1. What led to your interest in medicine?
I grew up in a family rooted in medicine; naturally, many people felt that my decision to pursue medicine was a knee-jerk reaction to follow in my family’s footsteps, but my initial passion for medicine was actually most inspired by one of my family members who struggled with illnesses and disabilities since birth. Shadowing her medical visits, I saw how physicians were not only able to treat and allay her worries and concerns but also heal the family. This observation generated a strong interest in medicine for me. However, what really solidified my interest in medicine were the clinical and non-clinical activities I became involved in at UVa. I shadowed physicians, conducted both clinical and basic research, worked in specialty clinics, volunteered at various organizations on and off Grounds, held leaderships, etc. All those activities provided me glimpses at the sort of physician I aim to become; the clinical activities showed me how humbling it is for physicians to impact patients’ lives through every encounter.
2. Who or what inspired you to pursue medicine?
Like I alluded to in my answer to #1, my initial interest was sparked by one of my family members who suffered a great deal of illnesses and disabilities. Caring for her alongside her team of physicians and medical professionals gave me looks at the humanistic side of medicine and the kind of compassionate physician I can hopefully become.
3. What did you major in and what inspired you to choose this/these area(s) of study?
I majored in Biology. It opened up a lot of opportunities for me to learn more about intricacies of all levels of organization in organisms. Being a Biology major also afforded me a better understanding of my research projects.
4. What activities did you participate in at U.Va?
On Grounds, I held leadership positions in cultural and various other CIOs – most significant of those was my involvement with the Organization of Young Filipino Americans. Further, I conducted research at the School of Medicine and did a year of clinical research internship with the Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences Department of the hospital. I volunteered with Madison House for many years. Lastly, I was fortunate to have shadowed an endocrinologist at UVa and other physicians overseas.
Off Grounds, I worked as a medical assistant at a dermatology clinic and volunteered at various other organizations.
5. How did you prepare for the medical school application process?
I did extensive research on the schools and started writing my personal statement as early as I could to get as many eyes as I could on it. Also, it’s important to get everything ready ASAP – it makes a huge difference whether you submit early or late.
Further, start early by planning which professors you will be asking for recommendations and build relationships with them. An important note is that some schools will read as many as you send them, some have limits, some have strict requirements, some are very lenient, etc. Make sure you cover your bases with at least 2 science letters, 1 non-science letter, and 1 non-academic letter.
Lastly, think about how you are unique. What can you bring to the table that will make admission officers want to interview/accept you over literally the other thousands of applicants with the same stats as you?
6. How did you balance the demands of applying to medical school with additional obligations and challenges?
I took a gap year at the suggestion of my friends and UCS advisors and at the dismay of my parents. It opened up so much time for me to work on my application, secondary essays, and prepare for interviews. It also played a huge role in improving my candidacy and did wonders for my own personal development/sanity. It’s a game changer.
7. Have you been accepted to a medical school thus far?
Yes. As I am writing this (late March), I am leaning towards continuing my studies in Charlottesville at UVA SOM; however, financial aid will end up playing a large role in my decision. Aid offers come out in April.
8. What advice do you have for new applicants considering a career in medicine?
Be proactive, work hard, keep your GPA high, do your best on the MCAT, be dedicated to your commitments, make sure medicine is for you, and most important do not forget to enjoy your time in college. Have tons of fun!
9. In what ways did Health Professions Advising support you in your journey? What was most helpful?
I attended several UCS workshops, including: a resume workshop, a personal statement workshop, personal statement editing with pre-health advisors, mock interviews, etc. These were incredibly helpful to my application process, but I’d say that the mock interview really helped build my confidence and helped me get into my top choice medical schools.
10. Is there anything else you would like to share?
Don’t forget to have fun! Good luck!
