for you during your next two years of training? What do you want to accomplish over your final two years?
Over the next two years, I am excited to grow from learning medicine on paper to learning medicine through people. I want to become stronger in clinical reasoning and communication, learn from great mentors and keep building toward my bigger goal of giving back to my community through patient care.
What excites you about getting to do more clinical-based training?
What excites me most is that this has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. For years, being a doctor was something I imagined, and now I get to start living it in real moments with real people. I am excited to step into the hospital and clinic and learn from patients' stories, not just textbooks. I also carry a lot of people with me into this next stage, including my family, mentors, friends and everyone who has believed in me and helped shape who I am. Getting to care for patients is a privilege, and I am looking forward to working hard, learning humbly and making those people proud by showing up with compassion, steadiness and heart.
What advice would you have for prospective or incoming WVU SOM students?
Be patient with yourself and stay consistent. Medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. Ask for help early, find mentors and classmates who support you and do not compare your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel. Even when it feels long, it truly flies by, so take time to enjoy the people around you, celebrate small wins and hold onto the parts of life that keep you grounded outside of school. For me, it is spending time outdoors and with my family and friends, and with my miniature goldendoodle, Tucker.