Where did you grow up and where were you living immediately prior to medical school?
I grew up in Redondo Beach, CA (part of Los Angeles County). I've also lived in Philadelphia, New York, Venezuela, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates, but I was living in Redondo Beach immediately prior to medical school.
Why did you choose Yale School of Medicine?
I chose Yale School of Medicine (YSM) first and foremost because of the people here. I felt that I fit in with the YSM students that I met during interviews and the other accepted applicants during Second Look, and I was also very excited to work with the faculty, administration, and staff who I interacted with along the way. I was also drawn to the chance to explore the many opportunities provided by the Yale System. I had no idea just how impactful this flexibility would be in shaping my medical education, but the "design your own adventure" curriculum, combined with the resources of Yale University, have proved to be an invaluable asset in this process of becoming a physician.
Can you briefly describe your schedule on a typical weekday?
It's hard to describe a typical weekday schedule for me because every day is different, especially while I'm in my Advanced Training Period (ATP)! Some days I will be spending most of the day studying—usually bouncing between New Haven cafes every few hours. Other days I'm working on research projects that I'm developing and also going to various meetings for the student organizations that I'm involved in or just meeting up with friends for a walk. My favorite days are when I get to go into the Operating Room or the Emergency Department to do extra clinical shifts, so I can keep up with my hands-on skills and also remind myself why I decided to go to Medical School in the first place. However, regardless of what my day looks like, I always make sure I have time to walk my dog, Angelica, an (almost) 7-year-old, 50+ pound labradoodle that thinks she's a lap dog.
What neighborhood do you live in?
I live one block away from the Medical School and York St. Campus Hospital, so it's really convenient to only have to walk a few minutes to work, especially for early morning shifts!
What is your favorite thing to do in/near New Haven?
My favorite thing to do near New Haven is go running around East Rock. It's a really nice area to get outside, take a break, and watch the seasons pass throughout the year. I also like to find different rock climbing gyms in different parts of Connecticut and take a break with friends to go climbing whenever I can.
Do you have any final thoughts or advice for prospective students?
YSM is an absolutely incredible and special place. You really can do/explore anything you decide you're interested in and go beyond your wildest expectations. But I think the most unique aspect of Yale School of Medicine is how incredibly supportive, kind, and generous everyone here is. I have found more of a home here than I thought possible, and I could not be happier with my decision to attend YSM as part of my journey towards becoming a doctor.
I would also say more generally that medical school really is about finding your fit and the place where you belong; there’s truly no right or wrong. It can be nerve wracking at different points along the way, but if you trust your mentors and the process, it will work out in the end, so just remember to take a few deep breaths and find what enjoyment you can out of the little victories and special moments as they happen. A lot of hard work goes into this endeavor, but it's a real honor and privilege to receive this training, and you'll get back what you decide to put into the journey.