UNM senior John Probasco, who was recently chosen as one of 32 American Rhodes scholars, says he plans to return to New Mexico as a physician after completing his studies in England.
Probasco is the 18th Rhodes scholar at UNM since the program began in the United States in 1904.
"It was surprising," he said. "You go through the whole ordeal, going up against all these phenomenal people. It was reassuring that others had faith in me and my educational plan and would like to help me out."
Annually, 32 college students from the United States are selected as Rhodes scholars to study at the University of Oxford in England. Probasco was one of 925 applicants.
For two years, the scholars receive free tuition, room and board, an allowance and are eligible for stipends and a third year of free tuition.
Probasco, who carries a 3.9 grade point average, plans to graduate this spring with a biochemistry major and pursue a second bachelor's in the College of Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology at Oxford.
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"A firm understanding of biochemistry is necessary to understanding disease states and normal functions of the body," he said. "At Oxford, I'll explore the relationship of the mind and mental health on general well being. Through the philosophy portion of the degree, I'll try to establish foundations for the ethical aspects of medicine."
He said his interest in the Oxford program stemmed from the courses he took in the University Honors program.
"I just saw the need for balance between science and the humanities," he said.
Probasco will leave for England on Oct. 2 after attending a "Bon Voyage" dinner in Washington, D.C., at the end of September.
While in England he said he would like to travel throughout Europe during his free time. An avid soccer fan, he said he also plans to visit Anfield in Liverpool to support his favorite team, the Reds. He said he is leaving his options open, though he has a plan for the future.
"I want to do my part in our state to better meet the health care needs of New Mexicans," he said. "I look at it as we only have so long to better our society and make a difference. The way I look at my education is as preparation to fill my role."
He said his participation in the New Mexico Clinical Education Program, which operates through the UNM School of Medicine, has shown him the need for improved health care and more physicians in the state.
"I cannot with a good conscious not come back after seeing how future physicians, such as myself, are needed here," he said.
The selection process began in September. Each applicant submitted an essay, rÇsumÇ, and eight different letters of recommendation - five of which had to be from instructors.
Probasco moved on to state-level interviews and was selected as one of two regional representatives from New Mexico. As a representative he made the trip to Houston, Texas, in early December to complete the interview process and subsequently received the honor.
