Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s holistic approach to medical education, focused on developing culturally competent, service-driven physicians, inspires me to become not only a skilled healthcare provider but also an advocate for those most in need.
Who or what has inspired you while at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»?
During my medical mission trip to Honduras, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals and provide care to underserved communities. Witnessing the profound impact that compassionate medical care had on patients' lives deeply moved me. This experience not only strengthened my commitment to service but also solidified my desire to become a physician. I was inspired by the resilience of the people I met and the power of medicine to bring hope and healing, and I am eager to dedicate my life to making a difference through healthcare.
How has the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» mission inspired you as a medical student?
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s dedication to preparing community-focused, globally minded physicians to serve rural and medically underserved populations has inspired my passion for making healthcare accessible to those who need it most. I am particularly drawn to the emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care and the commitment to advancing research that improves human health. This mission motivates me to develop the skills, knowledge, and compassion necessary to address healthcare disparities and positively impact the lives of patients in underserved communities.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
My cousin’s courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer profoundly shaped my decision to pursue a career in medicine. Watching her strength and resilience as she navigated the physical and emotional challenges of her diagnosis inspired me to appreciate the critical role that compassionate, patient-centered care plays in the healing process. Her journey also opened my eyes to the importance of medical innovation, early detection, and comprehensive treatment plans. This personal connection to her fight against cancer fueled my passion for becoming a physician, driving my commitment to serve patients with empathy, advocate for holistic care, and contribute to advancements that improve outcomes for those facing serious illnesses.
Why did you choose Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»?
I chose Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» because of its strong sense of community and unwavering commitment to serving others. The supportive, family-like atmosphere at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» fosters collaboration, compassion, and personal growth—qualities I value deeply in my journey to become a physician. The college’s emphasis on community engagement, both locally and globally, aligns perfectly with my passion for working with underserved populations and making a meaningful impact in rural and under-resourced areas. Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»â€™s holistic approach to medical education, focused on developing culturally competent, service-driven physicians, inspires me to become not only a skilled healthcare provider but also an advocate for those most in need. This nurturing environment, combined with a shared dedication to the mission of improving healthcare access, made Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» the ideal place for me to pursue my medical career.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
What I enjoy most about living in the area around the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» campus is the incredible access to nature and outdoor activities. Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, there are endless opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring scenic trails, which provides a perfect balance to the demands of medical school. Additionally, being close to Virginia Tech offers a vibrant and dynamic community with access to diverse cultural, educational, and recreational resources. The combination of natural beauty and a thriving college-town atmosphere makes the area an inspiring and supportive place to live, learn, and grow.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to stay active and explore new experiences. I enjoy hiking through scenic trails, traveling to new places to immerse myself in different cultures, and playing pickleball for fun and fitness. I also find relaxation and creativity through coloring, which provides a great way to unwind and express myself artistically. These activities help me maintain a healthy balance and recharge while pursuing my passion for medicine.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I am particularly interested in the specialties of Dermatology, OB/GYN, and Hematology-Oncology. My passion for Dermatology grew from working in a dermatology office for two years, where I appreciated the variety within the specialty and developed a personal connection through my own experience with skin cancer. OB/GYN appeals to me because it offers a mix of surgical and clinical practice while allowing me to be part of some of the most profound moments in women’s lives, both joyful and challenging. Lastly, my interest in Hematology-Oncology is deeply inspired by my cousin’s courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and breast cancer, motivating my desire to provide compassionate care to patients facing similar challenges.