Why did you choose to pursue a career in medicine?
A jarring introduction into mental health in the military ignited my path to pursue my work as a therapist. During that time, I was introduced to a common theme, I could not address mental health without addressing the body.
As I grew in the field, I found that the combination of healing the mind and the body was something that I found deeply intriguing. After dedicating my time in clinics that focused on the underserved population, my greater calling was unveiled.
Why McGovern Medical School?
Attending a medical school that prioritizes their students’ well-being, fostering diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration among medical professionals, is everything I wanted in the medical school that I selected.
Additionally, diving into the Texas Medical Center, an immense medical community dedicated to advancing medicine, sounded like an amazing oasis for learning.
Both reasons are what led me to choose McGovern Medical School.
What motivates you?
The impact I can make in society, or one person’s life, is substantial. My ambition to deliver medical services to those who cannot afford it is at the forefront of my aspiration in pursuing medicine. Whether I can affect one, or hundreds of individuals, my impetus is invigorated by the remembrance of the effects that I have already made on my journey to medical school and the prospect that I may continue to do good.
Who is your hero?
The qualities I state as requisite are courage of mind and body, magnanimity, temperance, and nobility. Although I do not have one single individual I can identify as a hero, I can say my best friend and husband is someone close to those qualities. He has been, and maintains himself as, a bulwark of encouragement in my multiple career progressions.
What is your ultimate goal for a career in medicine?
Having worked closely with the underserved population, and having experienced health disparities myself, my goal in medicine is to be able to provide medical care to those who cannot afford it. Regardless of my specialty, I will dedicate time to serve communities that struggle to access affordable healthcare.
What specialty would you choose if you had to pick now?
If I had to pick a specialty at this very moment, I would pick neurosurgery. As a therapist and neurofeedback/biofeedback technician, I was able to have a superficial glimpse into the non-invasive workings of our brain and the nervous system. I have been intrigued by the deeper, inner-workings of how the brain functions, how our nervous system affects every component of our health, and how restoration can occur through surgery.
What emotions are you feeling beginning medical school?
The foremost emotion as I begin medical school is excitement. My journey into medicine has been enriched with years of service in other fields that ultimately revealed where I will best serve society. Beginning medical school is the intermission between what my life used to be and what my life will be serving my community through medicine.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
The full immersion in the field of medicine, stress and chaos included, is what I am most looking forward to. Such immersion will afford the opportunity to explore the intricacies of every specialty in which I am interested. I look forward to seeing where my drive and curiosity will lead me in medicine.
Read the rest of the stories from the Newest Faces of McGovern Medical School.