In the spirit of the VCOM mission, I would like to create a plan to aid these people in a more direct manner. For the time being, we can give back through events such as food and coat drives because giving back to our community is vitally important to us at VCOM-Louisiana.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
What has inspired me most here at VCOM is the determination of my fellow classmates. As the class of 2024 at VCOM-Louisiana, we are the first cohort of students to matriculate at this campus. That in itself brings many challenges, but the world has decided to challenge us further. Along with adapting to medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic and learning to be flexible as state and school policies develop regarding the pandemic, we have endured multiple hurricanes during our first two blocks. Through all of this, I have seen my classmates thrive. Each and every one of them is determined to succeed no matter the hurdle they must overcome. This inspires me to do the same. Through teamwork and sheer determination, we will become the first and best Osteopathic Physicians to graduate in Louisiana.
How has the VCOM mission-inspired you as a medical student?
The VCOM mission is apparent in the training we receive, and it teaches us to become globally-minded physicians while also remaining community focused. This mindset is instilled in us from day one. As a first-year student during a pandemic, there has not been much opportunity for direct interaction within our community, but that has not stopped us from doing what we can. Specifically, I have noticed a larger than expected homeless population within our community. In the spirit of the VCOM mission, my hope is that once the COVID-19 policies are lifted, I would like to create a plan to aid these people in a more direct manner. For the time being, we can give back through events such as food and coat drives because giving back to our community is vitally important to us at VCOM-Louisiana.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
There have been many moments and people in my life that have led me to find my passion for medicine. Probably the most impactful person was my Dad. My dad made sure to instill a good work ethic within me and taught me to always have integrity. But when I was 16, my father was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. He was told that he only had about six months left before it took him. Fortunately for him and my family, we found the doctor that would turn those six months into six more years. Dr. Goohra showed me the good that a physician can do for his patients and their families. That has stuck with me through all these years, and it inspires me to work hard so that I can be there for my patients, just like Dr. Goorha was there for my father.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose VCOM primarily for one simple reason, community. VCOM's focus on giving back to our communities was a significant deciding factor in my decision to attend. Still, it so too was the community I saw within the VCOM family. I noticed early that it meant something to be part of VCOM, and that has only been reinforced as I build stronger relationships with my classmates and the faculty at our campus. Along with this sense of family, I noticed that VCOM strives to provide quality training to produce the highest caliber physicians. I want to be the best osteopathic physician I can. That is why I chose to learn and train at VCOM.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
The VCOM-Louisiana campus is situated directly on Bayou Desiard, and on a bright sunny day, it's one of the most beautiful campuses you will see. Nearby in the Monroe area are beautiful parks where I enjoy running when I need a break from studying. Most importantly, though, there are many amazing restaurants that I have found and many more that others have told me to check out.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My free time currently is split between getting a workout in and spending time with my fiancé. We enjoy finding good restaurants or just going for a walk to get some fresh air. We both also love to travel, so we try to fit in as many places and experiences as we can during our block breaks.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
Currently, I am interested in general trauma surgery and orthopedic trauma. I was enlisted in the Air Force for seven years and am now participating in the Air Force Health Profession Scholarship Program, so the military is a large part of my life. Within the Air Force, there is a team called the Special Operations Surgical Team. It is a six-man team with three physicians: one anesthesiologist, one emergency medicine physician, and one trauma surgeon. My goal is to one day join this team so that I may be there for the brave front line men and women should they need emergency care on the battlefield. It is this desire to be there for them on the worst day of their life and to have the skills needed in such a moment that is such a large driving factor for the interest in these specialties.