Studying God’s Greatest Masterpiece: Jillian Efferson’s Path to Medicine

The inner workings of the human body have always fascinated Jillian Efferson. From episodes of “The Magic School Bus” to high school biology classes, she felt drawn to the study of life.

A homeschooled junior, Efferson joined FranU’s dual enrollment program to get a firsthand look at life on a college campus.

Her connection with the community, experience in upper-level science courses and familiarity with campus ultimately sealed the deal on where she would follow her calling.

I think taking anatomy and physiology as a high school senior was such an amazing experience,” Efferson said. “I was already infatuated with the human body and how it worked, but learning about it in that next level of detail made me fall in love with biology. Plus, I had excellent teachers.”

She initially enrolled in FranU’s Radiologic Technology program to deepen her understanding of the human skeletal system. Her experience shadowing a radiologist at Our Lady of the Lake through a Summer Ambassador Program expanded her interests and led her to the Biology program’s Pre-Professional Human Medicine track.

“I was absolutely fascinated by shadowing the radiologist,” she said. “From there on, I knew what I wanted to do. I switched to the human medicine track the next school year, and it was definitely the right choice. Every class I’ve taken reminds me of my passion for biology and learning, and how fortunate I am that I get to pursue this dream.”

Alongside her coursework, Efferson is involved on campus as a senator of the Student Government Association and an officer of Beta Sigma Mu.

Off campus, she continues to gain hands-on experience by shadowing physicians and furthering her knowledge in the field.

“Lately, I’ve been shadowing an internal medicine doctor, and everything I learn and do with him further reinforces how much I love this field,” Efferson said.

Set to graduate in Fall 2027, Efferson plans to apply to medical school and pursue a career in radiology or internal medicine.

"Every year here, I build upon a new layer of biology,” she said “Each level goes deeper and answers questions I’ve had since high school about biological processes. It is so exciting getting to unlock a new piece of information to add to my ‘collection’.”

Efferson is eager to continue her education to learn more about what she calls “God’s greatest masterpiece,” the human body.

I’m glad I chose FranU to spend my undergraduate experience,” Efferson said. “The community is so strong and so welcoming, and every facet of this University strives to uphold the five Franciscan values: service, justice, humility, joyfulness of spirit and reverence and love for all of life.”

Learn more about FranU’s biology program here.