Pursuing a Childhood Dream to Become a Doctor

Philip Branigan ’16 is pursuing an M.D. after earning a law degree in 2019

A passion for science and a childhood dream of becoming a physician.

That’s what led Philip Branigan to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Joseph’s University, New York in 2016. And it’s what’s leading him to now pursue an M.D. at the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine.

“I have always loved medicine and enjoyed helping others,” said Mr. Branigan, who also earned a master’s degree in biomedical sciences with a concentration in physiology and biophysics from the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University last spring.

But Mr. Branigan’s passion for biology almost flatlined during a particularly challenging chemistry class at St. Joseph’s Long Island Campus.

“My most impactful moment from my time at St. Joseph’s was the first semester of my sophomore year,” he recalled. “I was taking Organic Chemistry, Genetics and Calculus. I remember sitting in the chemistry lab listening to Dr. (Andrea) Stadler talk about our organic chemistry experiment for the day and doubting whether I was smart enough to continue as a student in her class.”

Fortunately, Mr. Branigan didn’t let that doubt stop him from pushing forward.

“I studied hard, and I earned one of the highest grades in her class,” he said. “My grades from that semester motivated me to continue as a biology student.”

Even though Mr. Branigan knew since childhood he wanted to someday become a doctor, he put those interests on hold after graduating from St. Joseph’s — to pursue a law degree.

“During my courses at St. Joseph’s, I became intrigued with how science, medicine and technology move from the discovery process to the marketplace,” said Mr. Branigan, who in 2019 earned a law degree from St. John’s University. “My fascination with biotechnology got me thinking about the role of patents and the law, which motivated me to attend law school to pursue my interest in becoming a patent attorney.”

However, he couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. After passing the bar and being licensed to practice law in New York in 2020, Mr. Branigan returned his career focus to his true passion of medicine.

“Since returning to my science studies and health-related clinical activities, I have felt a passion and a sense of fulfillment I did not feel when studying the law,” he said.