What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine was the realization that it is the one field where my core values of service, curiosity, and compassion truly align. I have always prioritized service and throughout my time in both the military and as a data analyst in corporate, I found myself drawn to environments that emphasized collaboration and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
It wasn’t until after these experiences that I recognized medicine as the path where I could fully engage both my intellectual curiosity and my desire to make a meaningful impact on individual lives. In medicine, I saw not only the opportunity to serve others, but also to continuously learn and grow in a dynamic and human-centered field.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
I chose McGovern Medical School because of the genuine sense of community I experienced from the very first time I visited. On Preview Day, I noticed how the current students were truly invested in one another’s success. It wasn’t the kind of camaraderie you hear about in passing during interviews — it was something you could feel.
What motivates you?
I’m motivated by a desire to serve others in a way that’s both purposeful and deeply personal. My background in engineering, data analytics, and economics has trained me to think analytically and solve complex problems, but I’ve come to realize that the most meaningful challenges are human ones. I want to build a toolbox that not only helps me understand systems, but also allows me to connect with people, guide them through uncertainty, and contribute to their healing. That intersection of service, understanding, and impact is what drives me.
Who is your hero?
My heroes are the people who often go unrecognized but are essential to the processes of our daily lives. Workers, like construction crews and janitors, show up in all kinds of conditions, often doing physically demanding labor with little public appreciation. They are a testament to how quiet, consistent service can have an enormous impact.
For me, heroes are people who do hard work behind the scenes, not for recognition, but because they believe in the importance of what they do. It’s a reminder to me that meaningful contributions don’t always come with titles or applause.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
My ultimate goal is to become a physician who not only diagnoses and treats effectively, but also truly connects with patients on a human level. Being a great doctor means more than just applying clinical knowledge, it means seeing the person behind the symptoms, understanding their fears, values, and lived experiences, and guiding them with empathy and respect. I hope to build the kind of trust where patients feel safe, heard, and supported even in some of their most vulnerable moments of their lives.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re beginning medical school?
I feel a mix of excitement and anxiety as I prepare to begin this new chapter. Nearly a decade of training awaits, filled with long days, late nights, and challenges that I know will test me. It’s a daunting path, but one I’ve chosen with purpose.
What gives me confidence is knowing I won’t be facing it alone. I have a strong support system and a deep passion for medicine that continues to guide me. Even when the journey becomes difficult, I’ll stay grounded in the reasons I chose this path and that will keep me moving forward.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
What I’m most looking forward to is building meaningful connections with both my peers and faculty. With my diverse academic and extracurricular interests, I’m excited to form friendships that extend beyond the classroom — whether it’s through clubs geared towards data analytics or a pickup game at the UTHealth Houston Rec Center basketball courts. I truly believe that some of the most valuable parts of medical school will come from the relationships I build along the way, and I can’t wait to grow and learn alongside others who are just as passionate and driven.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
I would pick emergency medicine because of the unpredictability and urgency of the work. I thrive in fast-paced environments, and I’m energized by the idea that you never know what will come through the doors next. EM also appeals to my interest due to its broad scope of practice — seeing all types of patients, across all ages, with all kinds of conditions.
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