Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Name of Undergraduate Institution: Baylor University
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biology Major
Name of Medical School: McGovern Medical School (currently an MS2)
Favorite Quote: Oh gosh, can I pick two?!
“You change your thoughts, and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Contact Info: Biosh.b.jones@uth.tmc.edu
Additional Links: My classmates/friends are doing some amazing things, check them out below!
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
- Plan, focus, plan, and focus some more.
- Surround yourself with people who have similar goals—I’m talking study partners, having a mentor to guide you, friends in hard science classes, etc. Not everyone in your circle needs to strive to be a doctor, but having at least one friend on the same path helps tremendously.
- Don’t be negative! Attitude is everything. If you need to push back an MCAT date or adjust the way you study because you failed a test, that’s fine. Being realistic is important. However, do not constantly complain or tell yourself that you can’t do something just because it’s hard. You can do it!
- Taking the MCAT multiple times sucks *much* more than sacrificing to get a good MCAT score the first time.
Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?
Yes. Taking time off wasn’t part of my original plan, but looking back…I’m so glad that it happened. During my year off, I worked as a scribe in the ER at Parkland Hospital, which was a ton of fun…then quit that job to do some traveling before starting school. That year truly changed my life and outlook! I highly recommend taking time off to do some research, stack some coins, soul search, travel, or just chill before beginning medical school. Your psyche will thank you later for it.
What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?
- Save money, and/or ask for some for birthday/Christmas! The application process is expensive, and gets worse with supplemental essays and interviews.
- Get a credit card through an airlines program (Southwest Rapid Rewards Program, American Airlines Advantage) to help fund traveling for interviews. Really pays off!
- Be positive! So many things factor into a good application—make sure you let your light shine bright, and the right school will take notice!
- Take some time to reflect on your journey—write your essays based on things that have impacted you most.
- Make sure that you document *everything* that you did in that app—even if it was only a one time, 2 hour event, a case report, or something non-medical! In fact, they love the nonmedical stuff (whether that be sports, volunteer projects, being an RA, music)—put it all out there, because it’s all important and enriching to your journey as a future physician!
What do you like to do for fun?
I like all things adventure, food, travel and music. Although I don’t play much anymore, I’ve attended concerts at the Houston Symphony Orchestra and caught some other concerts at the Miller Outdoor Theater. I traveled a bit during school (very possible!), which of course leads to all kinds of stories and fun memories! It’s also a great way to blow off steam, especially after a harrowing round of exams. I also love trying new foods (Houston’s great for foodies) and trying new things in general.
What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at your school?
I currently serve as the Region 3 (#trifecta) Research Liaison and Vice President of the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), which has been an overall great learning experience for me. Lots of networking, traveling, idea-pitching and leadership building have come from both positions thus far!
I’m also involved in AMSA, the American Medical Student Association, as the VP of External Affairs. The main thing has been helping with the first annual McGovern’s Got Talent Show and learning a ton about patient advocacy and how social determinants of health afflict different patient demographics, and a lot more!
I also occasionally volunteer for Casa de Maria or with HOMES clinic. Our school also has us do Service Day once every semester, where I helped package food with Meals on Wheels and Center Houston. I also enjoy doing any other small volunteer opportunity that I can get my hands on.
Thank you so much for your great advice and for sharing some of your experiences with us Biosha! I really hope that the readers of this feature take your words of wisdom to heart and are able to better their own experiences as a result! You are very much appreciated!
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Posted on February 28th, 2018