From Los Angeles to the Wasatch Front
I grew up in Los Angeles, so moving out to Utah for medical school was a bit of a change, but I have enjoyed every minute of it! I like experiencing the different seasons and getting to enjoy a few outdoor activities like hiking and pickleball with friends. Being able to see the mountains and snow from my apartment and the NoordaCOM campus is something that I miss whenever I go back to California.
Life Outside the Classroom
Some of my interests outside of medical school include singing, dancing, cooking and baking. By enjoying these activities, I have been able to continue growing my confidence and connecting with others. These hobbies also help in balancing the busy schedule of medical school by providing scheduled relaxation time and productive meal prepping for the upcoming week.
A Calling Rooted in Family
From a very young age, I have always been intrigued by medicine and enjoyed learning about science. The moment that inspired me to become a physician was seeing how medical professionals worked together to care for my grandparents, who experienced health issues, including strokes and heart failure. My drive to become a physician was further solidified when working for two large medical centers and shadowing a physician at an urgent care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Road to Medical School
Prior to medical school, I completed my undergraduate studies at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles, California, earning a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in biochemistry. Later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I returned to LMU and earned a Master of Science in healthcare systems engineering before applying to medical school. Through undergraduate microbiology research and an internship with IVF clinics, where I also completed my master’s degree thesis, my decision to pursue medicine was further solidified.
Why NoordaCOM
I was drawn to NoordaCOM because of the school’s mission and vision. The aspect of becoming an effective leader in osteopathic medicine while having a servant’s heart resonated with my future goals. During the NoordaCOM interview process, this interest was further deepened when I learned more about the student-centered education style, including study pods and a focus on mental health.
A Future in Family Medicine
My past experiences working in an emergency department, a psychiatric ward and at an urgent care strengthened my interest in focusing on a future specialty that integrates several patient populations in terms of demographics, healthcare diagnoses and acuity levels. I believe that family medicine is a specialty that brings all of these interests together.
I have always prioritized having an effective work-life balance to be able to connect with my family and friends, and I have seen the positive aspects of that connection firsthand through my own experiences as a patient. Learning more about healthcare systems engineering during my master’s degree also helped me realize that there are unintentional gaps in the current healthcare system that may increase challenges for patients, on top of social determinants of health. I aspire to use my education and personal values to help reduce these challenges, and I would like to provide an efficient continuity of care with my future patients.
Staying Grounded
A few ways that I stay grounded and motivated during medical school include listening to music, meditating and planning social outings with Noorda friends. Throughout this process, I stay connected to myself through a weekly wellness check-in with NoordaCOM and by communicating with family and others in my support system.
Advice for Aspiring Physicians
My advice for students looking to pursue medical school is to stay focused and not let challenges deter them from their end goal of becoming a physician. The path to medical school and the daily schedule of a medical student is NOT an easy one, but it is doable as long as you stay determined. Remember that hardships experienced along the way will only make you stronger!
