Bradley Lauck
Photo by Jon Gardiner
Bradley Lauck
Third-year UNC School of Medicine student
Carolina Covenant alumni advisory board member
Class year
2022, 2027 (MD)
Scholarships and enrichment programs
N.C. home
Snow Camp
Future doctor makes state’s ‘mecca of health care’ home
Former Carolina Covenant scholar Bradley Lauck continues to excel at the UNC School of Medicine while also serving his country.
Bradley Lauck has gone from first high school graduate in his immediate family to UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus, North Carolina Army National Guard medical corps officer and third-year Carolina medical student.
While amazed, those closest to Lauck ’22, ’27 (MD) aren’t surprised by this Tar Heel’s successes. His family and friends knew he had a bright future thanks to his intelligence, work ethic and willingness to help others.
What’s come as a surprise to Lauck and his family, though, is the financial and communal support Lauck has received in Chapel Hill.
First there was the Carolina Covenant, the University’s financial aid package and network of support that allows students who qualify to graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill debt-free.
When Lauck and his mother learned he was a Covenant scholar, the news seemed too good to be true.
“It was just a real relief when we finally understood it and realized that we were no longer going to have the worry of the financial burden,” said Lauck, who grew up in rural Alamance County as the son of a construction worker and retail employee.
At Carolina, Lauck did medical research, confirmed his goal of becoming a physician and launched his ongoing military service.
It was only right that the aspiring orthopedic surgeon stayed at Carolina for his medical training. “UNC is the mecca of health care in our state,” Lauck said.
Once admitted to the UNC School of Medicine, he earned the prestigious Lucius Blanchard Carolina Family Loyalty Fund Scholarship, allowing him to finish medical school with no debt. “It was like the Carolina Covenant all over again,” he said.
“I always tell people that even though my parents didn't really pursue education themselves, they both understand the value of having a good education and instilled that in me from a very young age,” Lauck said. (Submitted photo)
Undergraduate research affirms path
Lauck was a talented baseball player growing up, and several elbow injuries and ensuing doctor visits shaped his interest in medicine. He pictured himself in the roles of the doctors who helped him.
Many students enter college bullish on one career and change their plans along the way, but Lauck remained confident in his direction.
He participated in the Rural Medicine Pathway Program, a partnership between the Carolina Covenant and UNC School of Medicine that aims to increase the number of rural North Carolinians applying to medical school. He met mentors like professor Jean DeSaix and conducted research on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted rural medical clinics and hospital systems in the Triad region.
“That just solidified my desire to practice medicine in a location that is underserved, where you can make a large impact and fulfill a need,” Lauck said.
As a Jenner Carey Bryan Research Fellow, he helped conduct projects at the UNC Matthew Gfeller Center involving active-duty military soldiers, veterans, college athletes and retired NFL players.
Lauck also worked as a medical scribe at health care nonprofit Piedmont Health Services’ Carrboro Community Health Center. It was a “full-circle” moment because he remembered the impact of Piedmont Health opening a location in his Alamance County community during his childhood.
of all N.C. students are from rural counties
of Carolina’s new students will be first in their families to graduate from college
Lauck’s undergraduate research experiences at Carolina encouraged him to remain at Tar Heel for medical school. Now in his third year, Lauck, pictured here at Roper Hall in Chapel Hill, is currently based at the UNC School of Medicine’s Wilmington campus. (John Roberts/UNC-Chapel Hill)
Serving his country
When Lauck began his first year of college, his best friend enlisted in the Army.
Lauck, who also had a strong interest in military service, remembers thinking, “Do I want to pursue medicine or would I like to go serve?”
At Carolina, Lauck didn’t need to choose. He joined Army ROTC and spent three years as a cadet, making lifelong friends and gaining valuable leadership training. While still an undergraduate, he began serving in the National Guard, which he still does, making time for weeks of service throughout the year.
“I grew up with this strong desire to give back to the country that grants us these freedoms and liberties to do the things that we do and pursue the things that we want to pursue, such as going to medical school,” Lauck said.
“I grew up with this strong desire to give back to the country that grants us these freedoms and liberties to do the things that we do and pursue the things that we want to pursue, such as going to medical school.”
Lauck’s ROTC experiences at Carolina led him to the North Carolina Army National Guard, where he serves as a medical corps officer. (John Roberts/UNC-Chapel Hill; submitted photo)
Paying it forward
Lauck is preparing for a medical career in service to North Carolinians, especially those living in rural communities that resemble his hometown of Snow Camp.
Along the way, Lauck is mentoring current Carolina undergrads through his role on the Carolina Covenant alumni advisory board. He and a fellow medical school classmate also have begun offering a free MCAT prep course for Carolina Covenant scholars.
“This is a way I’m able to pay it forward to future generations and pay back the Carolina Covenant for all the opportunities that they’ve given me,” Lauck said.
A conviction Lauck had as a high school senior remains true today as he inches closer to becoming a doctor.
“There wasn’t a better place to come pursue my dreams of becoming a physician than UNC-Chapel Hill.”
Story by Brennan Doherty and video by John Roberts, University Communications and Marketing
Lauck sees a future for himself in his home state. “I definitely plan to make an impact in North Carolina,” he said. “It's my home, and I definitely want to continue giving back to the communities that have supported me.” (John Roberts/UNC-Chapel Hill)
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