I was drawn to VCOM because their program is honest about recruiting individuals who will address health disparities in rural locations and minority populations. As a member of a minority group, I feel it is my responsibility to advocate for and serve those who have challenges gaining the care they need. I plan to further VCOM’s mission and goals by becoming a culturally competent physician who seeks to serve those who are underserved.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
While at VCOM, I have experienced many sources of inspiration that have continued to uplift and drive me while on this journey. A faculty member I would like to highlight that has been instrumental in inspiring me to push through the difficulties of medical school is Dr. Stephen, our pathology professor. Dr. Stephen has been phenomenal in my development as a medical student. From day one, he has gone above and beyond in not only challenging us but gifting us with strong advice and words of encouragement. He takes the time to get to know us, students. This is evident in his lectures as he calls on individuals by name encouraging an interactive environment. Furthermore, the most inspiring aspect is that Dr. Stephen, like myself, is a member of an underrepresented population in healthcare. To see him continue to excel in his positions drives me to endure the challenges of medical school because I know that I can also make an impact in any environment I enter. I desire to put myself in a position where I can positively pour into the lives of others. I want to be a resource where individuals look to me for assistance and can be certain that I will be there to attend to any need that is present.
How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?
The mission of VCOM emphasizes developing physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations. This has inspired me personally because I identify with a number of individuals from these populations. With the majority of my family originating from rural Selma, Alabama, I have personally seen what rural and medically underserved populations look like. I know the experiences that a lot of these individuals undergo in relation to health, and I desire to equip myself with the ability to help improve the conditions in those populations. VCOM’s mission is such an inspiration because the individuals they are preparing us to serve are no different than my aunt or grandmother, and I plan to treat them as such. VCOM’s mission also prioritizes community which gives me such joy as I enjoy diving into the surrounding area and doing what I can to serve. I look for any opportunity in which I am able to offer my time and services to help improve another individual’s day.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
Being raised by an occupational therapist and a nurse practitioner, I was exposed to medicine at a very young age. I watched as my mother worked long 12-hour shifts, taking care of patient after patient with no complaints. Additionally, my father would take my sister and me alongside him during his home health visits as he worked to improve the motions and functions of his patients. Both of them conveyed a level of care that was exceptional and above the standard. I believe I possess that same level of care, and my goal is to create positive moments by healing those that will one day be entrusted into my care. I have set high standards for myself and intend to use my education to help improve the quality of life for others. I have a passion for helping others and that is why I want to practice medicine. I thrive in team settings as I have been a member of a team my entire life. I look forward to using my collaborative and leadership skills to bring good physical health to those most vulnerable.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose VCOM because I believe in the mission of becoming a community-focused physician who meets the needs of those who are medically underserved. I believe VCOM supports its mission by depicting how many students graduate and enter areas where access to medical care is limited. I was drawn to VCOM because their program is honest about recruiting individuals who will address health disparities in rural locations and minority populations. As a member of a minority group, I feel it is my responsibility to advocate for and serve those who have challenges gaining the care they need. I plan to further VCOM’s mission and goals by becoming a culturally competent physician who seeks to serve those who are underserved.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
As a VCOM-Auburn student, we are fortunate enough to have access to a lot of the opportunities that Auburn University students have. I enjoy being able to use the Auburn University library as a change of scenery to study. My study group utilizes this beautiful facility every night before an exam to meet and discuss topics for the upcoming exam. I also enjoy being able to access the student recreation center where I am able to work out and maintain my physical health. My classmates and I will occasionally gather at the recreation center and play basketball together which is a great opportunity to build relationships and get a much-needed study break. The most enjoyable part of attending medical school at a major university is seeing your younger self in the undergraduate students and knowing that you were once in their shoes. The hard work and discipline that we maintained led us to where we are currently, and that is the motivation that we can carry throughout each day.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy playing video games in my free time. My classmates know that I am playing my PlayStation with any little inch of free time we might have. Video games were not always a hobby of mine however when the pandemic was in full force it was an activity that I could utilize to pass time. Gaming has also been an avenue for me to stay in contact with numerous hometown friends and college buddies. We can communicate through our headsets and it gives us a sense of fellowship and comradery. Also, as a former student-athlete, I do enjoy participating in sports-related activities during my free time. My classmates and I try to make time to play basketball at the end of each week as a way to decompress and fellowship as well.