The VCOM mission statement inspired me as a medical student since I have grown up in Louisiana my whole life and have seen many underserved areas.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
The mission trip I did at Tegucigalpa, Honduras, has inspired me while at VCOM. This trip helped me with my clinical skills since I was able to see patients for the first time and work with a physician. It also showed the value of teamwork in the medical setting since I had to work with different people, such as the pharmacist. This trip reminded me why I went into medicine, which is helping the underserved. What will stick with me is the gratitude and resilience of the people we served. I am forever grateful for having gone on this trip to serve the people of Honduras and will use it to become a better physician.
How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?
The VCOM mission statement inspired me as a medical student since I have grown up in Louisiana my whole life and have seen many underserved areas. I have also helped serve underserved areas in Texas and want to continue to help people in Louisiana who are underserved. VCOM's goal to improve healthcare access globally matches my long-term goals.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
My mom is who inspired me to study medicine since I was able to see how she was able to make a difference in many people's lives as a NICU nurse practitioner. She also emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline in school.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose VCOM because of its mission statement on helping underserved areas, which is what I want to do when I become a physician. I also liked the community feeling ever since I have been at VCOM. Everyone wants you to do well in your classes and will help you with anything you need.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
I enjoy having the ULM campus right next to VCOM since I am able to use their gym, and they also have the HUB where you can eat. I also enjoy the different places to eat and the parks they have in the area.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy lifting weights and playing pickleball with my friends. I also enjoy watching sports, especially LSU, and I have started to enjoy cooking. I enjoy traveling whenever I get the chance, which includes destinations such as New York, Colorado, Utah, and Mexico.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
A specialty I am interested in is anesthesia. I became inspired when I was in high school and had the opportunity to shadow an Anesthesiologist with my uncle, who is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). I enjoy the different procedural skills they perform and how they treat patients of all ranges.