Background
Hometown: Albany, New York
Undergraduate: Le Moyne College, BS in Biology
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine Class of 2021
Q&A
Can you tell me a little about yourself before you came to Drexel?
Yes. I was born in Albany, New York. I went to college at Le Moyne, which is a Jesuit school in Syracuse. I majored in biology there. After graduating, I took a year off and worked at a heart failure clinic back home in Albany, and then I got in here.
What made you apply to Drexel's medical school?
Looking at the website was really informative. It looked like a really diverse campus and that's something that I wanted, and it was a collaborative program as opposed to other schools that might be a little more cutthroat.
When did you know that you wanted to become a doctor?
I think it was in the tenth grade. I kept liking my science classes, and I was really into Grey's Anatomy at the time. I know it's nothing like that show, but it made me want to go into medicine, and I've stuck with that idea ever since.
Do you know what kind of medicine you'd like to specialize in?
I am thinking either sports medicine or orthopedic surgery. I like the musculoskeletal system a lot.
How was your first year in the program?
It was definitely tougher than I expected. It's a lot more work than I could've ever imagined, but I enjoyed it. It is definitely different from college in that you're learning stuff that you're actually interested in as opposed to taking classes that you're not necessarily enjoying.
What is your relationship like with the faculty?
I think it's good. They're all really approachable and want you to come and meet with them if you don't understand something. Also, they get back to you by email pretty quickly.
What is your relationship like with your fellow classmates?
Overall, it's good. You're in three or four different groups throughout the year, so you get to know those people really well. Then you also meet people through clubs or the cafeteria or stuff like that.
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities, such as volunteering or clubs?
I volunteer at the Health Outreach Program (HOP) clinics pretty regularly. Additionally, this year I'll be co-president of the LGBT club and the transplant surgery observation program. Those are the main things I'm involved with.
How is living in Philly?
I like it. There's always something going on. I don't like the traffic that much, but other than that, it's a really great city.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering coming to Drexel for medical school?
I would tell applicants to be authentic and not to be worried about fitting into a certain mold, because I feel like this college really values diversity and wants a lot of different types of doctors.