Guiding the Next Generation of Doctors

September 7, 2026

Applying for medical school is no easy feat. It requires hard work, perseverance, and a strong support system.

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine alumna, Tammy LaRue, MD, LPC, knows firsthand what it takes to go through the process – in more ways than one.

LaRue had spent several years working as a professional counselor before deciding to pursue medicine in her 30s. “What drew me most to MSU was its mission and longstanding commitment to caring for underserved communities,” she said. “That vision aligned closely with my own sense of calling.”

With four kids already at home, LaRue and her husband welcomed two refugee foster children to their family during her time as a medical student. Her passion for caring for children led LaRue to complete her pediatrics residency at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Her career as a practicing physician was cut short by a breast cancer diagnosis, leading Tammy to step back from medicine to focus on treatment and healing.

That unexpected transition opened the door to her current position as the director of pre-health advising at Calvin University, where she’s able to combine her two professional passions; medicine and counseling.

Helping Students Find Their Calling

Part of Tammy’s job as an advisor includes introducing students to the College of Human Medicine’s Early Assurance Program. Students at partner institutions like Calvin University are offered the opportunity to take admission pathways into medical school. Advisors like Tammy give guidance to eligible students throughout their undergraduate degree and during the application process.

“One of the greatest advantages of the Early Assurance Program is that it encourages students to focus less on checking boxes and more on becoming the kind of physician the College of Human Medicine hopes to train—one who is academically prepared, deeply compassionate, and committed to serving others,” LaRue said.

One of those students happens to be Tammy’s own son, Jon, who’s starting his first year of medical school at MSU.

“The Early Assurance Program was a lot of work, but I am very thankful I did it,” he said. “It was a huge relief to get into a school before other applications opened, and not having to deal with all the stress that comes with applying to 10+ schools at a time during the normal application cycle.”

Similarly to his mom, Jon began his college career fully intending on becoming a therapist but developed an interest in medicine after working for various healthcare facilities in the Grand Rapids area, including Pine Rest, Hope Network, and Exalta Health.

“Going into medicine, I want to make an impact in a medically underserved area. So going to a school that offers education specifically for that is very important to me and ultimately why I chose MSU,” he said.

His mom offered helpful advice throughout the admissions process. Jon made sure to ask as many questions as he could during his work experiences. “Another good piece of advice that I got was to start early. I kept a journal of my experiences, and I started preparing for the MCAT early. I made my list of medical schools I would apply to and ranked them about a year before applications opened,” Jon said.

Passing the White Coat

Looking back on the different stages of her life, it’s clear to Tammy that it’s prepared her for the work she does today. She applauds the way MSU makes strong, lasting connections with the community and with fellow Spartans.

“Many of the attending physicians who shaped my own medical education inspired me not only to become a better clinician but also to become a better person. Their example continues to influence the way I advise students today,” she said.

“It is a community that has had a lasting impact on my family, and I am grateful that Jon will now become part of that same community.”

Tammy had the distinct honor of welcoming her son to the start of his medical school career by “coating” him at the 2026 White Coat Ceremony last month.

“As both a mother and an advisor, I couldn't be prouder that he will be attending Michigan State University College of Human Medicine,” she said. “Like many of the students I advise, Jon is intelligent, compassionate, curious, and genuinely cares about people. Those qualities matter just as much as academic ability, and I know they will make him an excellent physician.

By Claudia Price | Media contact Emily Linnert