What drew you to the field of medicine?

I grew up with the opportunity to frequently observe a physician characterized by unwavering compassion in action: my father. I often recall the immediate sense of comfort caused by having him by my side as he skillfully identified the remedy for everything from a common cold to unexplainable cases like hives. While this connection had sparked my initial interest in the field of health care, it was shadowing physicians in various specialties as I grew older that solidified my decision to pursue medicine. Witnessing the same comfort in the eyes of patients who had initially been fearful of their diagnosis led me to truly understand the considerable impact that quality health care can have on people’s lives. This realization ignited my desire to pursue medicine by becoming a source of comfort and support for patients in their times of need.

What are your future plans?

During my undergraduate years, I hope to expand my awareness regarding the current state of our health care system through firsthand experience by shadowing physicians and engaging in faculty-led research opportunities at USC related to topics like disparities in health care access. Although I am currently unsure about what specific specialty I plan to pursue in the medical field, I hope that gaining exposure to different areas through shadowing and clinical experience will help clarify the decision.