Hometown: Weirton, WV
Undergraduate Degree: BS, Exercise Physiology, WVU

1. What made you decide to get your MD degree at WVU?

I am a West Virginian, born and raised. I grew up in Weirton and went to undergraduate school here and I became comfortable at WVU. The friendly people at the University and in the town made it easy to choose WVU for medical school.

2. What is appealing about the MD program?

The most appealing parts are the atmosphere in the program and the focus on community service and rural health. The atmosphere is a family atmosphere where the faculty are not intimidating. They are approachable. The professors listen to the students questions and concerns and take the feedback they are given to make the classes better the next time they are taught. The community service and rural health focus make the program different and unique.

3. What is your favorite part about the MD program?

My favorite part of the M.D. degree program is the community service requirement. I feel it just adds an extra element to the program making us more well rounded.

4. You are an OSR representative (Organization of Student Representatives to the Association of American Medical Colleges) and have received numerous academic awards. How do you balance school, home, and social life?

It is hard to balance everything. You have to make time for community service, hanging out with friends, and so on. You can have a social life in medical school, it will be different than before, but I feel it is necessary that you do because it helps keep you who you are.

5. Do you think being involved in project MUSHROOM has added to your experience at WVU ?

Yeah, absolutely, it has added a lot to my experience. It has allowed me to see another side of medicine and life that I would not have seen if it were not for the program. Being an OSR representative I have been able to see how other medical schools are doing and talk to students attending other schools. Through that experience I learned that the WVU medical students are doing very well compared to other schools.

6. What are your goals after graduating?

My goals are to work in primary care, either pediatrics or family medicine. I haven’t decided which I like better, but I feel that they are my calling. I enjoy being with people and interacting with them and working in primary care will allow me to do that.

7. What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?

When I have a chance I like to relax. I enjoy sitting with friends and being out doors like walking on the trail or reading a book.

8. Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to attend medical school?

The first piece of advice I have is to make sure it is what you want to do because it is rewarding, but it is a lifestyle. Second, you need to pick the school that fits your personality and has people that you want to be around, since you will be spending the next four years with them. Lastly, enjoy it because you can make it! It will work out.

Interviewed Spring 2008
During the MS3 Curriculum