Tom Samek graduated from DePaul University College of Law in May 2015 with a certificate in Health Law. Sitting down with E-Pulse, Tom provided insight into his passion for health law, described his academic and professional experiences, and shared useful advice for future law students.
Before law school, Tom graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a double major in International Studies and Polish. The Affordable Care Act, signed into law shortly before his graduation, sparked Tom’s interest in health law. He was attracted to the malleable and evolving nature of health law policy. At DePaul University College of Law, Tom’s fellowship with the Jaharis Health Law Institute provided him with tools to shape his interest into a noteworthy career path.
As a member of the Jaharis Health Law Institute, Tom was the Vice Chair of Outreach and Recruitment within the Student Board of Directors. In addition, he was the managing editor of the E-Pulse and a participant in Health Law Moot Court. Some of his favorite classes include “Healthcare: Fraud and Abuse” with Katherine Schostok and “Healthcare Delivery Services” with Gregory Lewis. Tom is grateful for his role in the institute, and speaks fondly of watching membership grow exponentially in the past three years. His curricular activities have led to several prominent internships in the realm of health law.
Medline Industries, Inc. provided Tom with his first legal internship as a Law Clerk. This experience opened the door to several notable positions for Tom within the realm of health law. Tom was able to become a Law Clerk for both the Office of Health Information Technology and Rush University Medical Center where he gained valuable experience with compliance regulations. Most recently, Tom enhanced his knowledge of pharmaceutical policy while interning for Walgreens throughout the winter of 2014.
Tom’s professional experiences have shaped his advice for future members of the Jaharis Health Law Institute. Most importantly, Tom recommends gaining as much experience as a law student as possible. Any person you meet can shape your professional reputation and lead to your future career in health law. Tom sets an example for future law students who have a passion for health law compliance.
After taking the bar exam, Tom is driven to becoming a compliance director for a hospital or government agency. All of the E-Pulse staff wishes Tom the best in his future endeavors!