Medical Resident | How I got my job & where I'm going | Part 2 | Khan Academy

Summary

A first-generation American from a Mexican family shares their inspiring journey into medicine, which began unexpectedly after a family member's ICU experience. Initially uninterested in higher education, they enrolled in a local college, eventually transferring to UC Berkeley, where they pursued research in neurology. Their path included a biomedical research fellowship at UCSF and a rigorous medical school application process. Now an intern at UCLA, they offer advice to aspiring physicians: embrace the journey with a strong support system, learn from setbacks, and remember that medicine is a team effort.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is a first-generation American with Mexican roots, and medicine was not initially on their radar.
• 😀 A transformative family experience in a hospital ICU led the speaker to become interested in pursuing a career in medicine.
• 😀 The speaker’s journey started in a local junior college, where they studied basic science courses like chemistry, biology, and physics.
• 😀 After three years at junior college, the speaker transferred to UC Berkeley, where they completed upper-division courses.
• 😀 The speaker gained valuable experience by working in a research project at UCSF, focusing on neurological diseases.
• 😀 The speaker was invited to continue biomedical research at UCSF for three years after graduation.
• 😀 Applying to medical school involves extensive preparation, including the MCAT, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
• 😀 The medical school application process also includes secondary essays specific to each program, followed by interviews and waiting periods for results.
• 😀 The entire medical training journey, from medical school to fellowship, spans approximately 9 years, with time spent in internship, residency, and fellowship.
• 😀 Advice to future physicians includes the importance of a strong support system, learning from mistakes, embracing growth, and collaborating with others in medicine.

Q & A

What motivated the speaker to pursue a career in medicine?

The speaker was motivated to pursue medicine after experiencing the level of care and professionalism displayed by medical professionals during a family member's hospitalization. The care shown to both the patient and family members deeply impressed them, sparking an interest in the field.

How did the speaker initially approach their educational journey?

The speaker started their educational journey by enrolling in a local junior college, where they spent three years studying general education and science courses like chemistry, anatomy, biology, physics, and calculus.

What experience did the speaker have at UCSF?

At UCSF, the speaker had the opportunity to work alongside a future colleague on a research project focused on neurological diseases. This research experience contributed to their career path, and they later returned to UCSF for a research fellowship in neuromuscular disease.

What steps are involved in applying to medical school, according to the speaker?

The speaker outlines several steps in applying to medical school, including studying for the MCAT, obtaining letters of recommendation, writing a personal statement, and preparing the primary application. After submission, applicants may be invited to submit a secondary application with additional essays before potentially being invited for an interview.

What is the typical duration of medical training and specialization?

Medical training typically takes at least nine years. This includes four years of medical school, one year of internship in internal medicine, three years of residency in neurology, and potentially one or two years of fellowship for further specialization.

What role does mentorship play in the speaker's journey?

Mentorship is emphasized as a crucial part of the speaker's journey. Having a good support system, including family, friends, and mentors, is vital for overcoming the challenges of medical education and training.

What advice does the speaker offer to future physicians?

The speaker advises future physicians to be prepared for a long but rewarding journey. They emphasize the importance of perseverance, learning from mistakes, and reaching out to support systems during tough times. They also highlight the collaborative nature of medicine, where teamwork is key to success.

How does the speaker view the medical profession and its challenges?

The speaker views the medical profession as a fulfilling and exciting journey, though it comes with challenges. They stress that setbacks and mistakes are a natural part of the process and contribute to personal growth.

What is the speaker’s current position and future plans in their medical career?

The speaker is currently in an internship year of internal medicine at UCLA. After completing this, they will move on to a neurology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, where they will focus on diseases of the brain, spine, and peripheral nervous system.

How does the speaker define success in the medical field?

The speaker defines success in the medical field as a combination of personal growth, the ability to help others, and working as part of a collaborative team. They emphasize the importance of ongoing learning and adaptability throughout one's career.