Hometown: Stamford, CT

Name of Undergraduate Institution: Davidson College

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College:  Africana Studies, Ethnic Studies Minor

Name of Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine

Additional Links:

The Natural Grad on Instagram and Facebook– Friend started a blog for Women of Color in Higher Education (college, graduate school, professional school)

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

• First-year Medical Student
• I am motivated to pursue a career in medicine because I want to meet the needs of those who lack access to affordable and adequate medical care. Becoming a doctor will not only allow me to become a practitioner of physical healing, but it will also allow me to work as an advocate for social justice and equity in health care.

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

Freshman year of college was challenging for me. I think because I was in a completely new state and pretty far away from all of my family and friends I grew up with, it was a challenging transition. Now looking back, I wish I would have embraced the change more and focused on all of the positives that come with being in a new community. Now, I take advantage of every opportunity I can to immerse in new environments, especially those that may push me outside of my comfort zone.

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

Don’t ever let anyone discourage you from pursuing your dreams or accomplishing a goal whether it’s big or small – I had a teacher in high school that told me I would not succeed in AP science or math courses because I asked too many questions in class. I not only successfully completed these classes but also received my Masters in Biomedical Science and am now studying as a medical student. So with this I say, motivate and encourage yourself but also do the same for your peers on the same path. Seek help when needed and remember to always give back, however this looks for you and fits with your passions.

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

Masters in Biomedical Science – it really provided me a strong background to begin medical school. As a non-science major in undergrad, I definitely have benefited as a first-year medical student having had this exposure to additional science courses. It gave me exposure to subject matter I was unfamiliar with in terms of pre-med and medical school courses.

What do you like to do for fun?

• My absolute favorite thing to do is travel. Every opportunity I have to travel to a new state or country, I'm out!
• I love to cook, hang out with my puppy, Tootsie- follow her on Instagram (she follows back) @Tootsierina
• Love watching movies
• Working out
• Making ice cream

What did you do during the summer before you started medical school?

I started a private tutoring company, tutoring high school and college students in Biology and Chemistry.

What were some of your involvements in college? Have those involvements helped you in any way in medical school?

In college, I started an ice cream business called ‘Scoops of Joi’. Our mission statement is “Empowering Our Youth One Scoop at a Time” because I LOVE ice cream but more importantly I am extremely passionate about increasing equity in education. 5% of each sale is donated to an educational non-profit. This summer, following my first year of medical school, I hope to be able to spend more making ice cream and growing the company! Yumm 😊

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

• Favorite Movie: The Parent Trap
• Favorite Book: “Their Eyes Were Watching God”, by Zora Neal Hurston
• Favorite Shows: Grey’s Anatomy, Law and Order SVU

Thanks a ton for sharing a bit about yourself with us Joi! I really appreciate you taking the time to do so! I also greatly appreciate your inspiring advice and I'm sure that those reading your feature will greatly appreciate what you had to say as well! Also, I'm gonna need for you to make me a “Scoop of Joi”! Best of luck to you as you work on finishing up your first year!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on March 1st, 2017