Healthcare Studies Alumni Spotlight: Gage Quarles

Meet Gage Quarles, Class of 2020

Where did you start your education?

I began my collegiate education at the College of Charleston right out of high school. While there, I was studying public health. I transferred to MUSC after my second year.

Why did you choose the Healthcare Studies program?

When I was at the College of Charleston, I was studying public health with hundreds of other students in my class. I heard about the Healthcare Studies program and was intrigued by the smaller class sizes and the networking opportunities available at a medical university.

What was the most valuable part of the program?

Again, I would have to say the smaller class sizes. There were 18 of us in my class. During that time, we all made a close bond that is not possible in larger universities. We were there to lean on each other during the hard parts and celebrate with each other during successes. Additionally, the close relationships that are had with your professors make you feel like an individual, not just a number.

What are you doing post-graduation?

I am currently starting my graduate studies to obtain my Masters of Public Health. Following my master’s degree, I plan to pursue my Doctor of Public Health so that I may work to decrease barriers in the way of vulnerable populations accessing health care.

What advice would you give to someone considering this program?

You get out of it what you put into it. Being at MUSC unlocks so many doors; you just have to be willing to open them. For example, I actively networked within MUSC. I was interested in Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) Health Care, I was able to utilize connections made at the college to implement graduate healthcare program education to address the health barriers within the SGM community.