Auburn

Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?

While at VCOM, I have experienced many sources of inspiration that have continued to uplift and drive me while on this journey. A faculty member I would like to highlight that has been instrumental in inspiring me to push through the difficulties of medical school is Dr. Stephen, our pathology professor. Dr. Stephen has been phenomenal in my development as a medical student. From day one, he has gone above and beyond in not only challenging us but gifting us with strong advice and words of encouragement. He takes the time to get to know us, students. This is evident in his lectures as he calls on individuals by name encouraging an interactive environment. Furthermore, the most inspiring aspect is that Dr. Stephen, like myself, is a member of an underrepresented population in healthcare. To see him continue to excel in his positions drives me to endure the challenges of medical school because I know that I can also make an impact in any environment I enter. I desire to put myself in a position where I can positively pour into the lives of others. I want to be a resource where individuals look to me for assistance and can be certain that I will be there to attend to any need that is present.

How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?    

The mission of VCOM emphasizes developing physicians to meet the needs of rural and medically underserved populations. This has inspired me personally because I identify with a number of individuals from these populations.  With the majority of my family originating from rural Selma, Alabama, I have personally seen what rural and medically underserved populations look like. I know the experiences that a lot of these individuals undergo in relation to health, and I desire to equip myself with the ability to help improve the conditions in those populations. VCOM’s mission is such an inspiration because the individuals they are preparing us to serve are no different than my aunt or grandmother, and I plan to treat them as such.  VCOM’s mission also prioritizes community which gives me such joy as I enjoy diving into the surrounding area and doing what I can to serve. I look for any opportunity in which I am able to offer my time and services to help improve another individual’s day.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?    

Being raised by an occupational therapist and a nurse practitioner, I was exposed to medicine at a very young age. I watched as my mother worked long 12-hour shifts, taking care of patient after patient with no complaints. Additionally, my father would take my sister and me alongside him during his home health visits as he worked to improve the motions and functions of his patients. Both of them conveyed a level of care that was exceptional and above the standard. I believe I possess that same level of care, and my goal is to create positive moments by healing those that will one day be entrusted into my care. I have set high standards for myself and intend to use my education to help improve the quality of life for others. I have a passion for helping others and that is why I want to practice medicine. I thrive in team settings as I have been a member of a team my entire life. I look forward to using my collaborative and leadership skills to bring good physical health to those most vulnerable.

Why did you choose VCOM?   

I chose VCOM because I believe in the mission of becoming a community-focused physician who meets the needs of those who are medically underserved. I believe VCOM supports its mission by depicting how many students graduate and enter areas where access to medical care is limited. I was drawn to VCOM because their program is honest about recruiting individuals who will address health disparities in rural locations and minority populations. As a member of a minority group, I feel it is my responsibility to advocate for and serve those who have challenges gaining the care they need. I plan to further VCOM’s mission and goals by becoming a culturally competent physician who seeks to serve those who are underserved.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?    

As a VCOM-Auburn student, we are fortunate enough to have access to a lot of the opportunities that Auburn University students have. I enjoy being able to use the Auburn University library as a change of scenery to study. My study group utilizes this beautiful facility every night before an exam to meet and discuss topics for the upcoming exam. I also enjoy being able to access the student recreation center where I am able to work out and maintain my physical health. My classmates and I will occasionally gather at the recreation center and play basketball together which is a great opportunity to build relationships and get a much-needed study break. The most enjoyable part of attending medical school at a major university is seeing your younger self in the undergraduate students and knowing that you were once in their shoes. The hard work and discipline that we maintained led us to where we are currently, and that is the motivation that we can carry throughout each day.

What do you like to do in your free time?   

I enjoy playing video games in my free time. My classmates know that I am playing my PlayStation with any little inch of free time we might have. Video games were not always a hobby of mine however when the pandemic was in full force it was an activity that I could utilize to pass time. Gaming has also been an avenue for me to stay in contact with numerous hometown friends and college buddies. We can communicate through our headsets and it gives us a sense of fellowship and comradery. Also, as a former student-athlete, I do enjoy participating in sports-related activities during my free time. My classmates and I try to make time to play basketball at the end of each week as a way to decompress and fellowship as well.

I was drawn to VCOM because their program is honest about recruiting individuals who will address health disparities in rural locations and minority populations. As a member of a minority group, I feel it is my responsibility to advocate for and serve those who have challenges gaining the care they need. I plan to further VCOM’s mission and goals by becoming a culturally competent physician who seeks to serve those who are underserved.

Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?

The camaraderie between the entire class is what inspired me the most. When I first heard that VCOM was a family, I had expectations that were quickly fulfilled. Each of my classmates was supportive, uplifting, and genuinely wanted everyone to succeed. Without this sense of unity, continuing this journey would have become more difficult and arduous and I am truly glad to be a part of this community.

How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?    

The phrase “community-minded physicians” stuck with me the most when I first read the VCOM mission. I was lucky to be in a supportive community growing up and was able to witness firsthand how helpful it was to our family. The different volunteering opportunities I got to experience allowed me to see more of what happens on both sides of the spectrum and see how results affected the lives of others. Moving forward, I want to continue to find ways to give back and share that experience.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?   

My greatest inspiration was throughout my shadowing experience during my undergraduate years. Witnessing the entire process of having a patient come in with uncertainty in their eyes followed by a buildup of patient-doctor trust showed me that there is more to medicine than just an illness/injury. It was touching to see each patient slowly open up as they felt more comfortable and by the care taken to maintain that built relationship. Seeing the collaboration between the team members showed me how interesting medicine can be and how important each aspect of delivering patient care was. The most exciting part was the conclusion of the treatment and seeing their relief. All these factors made me realize the intricate aspects that went into patient care and how rewarding the whole process can be. 

Why did you choose VCOM?    

I chose VCOM because of the positive interview process and interactions I had previously with the students. My first interaction with VCOM was through a summer program that I participated in. During our short stop at VCOM, I was able to see how genuinely happy all of the current students were and how excited they were to show us what VCOM had to offer. We were able to tour the campus and I knew then that VCOM would be a potential candidate to continue my career. This idea was solidified during the interview process when I was able to interact with different faculty members and was given details on what my journey would be like. I could not wait to get started.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?    

I enjoyed the close proximity of VCOM to Auburn University. As an Auburn graduate, I was glad to see that I could follow medicine while still being near the university that I grew to love. I could continue to meet the friends and mentors that helped me along the way. This familiarity helped me through the transition process into medical school.

Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?    

I am currently focused on internal medicine. The first doctor I shadowed was a nephrologist and my first area in research involved the kidneys which inspired me to think of nephrology in the future. While most of my previous experience was with the kidney itself, learning about the different organs during the GI block has left me open for more options.

The phrase “community-minded physicians” stuck with me the most when I first read the VCOM mission. I was lucky to be in a supportive community growing up and was able to witness firsthand how helpful it was to our family.

Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?

I am inspired every day by my classmates, who work hard to succeed and keep it fun along the way. Daily, I am pushed to learn more and better myself as a medical student, and I am surrounded by individuals who strive to build themselves up in the same way. At the same time, there is a shared sense of unity in that we all support each other. It is refreshing to see the encouragement put out by those around me, and this inspires me to be a source of support for both my colleagues and future patients.

How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?

The VCOM mission emphasizes the importance of remaining community-focused as a physician and providing care where it is needed most. As a medical student, I’ve learned about many areas within the southern region that lack access to both essential and specialized components of care. This mission has inspired me to learn about the gaps that I can help fill in the future and get involved in ongoing projects designed to fulfill this mission. Through VCOM, I’ve gotten opportunities to get involved with the community of Auburn and see where the need is even within the local community. Ultimately, the mission has taught me about the difference I can make as a future provider.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?

I had many early influences that inspired me to study medicine, however, I specifically chose to become a doctor once I realized the ability it offered to impact people’s lives on a level more personal than any other. In this field, you learn how to walk with someone through some of the most difficult moments and in turn get them through it. We all experience health care at some point in our lives, and a doctor has the ability to provide comfort and confidence to patients throughout the entire process. The field of medicine is like no other, and I am loving every minute of being a part of it.

Why did you choose VCOM?

I chose VCOM because it truly stood out amongst other medical schools as a place that wanted to see me in their program as much as I wanted to be in it. VCOM not only acknowledged the professional qualities I possessed but appreciated these qualities and desired to see them come to life in their program. Applying to medical school is tough, but VCOM made me feel welcome during every step. I also wanted to place myself in an environment where I could envision myself being successful, not just during the didactic years but also during clinical rotations and residency. I was impressed with both the rotation sites offered at VCOM and the rotations available among them. I felt confident that I would have every opportunity to explore different specialties and discover my talents under the direction of highly competent physicians. I specifically came across a rotation site near my hometown, and I immediately knew this would provide me with a potential opportunity to serve the community I grew up in. I found these opportunities especially attractive and quickly knew VCOM had everything I needed to become a phenomenal doctor.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?

I love the balance between a high-energy college town and the small southern community that this area offers and the people within it. Everyone has a friendly nature about them and the community as a whole is very connected. Auburn also boasts some of the best locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, which are great to have around after a tough week of exams. When football season comes around, I enjoy game days and all the festivities that happen just down the street from the VCOM campus. Just ten minutes in the other direction, you’ll find Chewacla State Park which has great walking trails through the forest. The town really does offer the best of both worlds. There are also many VCOM-affiliated physicians with offices in the surrounding area, providing many opportunities for students to get involved with shadowing and applying what’s taught in the classroom. This area has a lot to offer and is perfect for the life of a medical student.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time is a must, and I spend it doing things that keep me feeling happy, healthy, and refreshed. I especially love to get active, which usually looks like taking spin classes, walking my dog at Keisel Park, or taking advantage of the Auburn University Rec Center. I also like to spend time with my friends outside of the classroom and have really enjoyed getting involved in events and socials held by student organizations such as CMDA and ACOP. On long weekends, I drive just a few hours to my hometown which is right by the beach. It really is important to take time to yourself in medical school and there are many opportunities to spend it doing the things you enjoy.

Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?

I see myself pursuing a residency in anesthesiology after graduation. Prior to medical school, I was very in tune with the specialties of primary care but knew little about the practice of anesthesia or its history. Since then, I’ve learned just how phenomenal this specialty is and observed the high level of involvement it allows you to have in patient care. This specialty truly serves as the gateway allowing modern-day surgical interventions to be possible and trains the art and skill of calibrating your actions to the needs of each patient in real-time with instantaneous results. From personal experience, I know undergoing general anesthesia can be scary, and helping patients feel confident about their procedure seems extremely rewarding. I also appreciate the unique role of anesthesiologists in pain management and post-operative recovery, and how much influence they can have on a patient’s experience of care. In this specialty, I will truly get to be there for patients throughout their entire journey.

I wanted to place myself in an environment where I could envision myself being successful, not just during the didactic years but also during clinical rotations and residency. I was impressed with both the rotation sites offered at VCOM and the rotations available among them.

Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?

One thing that has inspired me during my time at VCOM has been my interactions with professors and fellow classmates. As a medical student, it’s very easy to get caught up with the tunnel vision of solely studying for exams. I’ve been thankful to have professors like Dr. Pearson and Dr. Douthit, among others, that strive to keep our big-picture vision incorporated on a daily basis. This includes looking out for your fellow classmates and making sure your neighbor is doing okay too.

How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?

VCOM’s mission has inspired me by allowing me to volunteer in rural areas as a first-year medical student. In particular, VCOM hosted a free clinic in a rural school county allowing student-athletes to get free physicals from professors associated with VCOM. The appreciation that the school administrators had for us was something I’ll never forget. Experiences like this where you can actually make a difference in your community show how important providing resources to underserved areas is, and why that will be a priority to me as a practicing physician.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?

My late father was my inspiration to go into medicine. He was an Internal Medicine physician that immigrated from Pakistan. His number one priority as a physician was always to make healthcare more accessible by hosting free clinics for his community and introducing services like house calls. Despite his battle with colon cancer, he always ensured others were taken care of first. His commitment to helping those that wouldn’t be seen otherwise always inspired me, and is what I strive to be, not only as a physician but as a person as well

Why did you choose VCOM?

One of the main reasons I decided to attend VCOM was the collaborative learning environment I heard about from previous students. A big priority for me when applying to schools was the type of environment I would be in. Professors have an “Open-door” policy so that you can always reach out to them if there is anything you are struggling with. Everyone at VCOM wants you to succeed, and there are so many resources available to make sure that you have what you need to do so.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?

We are lucky to share a campus with Auburn University, so there are some good options to take study breaks with! We get access to the recreation center and athletic events (including Football games). There are also some nearby hikes and lakes that people like to explore in their spare time. While Auburn is a smaller town, there are enough restaurants and coffee shops to keep things interesting.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I prefer to decompress and hang out with friends and family. I find being active also helps clear my mind after a long day of studying so I try to work out when I have time as well. My favorite activity is probably our weekly basketball sessions with my fellow classmates at the Rec center.

My late father was my inspiration to go into medicine. He was an Internal Medicine physician that immigrated from Pakistan. His number one priority as a physician was always to make healthcare more accessible by hosting free clinics for his community and introducing services like house calls.

Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?

When starting class at VCOM, it was easy to get wrapped up in the chaos of trying to stay on top of daily classes while dealing with the challenges of day-to-day life. However, I was blessed to find a piece of support and tranquility outside of home in my classmates and faculty. Two faculty members, Dr. David Stephen and Dr. William Pearson have unknowingly played a major part in inspiring me to continue my path to becoming a physician. Finding that support system that genuinely believes in you and checks in to see how you’re doing is a feeling unlike no other.

How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?

One of my main driving forces for wanting to become a physician is to ensure that members of my community feel safe and that their concerns are heard when interacting with medical personnel. Growing up, I watched my family and friends grow more distrustful of the medical community due to receiving subpar treatment. VCOM’s mission to meet the needs of rural and underserved communities is a goal that aligns with the very essence of my being. I feel that it is our duty as Medical Professionals to ensure that the needs of the underserved are met with the same urgency and care as others and to do so, we must be comfortable using our voices in otherwise unfamiliar territories.

Who or what inspired you to study medicine?

My grandmother inspired my decision to study medicine. She raised my siblings and me for a large portion of our childhood, all while being bedridden and suffering from many comorbidities. At a very young age, I was well versed in assisting my grandmother around the house as well as with her medical needs. I would often accompany her to her doctor’s appointments and watched eagerly by her bedside. After the appointment was over, I bombarded her with my never-ending questions. I have often been told that it was unfair to assume the role of a caretaker at such a young age. However, I do not look at my upbringing that way. In my eyes, we took care of one another, and the medical care that she allowed me to do was the seed that fostered my love for the medical field in the first place. My story is something that will aid me in having empathy with my future patients and their families and overall make me a better physician.

Why did you choose VCOM?

In my opinion, I did not choose VCOM. VCOM chose me. My path to entering medical school was everything but easy. I fought with myself often about applying to a Master’s program because I honestly did not feel it was necessary. However, after talking to my friends who are on similar paths, I decided to swallow my pride and apply for the Bluefield MABS program. This program allowed me to grow in confidence in my ability to succeed in medical school, and I learned an invaluable lesson along the way. Things will not always go as you initially planned. God will often lead you down paths that may not always make sense to you, but sometimes you have to go where you are called before you can get to where you need to be.

What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?

I enjoy that everything in Auburn is within close proximity.  I enjoy the spirit of Auburn and its love for sports! Coming from a smaller undergraduate institution, the city's spirit was definitely a transition, and I feel that everyone should experience it at least once!

Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?

Initially, I was interested in practicing as a Neonatologist. I always knew I wanted to work with children. However, it was not until I volunteered in the NICU at Ochsner Baptist in New Orleans, LA, that I fell in love with caring for one of the most vulnerable populations within our community. As I have continued to grow in my skills and knowledge through my experiences as an ED Scribe and Medical Student, I have also realized that I also love Emergency Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Cardiology. With this being said, I think it’s safe to say that I will enjoy the ride and embrace whatever specialty feels more like me once we start rotations.

I feel that it is our duty as Medical Professionals to ensure that the needs of the underserved are met with the same urgency and care as others and to do so, we must be comfortable using our voices in otherwise unfamiliar territories.