Biomedical Science Graduate Gets Head Start on Journey to Becoming a Physician

Amarie Argue (B.I.S. ’25), a biomedical science and enterprise graduate, is on the fast track to success, earning her bachelor’s degree at only 20 years old. Next, she wants to attend medical school to become an orthopedic surgeon.

ATLANTA — Amarie Argue (B.I.S. ’25) has always been ahead of the curve. She earned her associate degree while still in high school, and now she’s completing her bachelor’s degree at only 20 years old.

The spring 2025 graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Biomedical Science and Enterprise with a minor in Spanish, has overcome many obstacles on the path to completing her degree, but she has persevered to accomplish her dream of becoming a physician. One of the most impactful obstacles she faced was losing her father.

“His death was sudden and deeply painful, especially knowing how hard he worked to provide for me even when he had nothing,” Argue said. “That loss stayed with me throughout my college journey, but I used it as motivation instead of letting it stop me.

“There were times I felt overwhelmed, but I kept going because I knew I had a bigger purpose not just for myself, but for my family. I have carried the lessons he taught me through his actions: perseverance, love and sacrifice. Staying positive through that pain helped me reach this point. Every step I take toward success is for him, and I know he would be proud to see me here, graduating with my degree.”

At Georgia State, Argue participated in research, shadowed an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand, wrist, shoulder and elbow procedures, and volunteered with the National Society of Black Women in Medicine. Her mother, who works as a medical assistant, partly inspired her interest in medicine. After graduation, Argue plans to complete a post-baccalaureate pre-med program to fulfill the remaining prerequisites for medical school and strengthen her preparation. Then, she aspires to attend medical school and pursue her goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.

“I look forward to gaining even more experience with surgeons across different specialties,” Argue said. “I want to become an orthopedic surgeon because I really enjoy helping people feel better and move again. I like how this field combines science, hands-on work and patient care. It’s rewarding to know that I could be the reason someone’s quality of life improves and they even get back to doing the things they love.”

A native of Riverdale, Ga., Argue is also fluent in Spanish. She attended a bilingual school from kindergarten through middle school.

“I chose to minor in Spanish in college because I believe being bilingual is incredibly valuable in the medical field, especially when it comes to communicating with diverse patients and breaking down language barriers in healthcare,” Argue said.

As the first in her immediate family to graduate from college, Argue chose to attend Georgia State because the university was close to home and has a strong focus on the health sciences and real-world experiences.

“It offered me the support and opportunities I needed to grow personally and academically,” Argue said.

She selected the biomedical science and enterprise program in the Institute for Biomedical Sciences because of its flexibility and broad scope that offered multiple pathways. Through the program, she became well-rounded and gained useful tools for both medicine and leadership.

“I also believe innovation is essential in medicine, and this program combines biomedical science with entrepreneurial thinking,” Argue said. “It has helped me build a strong foundation in both scientific knowledge and practical, real-world problem-solving.”

During her undergraduate studies, Argue also gained valuable research experience. In a biology course, she worked on a project focused on identifying and analyzing the genetic makeup of potentially pathogenic amoebae (single-celled animals) by using molecular biology techniques. This experience deepened her understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases.

She also contributed to a project led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) involving virtual modifications to public health education tools. She explored the CDC’s virtual museum exhibits on influenza and Ebola viruses and provided feedback and edits to enhance user engagement and improve accessibility.

“My role involved evaluating the content layout, clarity and interactivity of the digital experience to help make complex public health information more understandable and visually engaging for a wider audience,” Argue said.

She is grateful for the support she received from advisers, professors and others who were part of her journey at Georgia State.

“These experiences have shaped who I am today,” Argue said. “I am excited for what is ahead and eager to keep growing, both personally and professionally.”

— Story by LaTina Emerson