What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
My passion for health began with my involvement in sports from an early age. I had always felt being healthy was important (especially for athletes), but it was not until college that I discovered my love for biomedical sciences and dream of practicing medicine.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
Initially, McGovern was an attractive choice because of the location in the Texas Medical Center and the innumerable opportunities that come with it. However, it was actually the culture and the warm embrace of the students, faculty, and administrative staff that made me want to be a part of this school.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by the opportunity to pursue something that I love. There are many people who may be stuck doing something they do not enjoy or are not passionate about, and they never get to realize their dreams. For me, just having this opportunity to learn and grow alongside my exceptional classmates drives me to try to be better than the day before.
Who is your hero?
I have been fortunate to have many heroes who have all played a role in getting me to where I am today. If had to pick one, I’d say my offensive coordinator from high school, Coach Poth. The relentless intensity he brought every day to work is something I still try to emulate, but above all, he believed in me more than I believed in myself.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal in medicine is to find and work in the specialty that I love, and in which I can make a positive impact on people. I aim to match into a residency and to practice in a specialty that I’m truly passionate about, one that makes getting out of bed in the morning easy. In turn, I believe this will enable me to greatly improve the lives of others.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
Going into this first semester, I am feeling a combination of excitement and anxiety, but mostly excitement! As a non-traditional student, I have been so focused on getting to this point for so long that it still feels surreal. Despite the anxiety from the anticipation of starting, I also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be right where I belong at McGovern.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
Other than making lifelong friends with some amazing people, I would definitely say I am most looking forward to anatomy lab. After studying so many courses all relating to the human body, I will finally be able to see what I’ve been studying firsthand! After all, how many people get the chance to do that?!
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
While I hope to give a certain answer in the coming years, as of now I would choose surgery. This is because I am particularly fascinated by the ability to work with your hands and utilize such a high level of focus. Going forward, this may change, or it may not, but if I had to choose now, definitely surgery.
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