Hometown: Miami, FL
Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biomedical Engineering Major
Name of Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Favorite Quote: “I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was.” – Muhammad Ali
Contact Info: greenjrcarey@gmail.com
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
Currently, I'm in the second semester of my first year of medical school. I pursued medicine because I wanted to be a source of hope for families that needed it, specifically because I know how it feels to be a part of the family on the other end of the hospital room.
If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell him?
I would tell my younger self to keep going, not to compare his path to the path of others and to keep pushing toward one goal at a time no matter how unattainable the ultimate goal may appear to be.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
If I would have to advise someone that has decided that they wanted pursue medicine, I would suggest they build up a support system full of mentors and peers that could lead them down the right path. The process of getting into medical school can be daunting so there is no need to make it harder by not having the proper guidance.
What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?
A major challenge for me when I was applying was comparing my path to others and placing too much pressure to succeed on my shoulders. I overcame that once I realized that people move through life and mature at different speeds. Although your path may be different than what you expected, your goals will be realized at the perfect time for you and you will be better for it.
What is your favorite thing about your medical school?
My favorite thing about being apart of the Miller School of Medicine is the camaraderie that I felt on campus from the first day of school up to now. It really feels like a family that operates as a cohesive unit that supports one another and builds each other up in pursuit of our career paths.
Do you have another professional degree? If so, how has it impacted you?
I have a MA in Biomedical Sciences from Barry University that I obtained before starting medical school. For me, the journey of getting my Master's degree was a crucial part of my path because it turned me into the student that I needed to be in order to not only get into medical school, but to also do well once I was in.
What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?
I would suggest to them to pose the question to themselves “If you were apart of an applicant pool with identical academic qualifications what would make you unique?” Whether that be a specific path they were on, background, or life experience.
Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?
In between undergrad and graduate school I took about a year off. During that year, I spent most of my time shadowing, tutoring or at the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at the University of Miami.
Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?
I'm pretty passionate about my sports teams which are the Miami Heat, Miami Hurricanes and the Dallas Cowboys. Outside of Sports and School I would have to say I'm a pretty big comedy and geek culture buff.
What do you like to do for fun?
I'm a self proclaimed extroverted introvert meaning I'm a natural introvert that can survive in extroverted situations. So for fun you could find me either relaxing at home with a glass of wine playing 2K or hanging out with some friends deciding our next move for the night.
What do you feel is the most challenging part of medical school? The easiest part?
For me, although I know that if I'm here I'm here for a reason and that I am qualified, the most challenging part of being in medical school is struggling with imposter syndrome. The easiest part is being inspired by meeting and relating to like-minded people that are just as passionate and work just as hard.
We appreciate all of your thoughtful and genuine answers bro! Thanks a ton for sharing your experiences with us and for all the great advice you left us with! You've worked incredibly hard to get to where you are and I have no doubt that you have great things waiting for you in your future! 👌🏿
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on May 3rd, 2020