What drew you to the field of medicine?

From a young age, I was fascinated by Bumblebee, a Transformer that captivated my imagination. I dreamt of owning one, but as I grew, I realized the complexity made Bumblebee an impossible creation, despite what Transformers: Age of Extinction suggests.

This childhood wonder eventually shifted to something far more complex: the human brain. The intricate dance of biology and electricity fueled my passion for neuroscience. My curiosity led me to research schizophrenia, where I realized how much remains to be discovered, and it’s that thrill of the unknown that drives my desire to study the brain further.

My path toward medicine, however, began earlier. When my uncle survived a heart attack thanks to emergency care and the compassion of his surgeon, I was struck by the physician’s ability to combine life-saving skill with clear, empathetic communication. Later experiences in volunteering, shadowing, and working as a first responder crystallized my commitment to medicine and taught me the qualities that a doctor embodies. I hope to carry those lessons forward as I continue learning and caring for others.

What are your plans after attending medical school?

After attending medical school, I plan to immerse myself in the field of neuroscience further, as I am deeply interested in exploring the brain and nervous system from both clinical and research perspectives. I look forward to gaining exposure through shadowing and clinical experiences and understanding whether a surgical or non-surgical specialty is the best fit for me. I also hope to contribute to neuroscience research throughout my undergraduate and medical school years, with the goal of deepening my knowledge while also engaging in meaningful work that advances the field.