Hometown: Beckley, WV
Undergraduate Degree: BS, International Business Administration and Management Information Systems, Alderson-Broaddus College, Phillipi, WV
Graduate Degree: Pre- Medicine, Georgia State University

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

I am originally from West Virginia and when I was applying my mom was living in southern West Virginia, my sister was at WVU, and my father was living in D.C. Also, at the interview I got along with everyone and they were all really friendly; so it was a no-brainer.

2. What is appealing about the MD program?

I like the challenge and not knowing what to expect with a career in medicine.
At WVU I enjoy the supportive administration, faculty, and fellow students. I was so impressed with my classmates; they are all intelligent and we all help each other out. No one wants to sabotage anyone else. Also, when I applied the school was better than the national average for the USMLE board pass rates so I knew they would prepare me for the exams.

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

My favorite part is the people. Everyone, the faculty, students, administration, all help you learn and support you in the process.

4. How does the Charleston Campus differ from the Morgantown Campus?

In Charleston there are not as many residents and no fellows, so I have more time with attending and upper-level residents. You have to work harder and have longer hours, but you have more responsibility and a lot of patient interactions. You also have more real world exposure and less shadowing people.

5. How do you balance school, home, and social life?

It is difficult, but I try and make time. I exercise and find time for things that I enjoy. I have to be efficient with my time and I try and document what I need to get done so I have time for everything.

6. Do you think your involvement in activities like the academic council, class vice president, a member of the surgery interest group, the MD degree curriculum committee, and work on community service for your class added to your experience at WVU?

Absolutely. I like to be involved in change and voice my opinion. Because I was involved in those organizations I was able to voice mine and my classmates opinions, have a say in our education and help make improvements for future classes.

7. What are you goals after graduating?

I would like to do a residency in either orthopaedics, surgery or emergency medicine in a large city.

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

I like to exercise and hang out with my friends.

9. Do you have any advice for anyone who wants to go to medical school?

Make sure it is what you want and, if it is, go after it. I also recommend taking a year off like I did before applying to medical school. You work hard during undergraduate school to get into medical school, then medical school, and residency add at least another seven years of education. I feel it is good to work in the real world for a year and see what it is like, because my time out of school helped me organize and prioritize my life better than if I whet to medical school right after undergrad.

Interviewed in Spring 2008
During the MS3 Curriculum