Before coming into medical school, I had a limited base of medical knowledge. As an undergrad, I majored in molecular genetics so I understood the basis of a few human diseases that are caused by genetic mutations but that’s all I knew. My biggest surprise in the first weeks of medical school was the volume of information that I had to consume and process. I remember listening to a genetics lecture and thinking to myself, “what the professor just covered in 60 slides was an entire semester course for me in undergrad!” Nevertheless, I rose to the challenge of processing the large volume of information by adapting study strategies that I had solidified in undergrad. I grew to love thinking through physiology and my interest grew with each new block. I even started to question my initial choice of surgery because I realized that surgery would not provide me with many challenging physiological problems. Overall, I am proud to say that I did well during my first two years – I received honors or letters in most body unit blocks and finished with a letter overall. I studied hard for step 1 and received a 238. I was moderately happy with my score but I felt that it didn’t reflect my capabilities and my previous academic record in undergrad and high school. Throughout third year I did not perform well on my shelf exams. It seemed that no matter how hard I studied or what resources I used, I never did well on any of them. Because of this, I was nervous for Step 2 but I was elated when I received a 257.  I finally felt that my score reflected my academic potential. CEO 2.1

USMLE Step 2 CK myreport (5)-26jupze

One of my proudest accomplishments during medical school was learning ultrasound. I always had a technology theme to my life when I was growing up so I was excited to have an opportunity to learn a skill that combines medicine with technology. Dr. Boulger and Dr. Bahner had contagious enthusiasm for medical student involvement so I jumped on board. By the beginning of M2 year, I could do basic TTE, FAST exams and aorta scans. I always loved to work with my hands so I really enjoyed scanning my classmates. The experience was so much fun – we learned a skill, physiology and anatomy all at the same time. I also started to proctor ultrasound events and helped teach other medical students and some residents. Additionally, I got involved in the leadership of the Ultrasound Interest Group and the National Ultrasound Interest Group. I hope to continue learning as much ultrasound as I can. CEO 2.4

With regards to medical knowledge and skills, I have two main goals during residency. The first is that during intern year, I want to build a solid IM foundation because that will help me understand the pathophysiology of disease states that patients will have while undergoing surgery. The second goal that I have for myself is to read and learn as much as I can to become the best anesthesiologist that I can be.