So from my last post, I hadn't even mentioned USC Keck School of Medicine at all. And honestly, it's because I didn't want to jinx myself (I'm pretty good at doing that). I didn't want to get my hopes up that I could potentially get into USC and be able to stay in California with my family, friends and significant other. Thinking about the possibility of moving to Cleveland or Pittsburgh and having no friends or family out there really scared me. When things with medical school gets tough, I wouldn't have my friends or family physically there to help me get through it and encourage me to move forward. That was a major motivating factor once I learned about my acceptance to USC
Anywho, I was thoroughly impressed with my USC interview day. As the daughter of two Trojan parents, I had always dreamed of going to USC (and an awesome football team). But for my undergraduate studies, I felt that the cost of going to a private school over a public school education wasn't worth it. I could get a great education at my state's public school and not have to worry about taking any loans out or have any financial burdens. However in medical school, where the cost of a private school doesn't make that much of a difference, and where private schools have the money to offer so much more resources and scholarship $$, I thought that a private school would offer me more opportunities that I could take advantage of. And while USC isn't in the safest neighborhood, it's in California, and only a few minutes to hours away from friends and family.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Monday, April 16, 2012
"The Decision"
So for the past few months, I've been deciding between schools. Like I've said before, I am EXTREMELY FORTUNATE to even have a decision to make. I know very well that things could have gone the other way, and I could still be waiting for my first acceptance. Applying to medical school is a very humbling process, and I feel fortunate not only to have an acceptance, but I felt fortunate that schools had even given me the opportunity to show them why I want to go into medicine and help patients. So...to finally put it out in the open:
The answer to the question everybody some people want to know: LeBron James kozeki21, what's your decision?
Thisfall summer, this is very tough, this fall summer I'm going to take my talents to South Beach Los Angeles and join the Miami Heat USC Keck School of Medicine (Fight on!).
The answer to the question
This
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Timing is Everything
Whoops...I guess it's been awhile since I've last updated. Interview season is now done, and revisit weekends are underway. Fortunately, the University of Pittsburgh was kind enough to fly me out to Pittsburgh and revisit the school, graduate program and meet fellow MSTP acceptees. I was still blown away by the phenomenal organization and integration of the program and the prestige of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. I think out of all of my acceptances, UPitt would definitely give me the best medical school education, and has the best resources to help me find a laboratory I would be interested in and complete my PhD in my goal of 3 years. Unfortunately, it just so happens Pittsburgh is not in California. And in my visit to Pittsburgh, I noticed a couple inconveniences that I took for granted while living on the West Coast (or at least Pacific Standard Time).
The first and probably most important one is (I'm sure you've guessed it), the weather. While it was sunny in Pittsburgh the days that I was there (thank goodness), it was still about 40 degrees during the day, and 35 during the night. In San Diego that weekend, it was 78 degrees during the day, and 58 at night. So as I was looking outside out my hotel room and saw the sun shining down, I got excited. Then I glanced over at the gas station where a sign posted the temperature of the weather outside, and groaned as I saw 37*F. I mean it's nothing that a jacket and pants couldn't fix, but I guess I had a misconception that sun = shorts/t-shirt/dresses. And when we went out to a faculty's house in the night, this other girl from Los Angeles and I ran from the house towards the heated bus for warmth. Apparently, we were the only ones who felt this way, as others mentioned how it was such a nice, hot(!?) night. And apparently, it has been a very mild winter over there, meaning they expect the next winter to be rough...just my luck.
The second inconvenience is the time difference. It definitely makes things difficult being in a long distance relationship where your significant other is 3 hours behind you, and calling each other when one person is free does not automatically mean the other is also free. However, while that is inconvenient, I was more surprised when, come 4:00pm, NO NBA GAMES WERE ON. It's like I didn't know what to do with my life during that time (Obviously, in medical school, I should be studying, but still...its the PRINCIPLE!) It's very convenient, that on workdays, come 4:00pm, at lease some NBA games are on that may catch my attention as the end of the work day comes. In Pittsburgh (or Cleveland) I would have to wait until 7:00pm for games to even start! And who really watches the beginning of games (I guess people on the East Coast?) But most of the relevant games I would want to watch start at 7:00 pm PST...or 10:00 pm on the East Coast, meaning I will have to stay up well past midnight to find out if the Golden State Warriors managed to get a W. Argh. It would seem like I am more upset about the time zone difference as it relates to NBA games rather than staying in touch with my West Coast friends. But I think it's more that I expected the difficulty in maintaining relationships due to a time zone difference while I was completely blind-sighted when I realized I would have to stay up until 1:00 am to watch SportsCenter highlights. I don't know how sports fans on the East Coast do it...
Anyway, now that it's (almost) April, I'm starting to wrap up my life in San Diego to get ready for a new one in ________ (most likely Pittsburgh, but still waiting to hear about financial aid from other schools). Last Monday was my last day at the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic. I felt that my experience there solidified my desire to become a doctor and felt like I was actually making a difference in people's lives. For any UCSD pre-med, I highly recommend volunteering at the Free Clinic. From the patients, to the doctors, students, and my fellow PAP (Patient Assistance Program) crew, I always looked forward to the next clinic. I definitely hope to continue what I've learned there and care for underserved and uninsured patients wherever I end up. My last day was bittersweet, sad that I was leaving, but knowing that my spot would go to some other pre-med pre-health or pre-pharm student who have similar aspirations of helping those who need it. Also, it helps when you work with awesome PAP volunteers who bring you food like 85 *C taro bread and egg tart, homemade brownies, Sprinkles cupcakes, candy, japanese crackers, etc. I definitely hope the best for them and look forward to working as colleagues in the future, whether they go into pharmacy, social service, legal, medicine, whatever.
The first and probably most important one is (I'm sure you've guessed it), the weather. While it was sunny in Pittsburgh the days that I was there (thank goodness), it was still about 40 degrees during the day, and 35 during the night. In San Diego that weekend, it was 78 degrees during the day, and 58 at night. So as I was looking outside out my hotel room and saw the sun shining down, I got excited. Then I glanced over at the gas station where a sign posted the temperature of the weather outside, and groaned as I saw 37*F. I mean it's nothing that a jacket and pants couldn't fix, but I guess I had a misconception that sun = shorts/t-shirt/dresses. And when we went out to a faculty's house in the night, this other girl from Los Angeles and I ran from the house towards the heated bus for warmth. Apparently, we were the only ones who felt this way, as others mentioned how it was such a nice, hot(!?) night. And apparently, it has been a very mild winter over there, meaning they expect the next winter to be rough...just my luck.
The second inconvenience is the time difference. It definitely makes things difficult being in a long distance relationship where your significant other is 3 hours behind you, and calling each other when one person is free does not automatically mean the other is also free. However, while that is inconvenient, I was more surprised when, come 4:00pm, NO NBA GAMES WERE ON. It's like I didn't know what to do with my life during that time (Obviously, in medical school, I should be studying, but still...its the PRINCIPLE!) It's very convenient, that on workdays, come 4:00pm, at lease some NBA games are on that may catch my attention as the end of the work day comes. In Pittsburgh (or Cleveland) I would have to wait until 7:00pm for games to even start! And who really watches the beginning of games (I guess people on the East Coast?) But most of the relevant games I would want to watch start at 7:00 pm PST...or 10:00 pm on the East Coast, meaning I will have to stay up well past midnight to find out if the Golden State Warriors managed to get a W. Argh. It would seem like I am more upset about the time zone difference as it relates to NBA games rather than staying in touch with my West Coast friends. But I think it's more that I expected the difficulty in maintaining relationships due to a time zone difference while I was completely blind-sighted when I realized I would have to stay up until 1:00 am to watch SportsCenter highlights. I don't know how sports fans on the East Coast do it...
Anyway, now that it's (almost) April, I'm starting to wrap up my life in San Diego to get ready for a new one in ________ (most likely Pittsburgh, but still waiting to hear about financial aid from other schools). Last Monday was my last day at the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic. I felt that my experience there solidified my desire to become a doctor and felt like I was actually making a difference in people's lives. For any UCSD pre-med, I highly recommend volunteering at the Free Clinic. From the patients, to the doctors, students, and my fellow PAP (Patient Assistance Program) crew, I always looked forward to the next clinic. I definitely hope to continue what I've learned there and care for underserved and uninsured patients wherever I end up. My last day was bittersweet, sad that I was leaving, but knowing that my spot would go to some other pre-med pre-health or pre-pharm student who have similar aspirations of helping those who need it. Also, it helps when you work with awesome PAP volunteers who bring you food like 85 *C taro bread and egg tart, homemade brownies, Sprinkles cupcakes, candy, japanese crackers, etc. I definitely hope the best for them and look forward to working as colleagues in the future, whether they go into pharmacy, social service, legal, medicine, whatever.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
In Limbo
No, I am not in the Inception "limbo" (although I still don't think I fully understand the movie), but I am still deciding between schools. But to procrastinate for a moment (because that's what I'll probably be doing in medical school, too), I've been thoroughly entertained by the social media in the last few weeks. (I will save all the Linsanity and all the ways I can use the word Lin in various words, most of which wont make sense, in another post)
With all of these "stuff ______ says," I decided to search for "stuff medical students say" I couldn't help but think this would be me in a few years: Sh*t med students say . I could totally see myself saying "I think I have [enter disease here]!" or "Would you like a bite of my atherosclerosis burger?" I have a feeling that at every second look, each school might have their own version of Stuff PittMed/CaseMed students say. It also makes me think of stuff my friends and I say...and I can't help but laugh. I guess I say "dang, dude" a lot to have someone notice it and place bets on an over-under. "Now that's some [enter long enunciated swear word here]!"
I know this post is relatively short, but there's not much to tell until my upcoming revisit weekend at the MSTP program in Pittsburgh March 1-4. I think the city is beautiful and promising. Unfortunately, Wiz Khalifa, I do not know "what it is" but I am excited to find out!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
D(ecision)-Day
Not to be confused with the invasion of Normandy in World War II, D-Day in medical school admissions terms is the last day for people to hold multiple acceptances. On this day, those with multiple acceptances must choose the one school they wish to attend, and must therefore give up their acceptance spots at other schools. May 15th is the medical school admissions D-Day, and on this day, a very large number of spots open up at medical schools across the country and these schools can now offer spots to wait-listed applicants. (It is courteous, but not obligatory, that once an applicant knows he/she would not go to a school they have been accepted to, to withdraw from there immediately to spare other applicants the torture of waiting.) However, if a school starts really early (i.e. Case Western which starts July 11th), they can choose to tell applicants that D-Day be moved up to May 1st. MD/PhD schools where applicants are obligated to attend a summer rotation starting June 1st (i.e. University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon) are allotted an April 15th D-Day. Thus, I must decide whether or not to attend Pittsburgh by April 15th.
Grateful that my top medical school choices think that I would be a great doctor, I have had the past two months to decide between the two schools. Unfortunately, I am nowhere closer to making a decision than I was two months ago. Not that I haven't been thinking about it, but without knowing my financial aid situation at Case Western, I find it hard to decide between the two schools. And unfortunately for me, Case Western's financial aid packets arrive around mid-April, and their second look weekend is April 20-21.
When I think about which school I would want to attend, I feel like I would have so much FUN/learn a lot at Case Western. When I think if UPitt, I think I might be slightly more stressed. I can't emphasize enough how great the learning environment is at Case. Case is known for its PBL (problem-based learning) and small-group learning activities, and a lot of medical schools are joining towards this trend and emphasize a Case-like learning environment. Especially since medicine is a transdisciplinary area, where doctors must work with social services, nurses, administration, pharmacists, physical therapists, etc., a communicative education at Case would really be beneficial to a doctors practicing today and in the future. I really do think that I learn well in groups and think it's beneficial getting different perspectives on how to solve a problem, while inputting my own ideas, and studying on my own time to prepare for PBLs. I feel like Case is the model PBL and honestly think that they do it right, since other schools I have interviewed at say their PBL is Case-like. Well, if I wanted a Case-like education, I might as well go to Case for it, right?
However, FINANCIALLY, Case Western is expensive, especially compared to the education I would be receiving at UPitt. I guess that is the price I pay for wanting to go to a private university. A full-tuition scholarship with a monthly stipend is also very hard to turn down. To say that money should not be a factor in deciding between medical schools seems just wrong to me, especially since subsidized student loans are no longer available come June 2012. Furthermore, the average student debt at Case is over $150,000, and this will most likely increase in the next few years. Location-wise, I think Cleveland and Pittsburgh are comparable: very affordable (relative to living in La Jolla), cold/snowy winters (at least when I come back to California and it's raining in NorCal, I will be the Robin Scherbatsky of my group and call it "beach weather"), great restaurants, and horrible sports teams. I think Pittsburgh would slightly win out location-wise because of the many opportunities in Computer Science/Engineering with Carnegie Mellon right there and the ample possibilities for someone with a computer science/engineering background.
With all of these upcoming deadlines, second looks, and school starting as early as June, it's starting to sink in and get real. It's exciting to travel to a new place and get out of my comfort zone and experience a new part of the country, especially as one who has lived in California for the past 20 years of my life. It's scary too, but I know that I will not be the only Californian at either UPitt or Case, so at least I won't have to go through it by myself.
Grateful that my top medical school choices think that I would be a great doctor, I have had the past two months to decide between the two schools. Unfortunately, I am nowhere closer to making a decision than I was two months ago. Not that I haven't been thinking about it, but without knowing my financial aid situation at Case Western, I find it hard to decide between the two schools. And unfortunately for me, Case Western's financial aid packets arrive around mid-April, and their second look weekend is April 20-21.
When I think about which school I would want to attend, I feel like I would have so much FUN/learn a lot at Case Western. When I think if UPitt, I think I might be slightly more stressed. I can't emphasize enough how great the learning environment is at Case. Case is known for its PBL (problem-based learning) and small-group learning activities, and a lot of medical schools are joining towards this trend and emphasize a Case-like learning environment. Especially since medicine is a transdisciplinary area, where doctors must work with social services, nurses, administration, pharmacists, physical therapists, etc., a communicative education at Case would really be beneficial to a doctors practicing today and in the future. I really do think that I learn well in groups and think it's beneficial getting different perspectives on how to solve a problem, while inputting my own ideas, and studying on my own time to prepare for PBLs. I feel like Case is the model PBL and honestly think that they do it right, since other schools I have interviewed at say their PBL is Case-like. Well, if I wanted a Case-like education, I might as well go to Case for it, right?
However, FINANCIALLY, Case Western is expensive, especially compared to the education I would be receiving at UPitt. I guess that is the price I pay for wanting to go to a private university. A full-tuition scholarship with a monthly stipend is also very hard to turn down. To say that money should not be a factor in deciding between medical schools seems just wrong to me, especially since subsidized student loans are no longer available come June 2012. Furthermore, the average student debt at Case is over $150,000, and this will most likely increase in the next few years. Location-wise, I think Cleveland and Pittsburgh are comparable: very affordable (relative to living in La Jolla), cold/snowy winters (at least when I come back to California and it's raining in NorCal, I will be the Robin Scherbatsky of my group and call it "beach weather"), great restaurants, and horrible sports teams. I think Pittsburgh would slightly win out location-wise because of the many opportunities in Computer Science/Engineering with Carnegie Mellon right there and the ample possibilities for someone with a computer science/engineering background.
With all of these upcoming deadlines, second looks, and school starting as early as June, it's starting to sink in and get real. It's exciting to travel to a new place and get out of my comfort zone and experience a new part of the country, especially as one who has lived in California for the past 20 years of my life. It's scary too, but I know that I will not be the only Californian at either UPitt or Case, so at least I won't have to go through it by myself.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fitting In
In middle school, I tried hard to "fit in." From the Old Navy anoraks to stuffing my Adidas Superstars with an extra pair of socks, I tried to stay in the loop with the latest fads and trends. Back then, I thought that if I just fit in with everyone else, I would be deemed "cool" and "popular." Once I reached high school, however, I learned that "fitting in" wasn't going to get me anywhere. Furthermore, college admissions committees didn't care if you were "cool" or "popular." Since then, I've noticed myself always trying to find a balance between fitting in and setting yourself apart.
As far as medical school applications go, an applicant must be able to set themselves apart and show admissions committees why their medical school would benefit from the applicant's matriculation. Therefore, I can't help but think that the admissions committees made some sort of mistake in offering me admission to their school. Perhaps they looked at the wrong application, or jumbled some numbers around? Did they not notice the businessman with the MBA? Or the woman in the Peace Corps who served in Africa for 2 years? I've always considered myself pretty normal, and can't help but ask "why me?" What on Earth did they see in my application? This feeling quickly passes, and when I realize that there is no mistake, and that they really do want me to attend their school...I can't help but feel honored. "You like me! You really like me!" is what I feel upon every acceptance.
And just when the relief sets in, you're brought back to reality and find that you're the one evaluating medical schools. I can't help but feel hypocritical and superficial (#firstworldproblems). In the first place, it is an honor to be accepted into any US medical school, and I know many deserving people who would love to be in this position. But, now I find myself asking how medical school X compares to medical school Y? How does one factor in cost of living, location, tuition, US News rankings, specialty rankings, and overall "fit." I hadn't really understood the notion of being a good fit for a school until going on these interviews and experiencing the school/students/admissions staff and the overall school environment.
From my last post, it seems like the University of Pittsburgh is the "obvious" choice for me to attend medical school. Perhaps I didn't give Case Western enough credit in the last post, but besides it being a great school, I really do consider Case in the running because of fit. From the admissions committee to the students, my student host, and even fellow interviewees, I just felt at home during this interview. Perhaps it was the fact that Case "sorts" its students into four different societies (the Harry Potter fan in me is jumping for joy right now) or that the annual Doc Opera hosted by medical students benefitting the Free Clinic of Cleveland wrote and danced to "iApply" (a parody of N*Sync's Bye Bye Bye...btw iApply is the Case admissions website that updates applicants' statuses). It was the one set of interviews where I felt comfortable and at ease. Not that other interviews were nerve-wracking or high-stress, but there was some sort of indescribable feeling that I felt when interviewing at Case that makes it hard for me to leave them out of consideration. I can't help but feel that I would be incredibly happy matriculating here. Call it the X factor if you will, but being a great "fit" at Case Western is really important to me and I can't help but consider Case even without a full tuition scholarship + stipend (which is not possible). Not that I don't think I'll enjoy Pittsburgh (by all means, it's a great school with a lot of great opportunities), it's just one of those gut feelings that I get with Case. I feel extremely lucky to even be in this situation, and hopefully the second look (where you revisit the medical schools to get a better idea of the school) at each school will give me a better idea of where I might be headed next year. Until then, I'll be enjoying sunny San Diego (jinx?) for as long as I can since I will most likely not be spending the next few years here. And with that, I'll leave you with N*Sync's Bye Bye Bye (to California :( )
As far as medical school applications go, an applicant must be able to set themselves apart and show admissions committees why their medical school would benefit from the applicant's matriculation. Therefore, I can't help but think that the admissions committees made some sort of mistake in offering me admission to their school. Perhaps they looked at the wrong application, or jumbled some numbers around? Did they not notice the businessman with the MBA? Or the woman in the Peace Corps who served in Africa for 2 years? I've always considered myself pretty normal, and can't help but ask "why me?" What on Earth did they see in my application? This feeling quickly passes, and when I realize that there is no mistake, and that they really do want me to attend their school...I can't help but feel honored. "You like me! You really like me!" is what I feel upon every acceptance.
And just when the relief sets in, you're brought back to reality and find that you're the one evaluating medical schools. I can't help but feel hypocritical and superficial (#firstworldproblems). In the first place, it is an honor to be accepted into any US medical school, and I know many deserving people who would love to be in this position. But, now I find myself asking how medical school X compares to medical school Y? How does one factor in cost of living, location, tuition, US News rankings, specialty rankings, and overall "fit." I hadn't really understood the notion of being a good fit for a school until going on these interviews and experiencing the school/students/admissions staff and the overall school environment.
From my last post, it seems like the University of Pittsburgh is the "obvious" choice for me to attend medical school. Perhaps I didn't give Case Western enough credit in the last post, but besides it being a great school, I really do consider Case in the running because of fit. From the admissions committee to the students, my student host, and even fellow interviewees, I just felt at home during this interview. Perhaps it was the fact that Case "sorts" its students into four different societies (the Harry Potter fan in me is jumping for joy right now) or that the annual Doc Opera hosted by medical students benefitting the Free Clinic of Cleveland wrote and danced to "iApply" (a parody of N*Sync's Bye Bye Bye...btw iApply is the Case admissions website that updates applicants' statuses). It was the one set of interviews where I felt comfortable and at ease. Not that other interviews were nerve-wracking or high-stress, but there was some sort of indescribable feeling that I felt when interviewing at Case that makes it hard for me to leave them out of consideration. I can't help but feel that I would be incredibly happy matriculating here. Call it the X factor if you will, but being a great "fit" at Case Western is really important to me and I can't help but consider Case even without a full tuition scholarship + stipend (which is not possible). Not that I don't think I'll enjoy Pittsburgh (by all means, it's a great school with a lot of great opportunities), it's just one of those gut feelings that I get with Case. I feel extremely lucky to even be in this situation, and hopefully the second look (where you revisit the medical schools to get a better idea of the school) at each school will give me a better idea of where I might be headed next year. Until then, I'll be enjoying sunny San Diego (jinx?) for as long as I can since I will most likely not be spending the next few years here. And with that, I'll leave you with N*Sync's Bye Bye Bye (to California :( )
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year, New Beginnings
Happy New Year! May 2012 bring much happiness, adventure, and prosperity to you all!
As part of my New Years resolution, I wanted to work on my communication with friends, family and significant other. Also, since my mind seems to work in mysterious ways that no one else can follow, I thought that maybe friends and family can get a glimpse into my life, thoughts and perceptions of the world.
I have been incredibly fortunate growing up and living in California from the time I was 5. Spoiled with good weather, great beaches, and awesome ski resorts, why any sane person would want to leave this paradise for 4-8 years is beyond me. But alas, I have recently started to learn that I am not sane.
Ever since the third grade, I loved learning and I loved school, especially the sciences. Going into high school, I loved the human body and I loved learning how a bunch of molecules could form such an amazing machine that is the human body. At doctor's appointments, I would always ask the nurse what she looked for as she took my blood pressure with the sphygmomanometer (try spelling that backwards playing cranium!) and then asked if I could practice on her. But I digress.
Applying to medical school this year has been both rewarding and exhausting (and expensive!). It is a humbling experience, filled with disappointment. Yet the disappointment is trivial compared to the relief of knowing that the past "x" years of my life have paid off as I achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I still get goosebumps knowing that no matter what, I will become a doctor. I feel fortunate having options of where I choose to attend medical school, and know very well that it could have gone the other way. Between four schools that I have been accepted to, I have narrowed it down to two (also keep in mind I'm waiting to hear back from a couple schools)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: I know you're thinking...?? I have never heard of this school...hold on lemme wiki it. Yup...it's in CLEVELAND...(that's in Ohio, btw...the land of the COLD) the city LeBron took his talents away from. It would be a 4 year (top 20) program, and I would be practicing medicine at THE Cleveland Clinic, which during the tour, they just HAD to mention how they were the #4 hospital in the nation using rows and rows of 50 inch televisions hanging every 5 feet (you would think the #4 hospital in the nation would better allocate money and resources). In all honesty, besides it being in Cleveland, I really enjoyed the school, the program, and the Case Western Community from the admissions staff and faculty, to the students and residents. But because it's in Cleveland, I understand why LeBron decided to take his talents from there. Honestly, other than Case and the Cleveland Clinic, there isn't much going on there, besides a great deal of foreclosures.
University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon MSTP program: This is a 7-8 year combined MD/PhD program. Yes 7-8 years, which I realize is a significant portion of my life. Yes, I also realize that by the time I receive my medical degree, I will be thirty-something. But, for someone who LOVES school and doesn't mind memorization and pipetting, it seems like a pretty sweet deal, especially in this economy. PittMed is also a great program (top 15) and especially for MD/PhD applicants, I would have an easier time getting into residency programs in California. Also...they PAY you to go to school...Whereas most medical students have an average debt of $100,000 (public) and $200,000 (private)...if I decide to go to Pittsburgh, I will not be in any medical school debt...which is a very comforting thought. Also Pittsburgh is a MUCH better city than Cleveland...even Wiz Khalifa thinks so...(This may sound weird, but before my interviews, I would get pumped by listening to "Black and Yellow" on repeat during the plane ride...there's something about that song that's just so catchy and makes me excited about Pittsburgh!)
At this point, I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh, but you never know what hail mary can come along and offer me money and an acceptance. But I think it's safe to say that I will not be enjoying 80 degree weather in January for the next few years.
And on this note, I'll leave with Hard to Say Goodbye - Boyz II Men
As part of my New Years resolution, I wanted to work on my communication with friends, family and significant other. Also, since my mind seems to work in mysterious ways that no one else can follow, I thought that maybe friends and family can get a glimpse into my life, thoughts and perceptions of the world.
I have been incredibly fortunate growing up and living in California from the time I was 5. Spoiled with good weather, great beaches, and awesome ski resorts, why any sane person would want to leave this paradise for 4-8 years is beyond me. But alas, I have recently started to learn that I am not sane.
Ever since the third grade, I loved learning and I loved school, especially the sciences. Going into high school, I loved the human body and I loved learning how a bunch of molecules could form such an amazing machine that is the human body. At doctor's appointments, I would always ask the nurse what she looked for as she took my blood pressure with the sphygmomanometer (try spelling that backwards playing cranium!) and then asked if I could practice on her. But I digress.
Applying to medical school this year has been both rewarding and exhausting (and expensive!). It is a humbling experience, filled with disappointment. Yet the disappointment is trivial compared to the relief of knowing that the past "x" years of my life have paid off as I achieve my dream of becoming a doctor. I still get goosebumps knowing that no matter what, I will become a doctor. I feel fortunate having options of where I choose to attend medical school, and know very well that it could have gone the other way. Between four schools that I have been accepted to, I have narrowed it down to two (also keep in mind I'm waiting to hear back from a couple schools)
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: I know you're thinking...?? I have never heard of this school...hold on lemme wiki it. Yup...it's in CLEVELAND...(that's in Ohio, btw...the land of the COLD) the city LeBron took his talents away from. It would be a 4 year (top 20) program, and I would be practicing medicine at THE Cleveland Clinic, which during the tour, they just HAD to mention how they were the #4 hospital in the nation using rows and rows of 50 inch televisions hanging every 5 feet (you would think the #4 hospital in the nation would better allocate money and resources). In all honesty, besides it being in Cleveland, I really enjoyed the school, the program, and the Case Western Community from the admissions staff and faculty, to the students and residents. But because it's in Cleveland, I understand why LeBron decided to take his talents from there. Honestly, other than Case and the Cleveland Clinic, there isn't much going on there, besides a great deal of foreclosures.
University of Pittsburgh/Carnegie Mellon MSTP program: This is a 7-8 year combined MD/PhD program. Yes 7-8 years, which I realize is a significant portion of my life. Yes, I also realize that by the time I receive my medical degree, I will be thirty-something. But, for someone who LOVES school and doesn't mind memorization and pipetting, it seems like a pretty sweet deal, especially in this economy. PittMed is also a great program (top 15) and especially for MD/PhD applicants, I would have an easier time getting into residency programs in California. Also...they PAY you to go to school...Whereas most medical students have an average debt of $100,000 (public) and $200,000 (private)...if I decide to go to Pittsburgh, I will not be in any medical school debt...which is a very comforting thought. Also Pittsburgh is a MUCH better city than Cleveland...even Wiz Khalifa thinks so...(This may sound weird, but before my interviews, I would get pumped by listening to "Black and Yellow" on repeat during the plane ride...there's something about that song that's just so catchy and makes me excited about Pittsburgh!)
At this point, I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh, but you never know what hail mary can come along and offer me money and an acceptance. But I think it's safe to say that I will not be enjoying 80 degree weather in January for the next few years.
And on this note, I'll leave with Hard to Say Goodbye - Boyz II Men
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