A month before my undergraduate graduation, I decided that medical school was the right path to take. As an undergrad, I researched the role that some voltage-gated ion channels play in cardiovascular diseases. That experience brought me close to the clinical world. After shadowing many physicians, I realized that I was driven not only to investigate disease processes, but also to provide patient care.
The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences was my first choice because it offers quality training for a more affordable cost than other institutions with a similar ranking. Also, Buffalo’s cost of living is appealing to a student on a tight budget.
Students and faculty are a big family from day one—not just within the class but across all classes. You will find a group of people who will see to it that you have a great experience. Medical school can be very stressful, so having a support system built into the school’s culture is important.
We don’t have to wait until third year to spend time in the hospital. We’re assigned a preceptor from the beginning of first year, even before starting gross anatomy. We learn and practice patient interviews with standardized and real patients during the first semester. The curriculum fosters independent learning and teamwork. In addition, students can pursue academic and professional interests by taking an elective or working with a research mentor.
I hope to give back to the greater community. I see myself helping in the emergence and operation of community health clinics, participating in medical mission trips and caring for orphans and street children. My short-term goal is to do the best I can by God’s grace to make the most of each clerkship and finalize my specialty choice for residency and my career.
The most important thing to me is the nourishment of my faith even while attending medical school. In addition, I take piano lessons and I like to do ballroom or Argentine tango dancing. Other parts of your life do not have to end when you start medical school. You can still do what’s important to you as long as you define your priorities and not let medical school define them for you.