Tell us a little about your background before you came to Drexel.
I graduated from Johns Hopkins in 2018 with a degree in neuroscience. Before coming to Drexel, I worked as a clinical research coordinator/staff research associate at UCSF.
Why did you decide to enroll in a post-baccalaureate program? And why did you feel the Intensive Medical Studies program was a good fit for you?
I had previously failed to get into any medical school after graduating from college, and I had trouble narrowing down the weaknesses within my own application. I decided that the Intensive Medical Sciences program was a good fit because it would provide an opportunity to not only show my academic capabilities, but also to work with advisors to ensure my application was the best it could be.
Since graduating from the IMS program, what did you do to continue building your medical school application?
After graduating from the IMS program, I worked as a surgical assistant and an ophthalmic technician to gain even more clinical experience. I also continued volunteering at Crisis Textline.
What influenced you to want to become a doctor?
I initially entered college wanting to do research. However, after working as a research assistant, I realized that I had a deep curiosity about the clinical applications of what we were researching. I decided to pursue some shadowing opportunities, which made me want to volunteer at an emergency department. Seeing the frontlines of medicine solidified my desire to become a physician.
What has allowed you to achieve your current accomplishments?
After applying to medical school and failing to get it, it truly has been my passion for medicine and my desire to become a physician that has allowed me to persevere. Beyond that, I could not have accomplished any of it without the people who have supported me along the way. Whether it be family or friends, or connections I have made with physicians, advisors or peers, I am grateful for all the help I have received to get to where I am.
As one of our successful students, what advice would you give to current and future IMS students?
The material we learn in the IMS program is undoubtedly important and useful for medical school. However, it is the study habits and learning how to digest enormous amounts of material quickly that I think are the most useful skill I have learned in the program. While everyone learns material differently, figuring out what works best for you will be the key to success in the program.