The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Topeka, Kansas
What year of school are you in?
I am currently in my second year.
How or when did you become interested in science and medicine?
I have always enjoyed science and math. When I think back to my favorite toys as a child I remember having a science kit that I hid in a special place on the top shelf of my closet. I would get it down and look at slides under the microscope.
I remember convincing my neighbor's mother to prick her finger so I could look for blood cells. There were chemicals I would diligently measure out for reactions.
However, my favorite thing was that the kit contained a real frog that I meticulously dissected and reconstructed over and over.
My mother is a nurse and my father a physician, so I was exposed to health care at a young age. I had a poster of the heart that I treasured as a kid. I recall telling everyone that I was going to be a heart surgeon. However, it wasn’t until college when my favorite courses were in biology that I solidified my decision to major in biology and to become a physician.
How or why did you choose the Carver College of Medicine to attend medical school?
When I applied to medical school, I was an Iowa resident. I knew the Carver College of Medicine had a reputation for excellent medical education and during my interview I felt very comfortable at the school and with the curriculum.
However, I know now that when I made the decision to attend Iowa I was unaware of the many things the college has to offer. The opportunities for students at the Carver College of Medicine are unlimited. We have the opportunity to learn from, and be mentored by world-renowned physicians and scientists. The college supports research, mentoring, travel. Anything you are interested in, you have to opportunity to do it here.
Is there a teacher, mentor or Carver College of Medicine faculty member who has helped shape your education?
Dr. Kalpaj Paraekh, assistant professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery has been a mentor and friend to me the past two years. He provided me with my first glimpse into both surgery and research.
Scrubbing in on my first procedure was something I will never forget. I immediately became fascinated by surgery. Prior to medical school I had no experience with research. The college provides students the opportunity for funding to conduct research projects during the summer. I was accepted to do this and Dr. Parekh was patient enough to guide me through my first project.
Dr. Arthur Spector, Professor Emeritus, Internal Medicine, sat me down my first semester to ask me what I wanted to do. He told me I had the potential to do whatever I wanted in medicine. I truly appreciated his confidence and mentoring, particularly during the occasionally difficult transition to medical school. There are also many other people who have shaped my medical education including:
What opportunities or advantages does being a medical student at Iowa provide? What about challenges?
Medical school is inherently challenging wherever you are just because of the volume of material. In my opinion the best thing about the Carver College of Medicine is the supportive environment and everyday life as a student. MERF (Medical Education Research Facility) is a dedicated space where we go to class, study, relax, and feel comfortable.
Also MERF houses almost all the people responsible for our curriculum and daily life. Everyone works together, knows each other, and respects each other. Students are an integral and respected part of nearly every decision in the college and are represented on all committees. We’re even trusted with running an Honor Council, a process in which I’ve had the opportunity to serve as class representative.
Describe your professional goals and interests?
I’m only in my second year and still uncertain where my career path will lead. I am very interested in surgery and pediatrics. The next two years will undoubtedly be exciting as I will have the opportunity to explore the different aspects of medicine. Wherever my career takes me, I am sure it will contain some form of service, research, and patient interaction.
What are some of your outside interests?
My favorite thing to do when I am not at school or studying is to spend time with my significant other, Seth. We like to play with our dog, Texas, and go to movies.
I also enjoy cooking and baking. Five of my favorite recipes are for chocolate ganache cake, raspberry tort, macadamia nut bread ring, cranberry sauce, and corn chowder. I also enjoy swimming, writing, and scrapbooking. I am a Big Sister volunteer. When I can, I like to make trips to Kansas to see my family and friends.
Do you participate in any community service/outreach projects? If so, what are they and what have your experiences been?
The Carver College of Medicine has some very unique opportunities for students to get involved in the community. I have participated in CHO (Community Health Outreach), a student-organized elective that focuses on issues faced by underserved populations. I was a student in the course my first year and am currently serving as one of the student directors.
This course allowed me to explore and consider ways to have a more inclusive practice. I find myself reflecting on these sessions just as much or more than things I learned in the traditional medical school curriculum.
Three of the most meaningful sessions were on:
I also serve as a Big Sister volunteer. I get to play and escape the medical school books while serving as a role model for my sister each week.
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your work?
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
Sometimes we all get caught up in our own projects and we forget to treat others as we would like to be treated. If we keep this in mind as we go through our daily lives, I think we would all be much happier.
What piece of advice do you have for students interested in applying to medical school?
Get involved in things you are passionate about. College and life are full of so many possibilities. Your “to do” list should always contain more things than you could possibly accomplish.
Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, but not spend time worrying about doing things to add to your resume. The activities you cherish will be impacted by your passion. Do not be afraid to explore before attending medical school.
I took five years off and worked, in healthcare and then business. It was a complete shift from medicine but it added many dimensions and perspectives to me as a student and will add to what I have to offer as a physician.
What is the future of medicine?
I don’t know what the future of medicine will hold. My hope is that: