Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
I wanted to make a difference at the individual level to improving health disparities that exist along sociodemographic lines.
What were some meaningful extracurricular activities that you were involved in while at UConn?
Joining the executive board of UNICEF at UConn was a great experience for me to see the power of public health and campaigns to improve children’s well being. Additionally, I enjoyed my time volunteering at Windham Hospital.
What did you do during your growth year(s) and what did you learn?
I spent two years pursuing my Masters of Public Health in epidemiology at Columbia University, and then took another year while applying to medical school and working on healthcare policy. My graduate education tremendously shaped my view of the world and made me into who I am today. My interests in social epidemiology and health policy stem from the mentors in graduate school I was fortunate to have.
What are some ways that you take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing?
Take the time to engage in activities that you enjoy and remember that your health and wellbeing comes before everything. Although your success in school is important, it’s all meaningless if you don’t take care of yourself physically and mentally. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and loved ones if you need it.
What advice do you have for aspiring pre-health students?
Seek out guidance from as many people as possible and hear their life stories. Don’t be afraid to create your own path and merge your interests with healthcare.
What’s something that you wish you knew when you were in college?
I wish I knew that medicine is not necessarily a cookie cutter field. In college, I was so focused on being the right “pre med” student that I boxed myself into a corner and didn't allow myself to explore opportunities in coursework or extracurriculars that interested me but may not have added to my candidacy as a “pre med” student. I wish I took time to explore classes, organizations, and interact more with others from different things backgrounds and take advantage of all that UConn has to offer. Undergrad is the time to explore, take classes that expand your mind and make you question the world and who you are, find friends who shape your view of the world and look out for your best interests, and seek mentors who will guide you to where you hope to one day be. Make the most out of it because the wonders of undergrad go by in the nick of time!