Why did you choose to pursue a career in medicine?
My interest in the medical field began fall of 2013 while working at Walgreens. I was a senior in high school, thrilled to be working my first part-time job. This was during a transitional period of my life — I was applying for colleges and realizing my future career goals. I had many interests such as music, photography, science, and interior design, but I could not pinpoint one interest to pursue.
During my time at Walgreens, I became aware of the love I had for interacting with, and helping, strangers. One thing I learned was that many people shared common bonds, interests, and goals. The people I came into contact with displayed a yearning for someone to understand their frustrations. In my small role at that Walgreens, I strived to be someone who made their visits more welcoming and sincere. I enjoyed the regular customers that came in, told me about their days, and left with smiles on their faces.
Taking a chance on myself, I combined my love for science and people and decided I would be a fit for a career in the medical field. I set off, full speed into college. I made sure to set myself up for experiences that exposed me to the medical field, which assured my interest in serving others. From being a camp counselor for children with neuromuscular disorders, to working at a health disparities lab in the lower-income communities of Houston, to volunteering at Memorial Herman in the Medical Center, I was taken into a vast world of possibilities, and I decided to continue down this path.
Reflecting on my experiences, I realize my purpose for medicine has been under my nose this entire time. From my dual upbringing in New Orleans and Alief, Texas, I have witnessed, time and again, barriers to health care and reduced access to services and facilities that can ultimately increase the quality of life of certain groups of people.
Ultimately, I desire to bridge these gaps within the health-care system and improve the quality of life for minorities and those in lower-income communities. As a future physician, I want to acknowledge and challenge the social determinants that impact people’s health and their access to health care. I want to be a kind and caring physician and positive addition to the field.
Why was it important to work during your gap year?
I worked to gain experience and honestly survive. I had bills, rent, etc. I wish my salary during that time was enough to make a significant dent in my loans, but it was not. Despite this, I really enjoyed the jobs I had.
I worked at a retina ophthalmology practice for about a year and a half — treating diabetic, hypertensive, and oncology patients with vision-threatening diseases. I was a COVID-19 contact tracer. At one point, I was a babysitter for front-line workers busy fighting COVID-19. Somewhere along the lines, I even got a job in tech, which is a long story, but I feared I wouldn’t get into medical school.
Work has always been a significant part of my life — sometimes out of necessity more than desire. I would love to take a break one day and work just a bit less. Maybe during the summer of next year? We shall see!
How was your family able to adapt after the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina?
We adapted out of necessity. We no longer had a home, so we took refuge in Houston. Houston provided us with a lot of opportunities that would not have been available to us otherwise.
It’s unfortunate the circumstance of it all, but ultimately, I am glad to have spent a large portion of my upbringing in Houston, specifically in Alief! I still visit New Orleans frequently. There is no place like it.
Why McGovern Medical School?
It really came down to the people. During my interview day, the faculty and students were so supportive and warm. If I’m going to be in medical school for the next four years, I felt that this is the type of environment I need to keep myself sane and afloat. As well, every aspect of our education has a high level of care and attention — from the curriculum, to the plethora of opportunities and resources. I am very excited to be here.
I also love the early exposure to patient care. There are many clinics like HOMES and Casa Maria, where students can assist underserved communities early on in our medical careers. I love Houston, and I am excited to give back to the community that has served me.
What emotions are you feeling beginning medical school? What are you looking forward to most?
I’m constantly bouncing between anxiousness and excitement. It’s really two sides of the same coin, but ultimately I am very excited. It’s amazing to be able to put together all the time and experience I’ve accrued while pursuing this path and see something tangible from it all.
I’m looking forward to the people. That was one of my main draws for McGovern!
What specialty would you choose if you had to pick now?
I am really, really open. But if I had to pick one specialty, I would say OB/GYN, specializing in fertility. I honestly see this changing over the years as I get exposure to all of the specialties out there. My concern with going down the OB/GYN fertility route is that I would not be able to assist the demographic I am most interested in serving.
What is your ultimate goal for a career in medicine?
I think the most beautiful part of medicine, and more specifically about becoming a physician, is that your career can move forward in so many ways. You can expand your reach via day-to-day patient care, public health and advocacy, research, teaching, mentorship, and more.
Ultimately, I want to be an empathic and personable physician. I would like patients from all backgrounds and walks of life to feel comfortable entrusting me with their care. As well, I am passionate about advocating for underserved groups of people, specifically lower-income communities and Black people.
If I can assist those communities by reducing the barriers to equitable/accessible treatment, that would be the dream. Black physicians make up only 5 percent of the field. A city as diverse as Houston should be more reflective of a better reality.
What motivates you?
Curiosity motivates me — the idea that every day there is something that awaits me beyond my wildest imagination. I find inspiration and motivation in the smallest of things: interactions with strangers, a nice sunset, a beautiful arrangement of words, a good song. All those things are just enough to keep me going, to keep me curious, and to give me hope that I’ll enjoy whatever is next to come.
Special consideration is given to my family and friends, who foster that curiosity and bring light into my world, even on my darkest days.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my late grandmother, Elzina Ella Lewis. She passed away when I was in college, but reflecting on her life, and the traits that she embodies, I realize she has given me everything I need to get through this life. She was strong-willed, determined, cheerful, and free. She always stood up for herself and the people she loved.
I am the first in my family to graduate college. She believed in me and my journey so much, and because of that, she helped me believe in myself.
Read the rest of the stories from the Newest Faces of McGovern Medical School.