I’m currently a medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University. As a Blackwell scholar, I knew coming into HWS that I wanted to pursue medicine. During my four years at HWS, I had numerous experiences that solidified this interest as well as broadened them.
I worked as both a biology teaching fellow and chemistry lab teaching assistant, both of which allowed me to delve further into my science courses. However, my involvement in research and completing an Honor’s project titled, “Biological Evaluation of Simplified Analogs of Protein Kinase C Inhibitor, Staurosporine,” with Associate Professor of Biology Patricia Mowery was fundamental to my undergraduate experience. It has certainly made me interested in incorporating research into my career as a physician.
My plans coming into college also evolved in that I came in with the intention of solely studying biology or biochemistry. However, I didn’t realize how big a part Spanish would play in my education and it continues to be in medical school. Deciding to pursue it as a second major and studying abroad in both Spain and Cuba definitely were part of the HWS liberal arts experience that I wouldn’t have imagined prior to college. My HWS advisers, Associate Professor of Biology Patricia Mowery, Associate Professor of Spanish and Hispanic Studies Juan Liebana, and Associate Director of Health Professions Counseling and Fellowship Advising Scott MacPhail, were all extremely helpful in combining these varying academic interests and really make me appreciate the benefits of the relationships between students and professors at small undergraduate universities like HWS.
Currently, as a medical student, I’m undecided as to which medical specialty I wish to pursue. However, I hope in the future to be a physician that balances my interests in research as well as continue to pursue my interests in Spanish and global health.
