Marcus Noyes is a 4th year optometry student at the University of Houston College of Optometry. He was born and raised in the Field of Dreams (Iowa) and will be graduating in 2018. Marcus joined the OptometryStudents.com team in January of this year and has been a productive and influential component of the squad ever since (a.k.a. he joined and the rest is history). Check out the interview with Marcus below in the first article of a “Meet the Team” special series highlighting different members of the OS.com group.
1) What interested you about OptometryStudents.com?
Entering any graduate program can be hard, especially one where you are earning a doctorate. I don’t just mean hard academically, sometimes, in my case, you are also moving across the country. OptometryStudents.com gives you a real look from students of the different schools, general information about optometry in general, and clinical tips. This helps ease the physical and academic transition from undergraduate college.
2) Why did you want to get involved with OS.com?
I enjoy sharing knowledge. I may not have much but if I can impart a few tips/tricks to people who might be struggling, I think it helps our profession grow as a whole.
3) What is your favorite thing about OS.com?
My favorite thing is the fact that it’s for students, by students. There’s no corporate agenda, such as people saying “fit (insert brand) of contact lenses because they are the best!” while the site is sponsored by that brand of contacts, for example.
4) Tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you from? What did you study in college? What do you miss most about home?
I was born and raised in Iowa, the heart of the country! I received my undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa in Biochemistry with a minor in Biology. I am now a 4th year student at the University of Houston College of Optometry. The thing I miss most about home is my family, they’re all located in the Midwest, but other than that there’s just something about the Midwest. The people, the seasons (I know, even the snow, don’t roast me), etc.
5) What are your plans for the future?
Long-term goal is to open my own private practice. Short-term goal is to learn as much as I can while on my externships.
6) Where is your ideal place to practice?
That’s a good question. Scope of practice is important to me, I want to be able to treat patients to the fullest extent. If the scope were the same across the country, I’d probably go back to the Midwest. But because it’s not, I’m not sure yet.
7) Do you plan on remaining involved in organized optometry after graduation? How so?
Absolutely. Organized optometry is not only what keeps this profession growing and expands our scope of practice, it also raises public awareness of the importance of eye examinations. More awareness = more patient care = broad spectrum increase in quality of life.
8) What is your favorite part about 4th year so far?
Oh man, 4th year has been great so far. I’ve recently realized I’m kind of a “problem solver.” For that reason, I’ve always enjoyed the clinical aspect more than the lecture aspect. Being on externships allows me to take all of the lecture knowledge from the past 3 years, and challenges me to apply it to every patient encounter, which I really enjoy.
9) Any tips for success for underclassmen regarding boards, classes, or life in general?
My dad always used to say, “you don’t have to be the smartest person in your class, but you do have to work the hardest.” The OAT, optometry school, national boards, and even life in general are all very difficult. If you’re willing to work hard enough, you can do it, you just have to want it and work hard. That doesn’t mean there won’t be setbacks, but it does mean you won’t accept their finality.
10) Let’s grab a craft beer at Optometry’s Meeting this year?
Of course, man!
Congrats on your recognition Marcus! You’ve been a great addition to the OS.com team and we’re all excited to read more from you in the future!
