Hometown: Flowood, Mississippi

Name of Undergraduate Institution: Mississippi State University

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biological Engineering Major

Name of Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Favorite Quote: “I am the author of my life. Unfortunately, I’m writing with pen and can’t erase my mistakes.” – Bill Kaulitz

Contact Info: bforte17@email.mmc.edu

Additional Links: IG: @iamtheflyest

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Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?

I’m currently in my second year of medical school. A part of the reason I chose to pursue becoming a physician was the hard work that goes into becoming one: studying all the time, learning a lot of material, and applying what I learned from my teachers in the clinics with actual patients. I’ve been told before that I probably wouldn’t become a doctor, and that challenged and motivated me to do something I knew I was capable of doing, despite what someone else believed. Another part of the reason I chose to pursue this career path was representation. Growing up, I had great access to healthcare and routinely went to doctors’ offices for checkups and wellness visits, and it wasn’t until age eighteen that I was cared for by a doctor who looked like me. It’s apparent how desperately needed Black male physicians are, seeing that there really hasn’t been a change in the amount of Black men enrolled in medical school now in comparison to the 1970s. Lastly, my shadowing experiences contributed to my decision to pursue medicine.

If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell him?

I would tell myself that I should sit down and create a flowchart of what goals I want to accomplish, when I want to accomplish them, and how will I accomplish them. I think I could’ve planned more properly in regards to preparing for medical school. I should’ve started thinking about the MCAT earlier, sought advice from medical students, and learned more about the medical school application process during my freshman year or the summer afterwards.

What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?

My best advice to aspiring physicians or health professionals is to remember why you started. There will be times where obstacles will come up in your life, or you may even feel like everything isn't aligning with the original plan that you made for yourself in the beginning of your journey. Still, never give up, and don't let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams. You are the master of your fate, and the only person who can stop you from becoming a health professional is you. Keep God first, and you'll never be last.

What is your favorite thing about your medical school?

Meharry is a FAMILY. We argue, we fight, but most of all we love. There’s a huge sense of unity and companionship at my school. It’s even more surreal when you go to other cities and meet alum from Meharry who want to see you excel and offer themselves as potential mentors because of the Meharry bond.

Do you have another professional degree? If so, how has it impacted you?

I have two Master’s degrees; one is in Health Sciences, and the other is in Biomedical Sciences. These definitely prepared me for the material I have seen in medical school thus far.

What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?

The most important thing is to know how you will fund your applications in advance. This is a really costly process. If you qualify for app fee waivers, apply. If you don’t think you qualify, still apply. The worse thing they can do is deny you. Apply EARLY. I believe the application opens in May, but submissions begin on June 1^st. I’d have my app ready to press submit at midnight on June 1^st. I believe that applying early increases your likelihood of receiving an interview. Also, take your MCAT the earliest you can be prepared to take it and do well on it. This also will help with increasing your likelihood of receiving an interview.

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy playing basketball, watching sports (Hail State), going to museums, being a part-time food expert, travelling, and taking pictures with my Nikon.

What do you feel is the most challenging part of medical school? The easiest part?

The most challenging part of medical school would be learning what’s the best way for you to study. Once you know how to study effectively, studying becomes the easiest part.

In regards to dating, what kind of qualities are you looking for in someone?

Integrity, beauty, drive, respect, and intelligence.

What do you do to get through the stressful nature of medical school?

I sometimes stress eat, which I do not recommend. Other times, I worked out, went to take pics with my camera, or just chilled. Medical school and other professional schools are difficult, but it’s never worth your sanity. Take a break, go get a massage, run yourself a bubble bath, catch up on your favorite shows, then get back to work.

What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at your school?

I served as the Executive Vice-President of the first year medical class and as the Keeper of Records of the Kappa Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.

What is it like attending school in your city?

Nashville is the city of Honky Tonk, but it’s a lot of cool things to do here that aren’t country music-related. There is also Nashville Hot Chicken that I rave about. If you’re ever in Nashville, Prince’s Hot Chicken is the best.

Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?

Musicians: Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Frank Ocean, Big K.R.I.T., Rihanna, Beyoncé, Rae Sremmurd, Jazmine Sullivan

Books: And Then There Were None, The Color Purple, The Alchemist

Shows: Scandal, HTGAWM, Power, all the Love & Hip-Hops, Shades of Blue, Insecure, Underground, Queen Sugar, Being Mary Jane, Dear White People

Thanks a ton for this wealth of information Blake, you are greatly appreciated! You are absolutely right in that we are all the master of our own fates! Your words will help inspire those who read this! Good luck to you as you continue your journey towards becoming the physician that you aspire to be!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on October 5th, 2018