"Fall 2008"[Story by] Amanda Dahling ; Photo by Rob Hil

Dahman, Angela

English

University of Missouri: MOspace

Photo by Rob HillThis site is archival. Please visit the current MIZZOU magazine site for up-to-date content.University of MissouriMIZZOUThe magazine ofthe Mizzou Alumni AssociationHome » Fall 2008 » Alumni Profiles » Land of opportunityAlumni ProfileLand of opportunitySome people dream their whole lives of becoming adoctor. Others, such as Simon McKeown, discover thedream much later. English-born McKeown was 29 years old and studyingreligious education at Cambridge University when “itdawned on him slowly” that he wanted to be a doctor.The idea was unexpected, and so was the reaction hegot from British universities and advisers. McKeownhad not taken math and science since age 15, and hehad never even used a computer or pocket calculator.He was told that he was too old and unqualified to beaccepted into medical school.“I was literally laughed at and told I was wasting mytime,” he says. “I didn’t even get one interview.”But with encouragement from his father and hisMissouri-native wife, Julie, he decided to try his luckin America. He and Julie moved to Missouri, and heapplied to Mizzou. He was accepted and beganworking his way through prerequisites and required courses, even getting overrides forhigher-level courses. He passed the MCAT and worked his way through medical school. Whilein med school, he used his religious studies background and became a chaplain in thehospitals to gain experience in the environment.“It was difficult. We had several tough years with me going through school and us havingchildren,” McKeown says. “Luckily, everyone from my family and Mizzou was reallysupportive.”McKeown credits Mizzou with giving him the chance to pursue his dream.https://mizzoumagarchives.missouri.edu/2008-fall/profiles/mc... 4/6/21, 8:25 AM“I was given the opportunity,” he says. “I took it, and I worked like the dickens. They said,‘OK, we’ll give you the chance, and you prove to us it’s the right decision.’ Literally, they said‘show-me’ what you can do.”McKeown now resides in Mexico, Mo., with Julie and their seven children. He practices familymedicine at Audrain Family Health Care and is proud that his “crazy idea” worked out.“I belong here,” he says. “I always wanted to go into family medicine. I’ve had dreams ofpursuing sports medicine; I still do. Who knows? Maybe one day.”McKeown knows he has all he needs to pursue any future career goals. Opportunity is key. —Amanda Dahling  More Fall 2008 Alumni Profiles » Follow us on Twitter       Join us on Facebook       Subscribe to our feedPublished by MIZZOU magazine, 109 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia, MO 65211 | Phone: 573-882-5916| E-mail: Mizzou@missouri.eduOpinions expressed in this site do not necessarily reflect the official position of MU or the Mizzou AlumniAssociation.Copyright © 2021 — Curators of the University of Missouri. All rights reserved. DMCA and other copyrightinformation.An equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.Last updated: Feb. 15, 2013https://mizzoumagarchives.missouri.edu/2008-fall/profiles/mc... 4/6/21, 8:25 AM

Land of opportunity

https://mospace.umsystem.edu/xmlui/bitstream/10355/82326/1/MIZZOUMag-LandOfOpportunity.pdf

Land of opportunity

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