Hometown: Seat Pleasant, MD

Name of Undergraduate Institutions: Prince George’s Community College/University of Miami

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Medical Anthropology

Name of Medical School: Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

Favorite Quote: When all else fails…DON’T!!!

Contact Info: kwasi@temple.edu

Additional Links: Follow @CodeMed20 if you or someone you know plans on applying to medical school. We offer FREE help to anyone and everyone who may need it.

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

I am a first year medical student and I decided to pursue medicine because I realized my educational potential while in school in Ghana. That, coupled with my life experiences surrounding medicine steered me to wanting to become a physician and help those that otherwise would not get the necessary help they deserve.

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

Stop loafing and focus. Everyone’s path is different, but I definitely feel as though I prolonged my path by not being as invested as I could have been. Especially when I look back on how much time I had compared to now lol.

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

Take a deep breath and relax! Now realize, if it was easy, everyone would do it. There are bumps in the road, but the better you handle those bumps, the better off you will be down the road. Be weary of advisors who are quick to offer alternate career paths.

What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?

Getting sent to Ghana when I was young was challenging because I had to adjust to being in a new place all while still managing to show improvement in my education. I overcame when I realized how fortunate I am to be in the position I am and to see how much opportunity was afforded me simply by being born in the United States. I could not take anything for granted.

What is your favorite thing about your medical school?

Diversity. We have 29 black students, and 14 black males so I have a solid community here at Temple.

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

NETWORK! Often times people get caught up in the numbers, when a good amount of the time, it’s not what you know but who you know.

Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?

I received my MS in Biomedical Science and did cancer research at the NIH.

Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?

I just like helping people. I started A Way Out through Learning (AWOL) to engage inner city youth in STEM. Now, myself along with two friends started C.O.D.E Med to help minority applicants through the application process.

What do you like to do for fun?

I play sports, watch movies and TV.

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

The most challenging part is figuring out how to be efficient with your time. The easiest part is being able to talk to people who understand me.

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

I taught at G. James Gholson, my old middle school that ironically kicked me out.

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

I play basketball and flag football.

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

I just recently became SGA Community Service Representative.

What is it like attending school in your city?

Philly reminds me of home in some ways. I like it.

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

Being Basilues of my chapter of Omega Psi Phi gave me leadership and time-management skills I otherwise would not have had. They have helped me in my ability to network, plan, and execute.

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

Law abiding citizen is my favorite movie of all time. Snowfall is my favorite show right now.

Thank you for your genuine and motivating answers Kwasi! It’s so dope to see how your eclectic experiences have shaped you into the man you are today! I have no doubt that you will evolve into a remarkable physician-leader. Continue inspiring others and I’m looking forward to witnessing all of the great things in store for you!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on November 17th, 2019