The people I have met at VCOM are so committed to helping each other; we all hope everyone can succeed in a way that betters not only the VCOM and Blacksburg communities but other communities around the world. I believe devotion to one another and our shared progress make the VCOM family prominent and strong.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
I am inspired by the professors and physicians who teach at VCOM because they work to maintain professional and encouraging relationships with all students. I really value being able to walk up to a professor after class and discuss a topic I felt I didn't grasp during the lecture or being able to reach out to a professor via email with questions about my career goals, VCOM, or the Blacksburg/Christiansburg area. For example, Ashleigh Dunn, one of the anatomy professors who is also my faculty advisor, eagerly and thoroughly answered my (rather lengthy) list of questions about the White Coat Ceremony and activities to do with my family while they were visiting that weekend. She gave me several great ideas and a lot of reassurance about the weekend in general, and she continues to answer my random questions with enthusiasm.
How has the VCOM mission-inspired you as a medical student?
I am personally very appreciative of the community-oriented aspect of VCOM's mission. The school describes its student body, faculty, and administration as a family, and I wholly believe this notion is embodied by all those associated with VCOM. Coming from a relatively small town, I value being in a place where I feel genuinely recognized and supported by those around me, and I enjoy being a friend and resource in return. The people I have met at VCOM are so committed to helping each other; we all hope everyone can succeed in a way that betters not only the VCOM and Blacksburg communities but other communities around the world. I believe devotion to one another and our shared progress make the VCOM family prominent and strong.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
In my second year of college, I met a physician named Dr. Gelburd, who is a DO. At the time, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field, but I wasn't sure which profession would be best for me. He explained what his practice looked like as an osteopathic physician and graciously allowed me to shadow him. I quickly knew I was passionate about pursuing the same path, and I was eager to learn as much as I could about medicine and osteopathy specifically. Dr. Gelburd's gentle and attentive demeanor evoked confidence and trust in each patient we saw, and his holistic approach proved to be widely successful. We still speak often; his wisdom, kindness and insight continue to inspire me as I aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose VCOM because I felt not only welcomed but appreciated from the moment I stepped into the building. I think the admissions staff did a phenomenal job on interview day; I felt so comfortable and engaged throughout the entire process. I walked away from that day feeling so excited by the idea of walking back through those doors, not as an interviewee but as a medical student. Upon doing more research about VCOM, I was very impressed by the school's commitment to local and international service. I was also grateful to discover that VCOM has a history of great match rates for their students; another factor I considered important in my decision.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
For me, the best thing about living in Blacksburg is the peaceful nature of the area that often provides solace when the schedule of classes and labs becomes overwhelming. While some may consider a place so rural to be dull or uneventful, I disagree and truly believe it is an amazing place to attend medical school. Blacksburg is a very safe area with lots of local small businesses and artisans that give the town a unique and personal feel. I really love discovering niche places or events that give Blacksburg its character and charm because I find it so important to explore beyond the school's limits.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I spend as much free time as I can outdoors. I love hiking, kayaking, and walking on the Huckleberry Trail. I also enjoy trying out different local restaurants and breweries; I think supporting small businesses is important to the owners, but it also gives me a sense of contribution and belonging to the community. I love taking a break from studying Saturday mornings to go to the farmer's market downtown or tailgate with friends before a game.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I shadowed in a family medicine practice in the past and absolutely loved it, but I have recently become more interested in OB-Gyn as well. Right now, I'm most interested in primary care, but I also try to maintain an open mind because I think it's important to consider every opportunity.