Meet Kierra | Med Student Spotlight
Undergraduate Institution & Graduation Year: Baylor University ‘20
Graduate Institution/Post Bac & Year: N/A
MD/DO/MSTP & Year : D.O. 2024
MCAT Score: 499
GPA (Science/Cumulative/Postbac): 3.26 Science GPA, 3.61 Cumulative GPA
Additional Information: 1st generation, Disadvantaged, 0 gap years
As much or as little as you’d like, what is your story? Tell us about your journey to medicine (highs, lows, non traditional journey, challenges, mentors and resources you used along the way etc).:
As a first generation African American student pursuing medicine, becoming a physician was not an achievement I always thought was a reality for me. At a young age I had my heart set on becoming a physician, however after expressing my interest in middle school I was told “I would not feel comfortable with a black doctor” by a black adult I looked up to. From that point on my dream of becoming a physician was squashed as I thought that wasn’t a true career option for someone who looked like me. I’m very thankful that when I went to college, I picked back up my passion for medicine and I promised to never let it go! After a transformative 3 month internship with a D.O physician, I chose to purse D.O as my pathway to medicine. I valued the person-centered, holistic approach to medicine osteopathic medical students are taught. In addition, I believe osteopathic medicine takes into account the diversity and uniqueness of each person and stresses the importance of tailoring your approach to care. My pathway to medicine has been traditional, but my background definitely is not. In addition to being 1st generation, I am also a product of a single parent African American household. By those labels alone, statistically, someone like me is not predicted to reach academic and economic achievement throughout life. Although I had little to no mentorship and I quite literally knew nothing as I was applying and learning as I went, I am here, I am pursuing medicine, and I am dedicated to creating my own story of success against the odds!
What do you think made your application stand out?: I believe what truly made my application stand out was the consistent theme throughout that displayed my passion for community service and possession of a servant’s heart. Throughout my undergrad career I was heavily involved with diverse leadership positions on campus as well as directly involved with events and organizations within the surrounding community itself. In addition, many of my clinical experiences were lengthy and completed at medical colleges and teaching hospitals. I made it a point to highlight that through such experiences, I was able to fully see the complete breadth of medical education in its entirety and analyze at each stage what specifically what it will take on the pathway I’ve decided to pursue.
“Growing up underprivileged, I recognize that I am the woman I am today because of people in my community who invested their time in mentoring me, and I like to think of my passion for medicine as my vehicle in returning the favor and giving back to communities.”
What do you hope to bring to medicine?:
I believe that at its core, medicine is an act of community service. Essentially, physicians use their skills, knowledge, and talents daily to serve the community and improve a patient’s health. Community service is important to my life’s philosophy which is “give back to others as those gave unto you.” Growing up underprivileged, I recognize that I am the woman I am today because of people in my community who invested their time in mentoring me, and I like to think of my passion for medicine as my vehicle in returning the favor and giving back to communities. I am committed to utilizing my skills and interest to invest in communities, specifically underserved communities and people through medicine. I believe pursuing a career as a physician is my personal contribution to the betterment of society. Therefore, in pursuing the study of medicine, I hope to promote, establish, and directly contribute to more equitable and higher quality healthcare for all. In pursuing medicine as a minority, I aim to increase representation in medicine and serve a visual depiction of what they too can become.
What’s your biggest advice to premedical students?: Know that your mindset is everything and your journey will be unique to you. Throughout this journey there will be many people who try to tell you what you can or cannot achieve, if a class will be too difficult for you, or if this is truly a pathway that you can conquer or not. However, your mindset and motivation is what will keep you focused and determined. As cliche as it sounds, there truly is a way whenever a will is present. Do not ever stop believing in yourself and know that you are capable to make your dreams in medicine a reality.
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