What is one thing you wish you had known in your first year of medical school that you know now?
I wish I had known that everything works out in the end. Medical school is very stressful and time-consuming, but it also goes by incredibly fast. I would have focused more on enjoying the process and staying present early on.
How has your perspective on being in medicine changed over the last four years?
I’ve learned that medicine really is a team sport. You have to trust each other, be willing to ask for help, and work together. Everyone brings something different to the table, and that makes patient care stronger. I’ve also realized how important it is to speak up for patients and the community, because advocating for others is often the most meaningful part of being a doctor.
What initiatives or programs at the College or in the community, if any, helped you feel supported in your career goals?
After moving to Reading, Pa., for medical school, I recognized the importance of building stronger connections between the medical school and the large Latino population. I wanted students to better understand and meaningfully engage with the community we would be caring for during our clinical years. That led me to serve as President of Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), where I co-led the 2023 LMSA Community Health Fair at Centro Hispano and co-founded a health outreach program providing bilingual health workshops for the elderly Latino population. I also spent a summer working at Mary’s Shelter, a nonprofit that supports homeless youth and mothers by providing housing, education, and essential resources.
What advice would you give to incoming students regarding professional development?
Ask for help early and don’t be afraid to reach out for advice or mentorship. I remember feeling hesitant to do so, but many medical students, residents, and attendings genuinely enjoy mentoring and supporting young students interested in medicine.
Written by Katie Morris
