Sunday, September 6, 2009

Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Conference at UTH

What an incredible event! Yesterday, I attended the SNMA Pre-Medical Conference at my first school of choice, UT Medical Houston. It was a BLAST.

Although I am a current applicant for Fall 2010 season, I still gained a lot of great information that solidified my desires and dreams of becoming a doctor. The conference covered topics like writing your personal state, MCAT preparation, rotation through the surgical and clinical center, mock interviews with actual committee members (this was so cool), and admissions information.

One of the reasons I love UTH is they really put in a lot of time and effort to expose prospective students to their campus (my future alma mater). Everyone I've had the pleasure to meet and speak with were most helpful and uplifting. It was very easy for me to get in to speak with the Assistant Dean of Admissions, Dr. Gleason. My mentor, Dr. Armitige is always bending over backwards to point me in the right direction. And yesterday, I met even more helpful constituents: Dr. Love, Dr. Sutton, and Dr. Aisiku all appeared to be very open and geniune.

I really loved the mock interview session, because that is my next step in this process. I felt a great sense of excitement fill my heart and spirit all day. As Dr. Aisiku conducted the mock interviews, my mind was racing and I could not help but think of what key points I wanted my interviewers to know about me that they would see I was born to do this. I was destine to be a part of Fall 2010 at UTH. Well, I am expecting my offer to interview any day now......

The demonstration of how to do an orotracheal intubation was exciting. The second year students were very knowledgeble. We also were able to do mini exams on each other by listening our partners heart and lungs, eye exam, hearing exam, and otic (ear) exam. Very inspirational.

I have had a lot of real world experience, but I would say they are all second to being a doctor. The responsibility of providing adequate healthcare is the ultimate. I know I am up to the task.

Thanks SNMA for a great look into your world.