Being an EFSC alum means you’ve had success getting through the rigor of academic studies at least once. For former EFSC student Joey Hilde, it’s also paved the way for a rewarding future in the medical field. A Merritt Island local, he started off getting his Associate in Arts from Eastern Florida. Then, he completed a BAS in Applied Health Sciences (Biomedical Science track) with a focus in Multiple Sclerosis Pathology in 2016. Hilde is now pursuing a Master of Public Health at Capella University. With the focus and determination of a Titan, he’s also planning on getting his PhD in Neuroepidemiology.
Currently , Hilde serves as an Office Supervisor at a neurology clinic. He credits his professors and education on helping him to get there. That said, the path that led him to where he is today wasn’t initially clear when he started at EFSC. One key factor was an email he received from EFSC about our BAS in Applied Health Sciences. It arrived just as he was wrapping up his final semesters as an A.A. student. Once Hilde received that email, the rest was history.
Becoming a doctor had always been a passion of Hilde’s. However, he admits that for a time, he wasn’t sure where that would take him. As he considered topics for his undergraduate thesis, personal influences guided him to a focus on Multiple Sclerosis. As a result, the research involved in writing his thesis ultimately turned into a real passion. That focus on research — combined with helpful advice from mentors and faculty — helped Hilde to pinpoint which medical discipline he wanted to pursue professionally.
Hilde also credits the availability of EFSC student resources as having contributed to his success. The Academic Success Centers and EFSC Library were both particularly invaluable in providing assistance, as were his professors, with whom Hilde has built lasting professional relationships.
After taking his last final at EFSC, Hilde recalls seeking out Dr. James Yount and Dr. Chris Petrie — two faculty members he feels were especially influential to his education. They gave him congratulatory handshakes, wished him the best of luck, and said they’d like to see him become an EFSC professor one day. Before parting ways, they even shared a slice of Dr. Yount’s chocolate birthday cake with him. Hilde fondly recalls that moment as one of his favorite collegiate memories.
EFSC is the vehicle that ultimately started Hilde on his journey, and the ride has begun to pay off. As for advice that he feels helped him and could potentially help others still working toward degree completion?
“Don’t go with the crowd. Go with something you are good at.”
- College in My Sights: Life as a Student Veteran - November 10, 2021
- A.A. Versus A.S.: What’s the Difference? - September 8, 2021
- Alumni Corner: Joey Hilde - July 14, 2021
