Cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellow
Cleveland Clinic

I was born and raised in Baltimore and studied public health during undergraduate and graduate schools. I chose to attend the Wayne State University School of Medicine because of the similarities between Detroit and Baltimore as far as public health problems. The school is known for producing clinically strong medical students. The ability to train at a county hospital allowed me to see pathology that would strengthen my clinical skills while serving the population that drew me to medicine, namely minority and underserved patients. The students are known to be actively involved in the Detroit community, serving patients who do not have access to quality health care.

My experience at the Wayne State University School of Medicine prepared me to be a competent and compassionate physician. Even though Wayne is a large medical school, I never felt like a number. I was embraced. The deans, administrators and counselors knew my name and constantly identified opportunities that helped me excel – it felt like a family. The bonds I created allowed me to strive during medical school, any many of those bonds are still intact – including my study group and counselors. The programming enhanced my experience. I was very involved with the Black Medical Association and Reach Out to Youth. The clinical experience for a medical student is unmatched.

The school and the medical alumni are committed to improving diversity and partnering with the local Detroit community. The Post Baccalaureate Program is the oldest in the country and has allowed students who may not have been considered for admission to medical school an opportunity to become physicians. I think it is important for potential students, especially African American students, to understand the institution’s commitment to diversity when applying to medical school. This is reflected not only by the matriculants, but the leadership at the medical school and institution. My decision to attend Wayne was largely influenced by the presence of Dr. Silas Norman, who was a strong advocate for African American students.

The strong Black Medical Association alumni network holds the school accountable as far a diversity efforts and involvement in the community, and the BMA alumni were supportive while I was a student and even now. Wayne fostered a family environment and listened to concerns of all students. Wayne and the medical alumni are committed to improving diversity and partnering with the local Detroit community.

 

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