Where did you grow up and where were you living immediately prior to medical school?
I've lived in a few places! Spent half of my life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—then moved to South Carolina during high school. After that I went to Duke University in North Carolina and also did a semester in Sydney, Australia. I've also spent time living in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which is where most of my family lives. I took one gap year before med school, working remotely from my family home.
Why did you choose Yale School of Medicine?
After my interview day, Yale became my number one choice. I chose it because of the flexibility of the curriculum and the emphasis on student wellness, the collaborative environment, and the availability of resources and connections. I've always been involved in many things outside of medicine, and I loved that Yale would be somewhere that gave me the room to continue exploring my artistic side, leadership roles, and research, while still having time to perform well in classes. For example, in my first year I continued my job as a communications fellow for an arts and health non-profit, performed in the Fourth Year Show, and led a couple of student groups. I also went on multiple trips and saw my family often!
Can you briefly describe your schedule on a typical weekday?
I'm currently in surgery clerkship rotations! I've been going to the hospital at different times depending on the case but typically between 6 and 7 a.m. I get a couple brief breaks during the day, eat with whichever friends I find in the hospital atrium. Whenever my team dismisses me, I go home, which is also super variable based on which rotation/service you're on. Could be 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 8 p.m., etc. Right when I leave I study a little and do some work, just based on what I feel up to since we don't have shelf exams. I EAT, FaceTime or in person debrief with friends, call my family. Sometimes I have an event to go to, sometimes I just stay in! I prep/study for the patients I'll see the next day and go to sleep.
What neighborhood do you live in?
I live on campus in Harkness.
What is your favorite thing to do in/near New Haven?
Day trip to Harkness Memorial State Park.
Do you have any final thoughts or advice for prospective students?
If you learn to manage your time well, you can have a very fulfilling personal life while doing well in medical school! If you are someone that can be self-disciplined and have a lot of interests, Yale could be really great for you.