Hometown: Nashville, TN

Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Miami (FL)

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Major: Biology (Pre-med Track); Minors: Chemistry and Spanish

Name of Medical School: Meharry Medical College

Favorite Quote: “Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself.”- James Allen

Contact Info: Email: nfentress17@email.mmc.edu

Additional Links:

Website: Faith and Follow Through

---

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

I am currently in my 2^nd year of medical school. I decided to pursue this path because this is where opportunity lies. This path that I’ve chosen will allow me to have the biggest impact on my community and eventually the world.

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

Master how you learn best now. If you’re in the sciences, try and understand the how’s and why’s behind everything.

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

Do not be discouraged, but simply make adjustments.

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

For me currently it is medical school. Honestly, there have been a lot more downs than ups, but you have to embrace the challenge. The fact that this doesn’t come easy to me strengthens my conviction to conquer it. You have to be in love with the process – The grind.

What is your favorite thing about medical school?

Learning about the human body in such an intimate way that so few people get to experience.

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

The earlier the submission, the better. Have a few people look over your essays before submitting.

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

Yes, I took a gap year. I did an internship with HCA (Hospital Corporations of America) to see the administrative side of medicine.

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

Sports.

What do you like to do for fun?

Coaching football and training young athletes.

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

You have to maintain positive vibes. You have to distant yourself from negativity, which is easier said than done sometimes. In professional school, your mental health is so very important.

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

I developed a routine. For example, I lift weights and run a lot.

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

Choir and surgery club.

What is it like attending school in your city?

Great! Saving a lot of dinero.

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

I played football. Football helps me stay driven in school and to always be the best me. I don’t let things beat me and get me down. When something unfortunate happens, I don’t dwell on it. I focus on the solution and respond accordingly. It’s helped foster relationships with my classmates in forming study groups. My classmates are my teammates. If we grind together, we’ll shine together.

Thanks a ton for sharing some of your life and perspective with us Tambu! You have a unique background that I’m happy to be able to help share with others, and your attitude on facing challenges is superb! You’re very much appreciated for everything that you do, and best of luck to you as you continue to excel! 

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on November 29th, 2017