Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN

Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: B.S. in Biochemistry, Minor in Sociology

Name of Medical School: University of Minnesota Medical School

Favorite Quote: “Anxiety is just suffering early.”

Contact Info: Ndely007@umn.edu

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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 currently a 4^th year medical student at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and will be going into the field of Pediatrics. I have aspired to be a physician for as long as I can remember. When I was young, I was my father’s right-hand man around the house. I would help him fix everything that needed to be fixed, from the broken television to the cracked stair rail. It was something I loved to do. When I learned that a physician, in many ways, helps “fix” people, I was fascinated by the thought.

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

I would tell him to follow your own path and do not be distracted by others. You can and should seek advice, guidance, and support, but the way you will achieve your goals is individualistic to you. Just because someone else did things a certain way does not mean you have to. Take comfort in that. Use their experiences as guides not gospel.

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

Being apart of a program such as medicine is a large undertaking. It is important to recognize that medical school is a heightened level of academic rigor that can have an impact on your mental health. It is important to be cognizant that certain coping mechanisms for stress may not be appropriate anymore. Be honest with yourself and utilizes the resources available to you to make sure health and wellness is also a priority of yours!

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

Submit your application as early as you can. Most schools admit on a rolling basis. You give yourself the best chance of acquiring an interview spot if you apply earlier rather than later. Also, your path to medical school is yours. I encourage you to continuously work with a premed advisor and be confident with your application before you apply. If that means some gap years, then so be it. Medicine will always be there and you will hopefully acquire more experiences that will better you as a physician and person.

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

Yes, I took one gap year. I worked as a Freshman Admissions Counselor for the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Admissions Office. I contacted and built relationships with prospective students to assist in their U of M – Twin Cities college preparations. I also planned engaging events throughout the year to facilitate prospective students and maintain their interest in the U of M. There, I practiced my empathetic and communications skills as I worked with students and their families. I learned many tools that have prepared me for a career in medicine.

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

Vacationed, vacationed, and then vacationed again.

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

I am heavily involved in the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). I was First Year Representative for my local chapter my first year. During my second year, I became Co-Vice President of the chapter. I currently serve as the Region II Director of the SNMA during my third and now fourth year.

Thank you for sharing some of your experiences with us and for your sound advice Simon! You are very much appreciated by more people than you could imagine! Congratulations on matching and finishing up medical school! Best of luck to you as you transition into your residency program!

Health Career Spotlights Home Page

Posted on April 7th, 2018