Background

Hometown: Voorhees, NJ
Drexel University College of Medicine Class: 2014
Undergraduate: College of Charleston
Graduate: Drexel University College of Medicine

Q & A

What made you decide to go to medical school?

It was something that was familiar to me. My dad and brother are both doctors and I was always interested in science, so it wasn't too hard of a decision for me.

I went to college fairly open minded though. In addition to science, I had an interest in art and acting, which I think eventually attracted me to what I'm doing now in plastic surgery.

What made you choose Drexel University College of Medicine?

Well, it's close to home so there was comfort in that. Also, my dad is on faculty, so I knew a lot about the school and the quality of the medical students he was working with on a regular basis. He's a pediatrician and has third-year medical students rotate through his practice in South Jersey. I was very impressed by the school on my interview day and knew after I left it was the right fit for me.

Do you think the College of Medicine did a good job preparing you for residency?

Definitely. I got the best education I could ask for and that ultimately got me to where I want to be. I'm doing a plastic surgery residency in California and couldn't be happier. I owe that to Drexel for helping me get here.

What do you think sets Drexel apart from other medical schools?

There's a level of comradery among the students and faculty that I don't think you see at other medical schools. The school is also big enough where you meet a lot of different people and that's a huge benefit.

There's a lot of diversity in the rotations. I got to work in some great hospitals. There's Hahnemann in Center City, but you're also able to get out of the big metropolitan hospitals. It gives you a broad range of experiences and you get to work in a lot of different health systems. You learn what fits with you and what doesn't. It's just a well-rounded experience overall.

I rotated through a lot of small community hospitals and that was awesome because it was more hands-on. I also think I got more exposure to plastic surgery than I would have at other schools. There's a lot of diversity here but you're also able to gravitate to what you like. I ultimately got a great learning base for the career I wanted.

Outside of the classroom, did you participate in any extracurricular activities here?

I was class president for four years, so I did a lot with the Student Government Association. I also did a lot of recreational activities.

We had a flag football team every year. I played floor hockey. I played intramural basketball. We had a team for practically every season.

What was nice about Drexel was that you're integrated in this big university and there's always something going on. I liked being in that type of college atmosphere. There's really not some big barrier between the graduate and undergraduate students. Even though I was taking classes at East Falls and living in Center City, I would go study at the University City library or go to the gym there.

What kind of responsibilities did you have as class president?

I organized fundraising drives, helped set up social events with our social chairs, and obtained study plans and materials for board exams. In addition, I met with the administrators every month to voice student concerns and give input. Something I'm most proud of and hope to build on its legacy in the future, is the establishment of a scholarship with the class of 1964. Hopefully in a few years, the scholarship will allow the next generation of medical students to have the same great experience I had at Drexel with greater financial security.

Do you have any advice for current or potential students?

Everything you hear about is an opportunity. Put yourself in uncomfortable situations and seize the opportunity to learn more about yourself and learn through those situations. You'll look back in retrospect and see how much you've grown through it. I think it's also important to stay involved. The more you're involved and invested in your school, the more you'll look back on it with fond memories. If I wasn't involved, I think I would have regretted it. I had the best experience at medical school because I was so involved.