What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
A few years ago, I went on my regularly scheduled biennial visit to Ghana to see my extended family and spend the holidays with them. While abroad, I was also able to shadow at Princess Marie Louise (PML) Children’s Hospital in Accra for the full month of January.
For my first rotation, I was assigned to the emergency department. Amidst everything, I saw a young mother sitting quietly with her head down and her arm resting against a hospital bed. On the bed was a small baby, seven months old, in dire condition. This was the baby I would come to know as baby Patrick.
Throughout January, I was able to witness baby Patrick’s progress. Each day, I was able to shadow the ER doctors and get updates on Patrick from his mother. That month, I watched Patrick go from the ICU with severe malnourishment and liver complications to a treatment ward with other stable babies and children. Witnessing Patrick’s progress was something that brought me great joy, but also being able to see Maame Yaa finally smile and become more talkative as her baby got better was truly amazing.
I knew then that in the future, I wanted to be that person to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to be the person to bring others joy and relief when either their loved ones or themselves are going through a tough period of poor health. Everything I experienced at PML hospital that month felt completely surreal. I want to make a difference in the lives around me, and with my experience in Ghana, I know that I am capable and will love to fulfill that goal.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
I appreciate the big class size because it allows for the ability for many different connections to be formed. At this school, there is a sense of community and a lot of emphasis on collaborative efforts. Not to mention, the city of Houston is an amazing place, and to be right in the heart of the Texas Medical Center offers endless opportunities.
What motivates you?
My personal drive to learn is something that motivates me. I am a naturally curious person, and the feeling of finally being able to make sense of something new is invigorating.
Who is your hero?
I would consider my mother my hero because she has overcome many different obstacles throughout her life. As a woman from Ghana who went into a male dominated career field, she had to deal with people constantly doubting her abilities. Despite this, she is now very successful and owns her own business. I aspire to be just like her in the future.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal for my future career in medicine would be to set up many pro bono clinics to serve the less fortunate; not only all across America, but in my home country of Ghana as well. Currently, many healthcare problems facing many individuals around the world include trouble finding a doctor, lack of insurance coverage, or expensive services.
While I understand that donating my services and time will be a lot and is not required, I believe that helping in this capacity helps the general public and many people will be genuinely grateful. While I am just one person, a pro bono clinic will be able to help thousands and thousands of people in areas where help is truly needed. I have always known that I wanted to be a caring physician who is able to properly heal others and lift any heavy burdens my patients may carry. I want to make a difference in the lives around me, and with these aspirations, I know I can do just that.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re ready to begin medical school?
As I am preparing for my first day of medical school, I am feeling a mix of enthusiasm and anxiousness. While I have a vague idea of everything I am about to experience over the next four years, I will never know the full picture until I am actively in the moment. At the same time, I am truly delighted to be able to fulfill my personal and professional goals I have set out for myself. I am certainly looking forward to the long journey of medical school.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
Currently, I am looking forward to the transition from classroom-based learning to a more interactive, hands-on approach. I am looking forward to this transition because it will allow me to start interacting with patients more on a daily basis which puts me one step closer to my goals. The idea of applying my knowledge to real world scenarios is truly exhilarating.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
At this time, I am interested in reconstructive plastic surgery. I find this field fascinating as it is quite diverse, innovative, and creative. The idea of being able to provide services to burn victims, breast cancer patients, individuals with a cleft lip, and so many other people with life inhibiting situations is what excites me the most.
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