Because of what VCOM has taught me about the value of community development and the need to work to improve everyone's quality of life, helping my community has grown to be one of my top priorities as a physician. Growing up in a small rural area in Tennessee helped me really appreciate VCOM’s mission in the way that I could see myself in the community I was studying to give back to once I am a physician. It helps create interpersonal connections in places that might feel far from most.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
There have been many people who have inspired me at VCOM but there is one that especially came to mind. VCOM is filled with amazing faculty but I want to shine a light on this specific person. The first is Dr. Bill Pearson. Many students including myself found him to be a saving grace during our time taking Anatomy, which is one of the hardest courses in medical school. He was constantly finding new ways to improve our curriculum and help us better understand the material to advance us as future physicians. One of the improvements he came up with is something called speed reviews. This incorporated team-based learning where students in our class would teach each other gross anatomy structures. This gave us a secure and organized space to ask questions and learn. His overall dedication to our learning went above and beyond my expectations. He not only cared for us on an educational level but also on a humanistic level. He took the time to truly learn every student's name in the class and would always try to engage in conversations about our life outside of medical school. Dr. Pearson took the time to get to know every student on a personal level. Little things like this never go unnoticed. Dr. Pearson’s presence at VCOM will have an everlasting impact on me and my collogues.
How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?
As a medical student, VCOM 's mission has given me new motivation to value, support, and assist my community. It truly inspired me to work even harder to become a physician because of their emphasis on community-focused doctors to aid rural communities. I grew up in a small town in Tennessee, so I understood how valuable it is to have community, whether it be with fellow students, locally, or even religiously. Because of what VCOM has taught me about the value of community development and the need to work to improve everyone's quality of life, helping my community has grown to be one of my top priorities as a physician. Growing up in a small rural area in Tennessee helped me really appreciate VCOM’s mission in the way that I could see myself in the community I was studying to give back to once I am a physician. It helps create interpersonal connections in places that might feel far from most.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
My inspiration for medicine began early in life when I was exposed to healthcare through my grandmother who was on bed rest for the last three years of her life. Through that difficult time, I was introduced to caring for someone who was essentially helpless. This not only taught me different clinical procedures such as cleaning a feeding tube but it also showed me how rewarding it could feel to help a loved one in need. This is where my journey of choosing to study medicine began. Later on in life, another person who I hold close to my heart was diagnosed with lung cancer. This in itself was a life-changing experience. It was a difficult time in my life, but the one thing that brought so much ease to my family was our neighbor who was also a physician. He never hesitated to answer any questions or confusion that arose once we received new lab results or anything pertaining to my father's health. He was kind, patient, and empathetic. As I progressed through my schooling, I found myself reflecting on the past and wanted to be that type of ease for someone else’s family. Just seeing how much of an impact his actions had on me and my family, despite him having absolutely no reason to do so was a major factor in inspiring me to study medicine. I aspire to be a physician just like him one day.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose to go to VCOM because of how their mission statement resonated with me. VCOM was one of the few schools where I felt as if my goals and ambitions as a future physician that I strived for were reflected in this institution. The emphasis on community involvement and their endeavors to give back to those around us became even more passionate during my time here. VCOM’s focus on research was something that also caught my attention when I was choosing which school to go to. Research and innovation I believe is a major force in healthcare and one that will shape our futures as physicians, and I believe VCOM provides excellent resources that allow us to explore those efforts .
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
The thing I enjoy most about living in Auburn is that the community is so connected. I was ecstatic that I was placed in a college town like Auburn. It reminds me so much of back home since I also grew up in a college town. I love how everyone’s spirit is lifted when football season rolls around. Some other benefits to auburn are that traffic is usually nonexistent and the people around you make you feel so welcome. One of the reasons I chose to attend VCOM was how inviting they were when I first interviewed here. Being able to live so close to campus helps us all feel even closer as a community because we are able to be near each other in any time of need. Living so close to campus really helped me find wonderful groups of friends and neighbors and which helped us all feel at home here, no matter where we’re from. I am forever grateful for the people I have met due to my placement here in Auburn.
What do you like to do in your free time?
During my free time, there are a few things I like to indulge in. One is cooking. I love to be adventurous in the kitchen. I enjoy finding a new recipe online and wanting to remake it. It has its own artistic expression in having the ability to create meals you’ve never tried and then put your own twist on them. Other activities I enjoy include spending time with friends and family along with traveling! I am a big fan of exploring new areas in the world. Some of the countries I have visited thus far include Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Jamaica, and Mexico. The list of places I hope to see in the future is never-ending. Experiencing different cultures, languages, and cuisine help me become acquainted with different backgrounds which are so interesting.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I came into medical school not really sure what path would pique my interest. I was attracted to exploring specialties such as OB/GYN, Family Medicine, Internal medicine, and Emergency medicine. I’ve never had any hands-on experience with them which is why I came into medical school with an open mind. Every block we cover a new organ system, and I am constantly amazed by the differences in each. I am really looking forward to block six, where we actually get to have some early clinical experiences incorporated into our schedule. I have great anticipation for the year to come. Once I have officially had a chance to experience and get familiar with every rotation during my third year I will hopefully make a decision on what specialty I choose to pursue. I am excited to see what the future holds!