Hometown: Saint Louis, MO
Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College:
Major: Microbiology & Immunology; Minors: Chemistry, Spanish
Name of Medical School: University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Favorite Quote: “I breathe in my courage and exhale my fear”
Contact Info: Email – l.johnson16@umiami.edu
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
I am currently a second year medical student; however, at this point I have not chosen my specialty yet. I chose a career in medicine because the job of a physician is very unique and powerful. The intelligence that it takes to become a physician has to be matched with the willingness to do the work and the desire to change/save lives. Soon I will be in the position where I can use what I was blessed with to make a difference and I cannot wait.
If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell her?
I would tell myself to relax. When I first got to college I was so concerned with wanting to be involved in everything while getting perfect grades and I ended up stressing myself out. I definitely put more pressure myself than anyone else puts on me. Once I started letting go and having fun I became so much happier, and my grades never suffered.
What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?
Be confident in yourself and your application. Focus on the things that make you unique; for me it was being a student-athlete. If you are really passionate about something, make sure that it is at the forefront of your application. That way, not only will you stand out but when interviews come around they will ask about those things and your passion will shine through! You shouldn’t stress about not having one more community service project, one more leadership role, or a couple more points on your standardized test. Trust that you have done what you need to do in order to get into the program that you want to be a part of.
What do you feel is the most challenging part of medical school? The easiest part?
The most challenging part of medical school is time management. In undergrad you were expected to work hard but also expected to have fun. Graduate school is a way bigger work load and on top of that you have way more responsibilities. Finding time to study as much I need to in order to not fall behind while trying to do the things that I enjoy can be a challenge. At the same time, that balance is necessary and I was able to find my groove.
The easiest part of medical school is networking. Once you enter medical school, EVERYONE is so willing to help you in your career and its really refreshing. The physicians that come to teach our classes are always encouraging us to come shadow and you can literally just walk into the hospital at anytime and there will be a resident there willing to teach.
What do you do to get through the stressful nature of medical school?
I make time for who/what I love. I live with my best friend who is successful in an entirely different field of work. It is comforting to know that when school is stressing me out I can come home and hang out with her and not talk about medicine at all. I also started boxing at a gym near campus. I have always been an athlete and sports will always be an outlet for me. Boxing is a new hobby that has allowed me to stay fit and relieve some stress at the same time.
This is some great advice Lea! I'm sure that the future doctors reading this are definitely going to be keeping what you had to say in mind! Thanks for sharing some of your knowledge with us!
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on November 21st, 2016