What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
My love and interest for medicine was cultivated by many experiences. However, it was the terminal cancer diagnosis that my grandfather received when I was eight years old that truly ignited my passion for this field. At this age, I did not grasp the concept of sickness. Seeing the devastation my family felt during this time, I started to understand this may be different than the average cold. At the time of his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, he was given only six months to live.
While my family never gave up hope, it was inspiring to see the physicians do the same. They worked diligently to make sure that he was comfortable and that my family was well-informed of the treatment plan and prognosis. However, I was the most impacted by their care and compassion for us during the process of his passing. It resonated with me deeply that physicians play so many roles not only in the care of the patient but in the emotional support of all the family and friends.
I knew from this moment on that I wanted to have a similar impact. I want to provide care for the patients and do my best to support their families and friends. I knew pursing medicine would allow me to do just this, and I cannot wait.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
I chose McGovern for several reasons. During my interview, I was very strongly connected to the environment that McGovern worked diligently to create. It felt like a family immediately. I knew if I was struggling, I could reach out but that I would also have supporters around me that would understand and know how to help. One of my interviewers, one of whom I will never forget, spent time during my interview reminding me of the importance of self-care and rest after reading how hard I worked to achieve this. This was astounding to me because everyone else was always telling me it and I was not enough. There I was meeting McGovern faculty and she was validating me and caring about my well-being, not even knowing if I would be accepted.
Furthermore, having volunteered at Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center for several years, I knew I wanted a lot of my training to be tied to that hospital. I was inspired by the dedication to patient care that I have seen demonstrated by the nurses, staff, and physicians. I also was able to shadow a neurology physician there alongside her medical students. Being able to see firsthand what my training would be like was absolutely monumental to my decision. I witnessed the support, the learning opportunities, and the amazing mentorship provided by McGovern faculty.
Due to the immense support, dedication to care, and amazing mentors as well as training opportunities, I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be!
What motivates you?
One of my motivators is that I want to become a role model for others who feel pursuing the field of medicine is out of reach. Being from a small town with little educational support and a first-generation college student, I always felt that I peaked after obtaining my bachelor’s and that a career in medicine was unreachable for me. However, here I am pursuing my dreams as an MD/PhD candidate and surpassing even my own expectations.
I truly hope to someday impact future doctors and scientists by not only helping them see that their dreams are obtainable but also bridging the gap by providing access of knowledge and opportunities to communities that have lower incomes and outreach. I would have never known that the MD/PhD route was even an option if it was not for the mentorship that I received during my gap years.
Furthermore, I am motivated to help patients and make the difference I had always hoped to in the lives of others. I want to support them by providing care, knowledge, and the feeling of being safe as well as heard. I also want to make my family proud. With all of these motivators, I know I will never give up and will always push ahead.
Who is your hero?
The 90’s babies and kids will understand my answer: Steve Irwin. As dorky as this may sound, I grew up on Animal Channel and reciting animal facts was my favorite thing to do. Steve Irwin’s passion to learn about animals and lead conservation efforts was truly impactful. I learned empathy and compassion, gained curiosity and determination, developed a hunger for knowledge, and I was able to see what true love for your planet and career looks like. With his passing and the subsequent diagnosis of my grandfather, I quickly switched my interests to medicine. By the age of 10, I was truly set on becoming a physician. Without the characteristics I was able to gain by watching Steve Irwin follow his dreams, it is possible I would never have become the person I am today.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal is to be the best physician scientist I can be by not only making a difference in the community through the clinic but also doing so through my future research, outreach, and mentorship. I strive to make a difference for as many people as I can, and I cannot wait to do so.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re ready to begin medical school?
I feel all kinds of emotions. I feel pride in having made it this far despite all odds. I feel nervous about returning to school as I had taken a few gap years since I graduated. I also feel strong imposter syndrome that I am not good enough for this opportunity. However, I am most of all super excited and grateful. I cannot wait to begin the next step toward achieving my goals and am so thankful for being given the opportunity to do so.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
Is ‘everything’ a good answer? I am really looking forward to learning about the human body, diseases and their pathologies, medical history and advancements, and how to become the best doctor I can be. I am also looking forward to my rotations so I can get a deeper understanding of all the specialties!
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why
To be honest, this is a very hard question. I have always gravitated toward a few specialties such as neurology, cardiology, and radiology. All of these are due to opportunities I have had.
After much thought, I think neurology piques my interest the most right now. I have participated in various kinds of research within neurology, including studies regarding neuroimaging and neurodegeneration. Furthermore, I have previously shadowed a neurologist. A combination of these experiences has significantly impacted my interest in pursuing neurology as my field of choice. However, I want to stay open-minded as I know that there are so many fields left for me to explore!
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