Why the blog?

When the AAMC contacted me, I was delighted but very confused. Why me? What had I done? Was this some sort of set-up? Was this even real? But, as I thought about it more, the questions I started to ask myself changed dramatically. How could I use this opportunity to benefit others? What kinds of messages do I want to convey? How could following a person’s journey through medical school have benefited me? What are my responsibilities to disadvantaged pre-medical students? After much thought, I think I may have found my answers.

If you’ve read my bio, I think you have some idea as to why I am writing this blog. I’m writing this blog because it is my responsibility. I understand that I am an exception to the rules of socioeconomic class mobility in the United States.  So, sometimes people try to use my story to make the argument that disadvantaged populations just lack the necessary work ethic to become adequately represented in medicine. We all know this is untrue, but it continues to make the struggle for success that much harder for the underprivileged and marginalized populations of America. Thus, it is important to me to make your road to becoming a physician a little less rocky, so that together we may help to diminish the health disparities that continue have debilitating effects on the people of our communities. I want you to know that you have a place in the health care arena, and that it may be a rough road, but you’ll get there. I just hope this blog helps to make your transition into medical school a smooth one.

This blog is going to be about you − the reader, the pre-medical student. Although you will be seeing medical school through my somewhat narrow lens, this experience is yours because your experience is mine. I am you. I was where you are, and you will soon be where I am. I will be discussing the good, the bad, and everything in between. My goal is to give you an accurate look into your future. I want you to feel more adequately prepared than I do when you are entering medical school. This blog may be rough and rugged. It may make you uncomfortable at times. However, it will be 100% authentic. My thoughts, emotions, insecurities, accomplishments, and failures will all be laid out on the table. I am ready to embark on this journey with you; I hope you’re ready too! Next week, I’ll be participating in a pre-matriculation program called the First-Year Urban Neighborhood Campaign (FUNC). I can’t wait to tell you all about it.