Ally Heng, MS1 President
Where are you from?
Huntsville, Alabama
Where did you complete your undergrad?
University of South Alabama
What made you want to become a physician?
Coming from an immigrant family, I saw firsthand how cultural gaps contribute to health disparities. The cultural barriers were too large to establish rapport between my family and healthcare providers, causing my family to become apprehensive about healthcare. Through better understanding of cultural perspectives in medicine, I strive to be a physician who heals through compassion, understanding, and empathy.
What made you choose UABSOM?
I wanted to attend a school in an urban location with a diverse patient population. Undecided on a specialty, I sought an environment that would expose me to a plethora of opportunities. Since UAB is a national leader in patient care, research, and training, I choose UABSOM because it would guide me in tailoring my medical education and future career in medicine.
What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
The people! Everyone is overwhelmingly generous with their time and knowledge.
What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
The camaraderie among peers, classes, faculty, and administration. From the start of orientation, UABSOM lays the foundation to cultivate relationships, reminding us that we’re all in this together!
What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Find an apartment before leaving for a 2-month trip or you’ll spend the first month of medical school couch surfing…
What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
The premier candy table outside of Dr. Van Wagoner’s office.
What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
While most of your friends are adulting, we’re living our best lives! We spent years working towards gaining acceptance into medical school, and now we get to live our dreams. Medical school is filled with firsts – first time interviewing a patient, first time dissecting in anatomy lab, first time performing an echocardiogram. As rigorous and taxing as medical school can be, it is equally, if not more, electrifying.
Clay Pruett, MS1 Vice President
Where are you from?
Huntsville, AL
Where did you complete your undergrad?
Auburn University
What made you want to become a physician?
There isn’t really one event that pushed me towards this career, but I can say the reason I was drawn to it was the unique position a physician has to walk patients through times of change. Seeing how helpful and caring doctors were, as I grew up made me want to be like them.
What made you choose UABSOM?
Growing up in Alabama, UAB has been a place that I have heard a lot about. Medically speaking, it’s where the action is. If somebody you knew was going to UAB for treatment, you knew they were getting top-notch care. You can really see that in the School of Medicine. There is an opportunity to learn from and be mentored by some very experienced and wise doctors here. These people know that the future of medicine is in the students who come through the school and always give us every opportunity to excel.
What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
I think that UABSOM does an excellent job of putting a lot of value in the student. With so many different initiatives in place like Medical Student Services or the Undergraduate Medical Education office, they really make sure that students are set up for success. On top of this, they also really value student feedback on the school’s programs, and actually enact policies to change the school based on this feedback. UABSOM also places a lot of emphasis on the importance of taking care of yourself in medical school physically and mentally.
What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
UAB sees itself as having a big responsibility to the people surrounding it. One of the first days of medical school, we had a lecture about the responsibility a physician has to the patient. UAB plays a big role in the well-being of people in the state of Alabama and even the infrastructure of the state as well. I think the fact that UAB is constantly striving to serve the patient makes it stick out from other schools.
What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Take a break! You have worked a long time and very hard to get to where you are now. Med school is a lot of fun and you should definitely be looking forward to it, but it is also super challenging. Go on a trip! Go hike a mountain! Spend time with your family! Whatever you do your summer before you start, do NOT touch a textbook.
What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite spot is this place called Melt. First of all, best restaurant in the city. Second, it surrounded by a really cool up and coming area! There is a nice park right down the street, some pretty amazing restaurants and breweries, and a cool coffee shop/concert venue called Saturn. Go check it out when you get here!
What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Being a medical student comes with a lot of comparison. You are constantly going to be comparing yourself to your classmates in the classroom and in the hospital. Learning to be comfortable and confident in your ability as a future physician can be a challenging lesson but it is so important for your success as a doctor.
Kush Patel, MS1 Treasurer
Where are you from?
Monroeville, Alabama
Where did you complete your undergrad?
UAB
What made you want to become a physician?
For me, becoming a physician was the perfect combination of getting to work with people while also practicing a profession that is science-oriented. Being able to translate the scientific and medical knowledge that people discover each day to help patients live longer, healthier lives is something that I have wanted to do since high school.
What made you choose UABSOM?
I chose UABSOM because they provide all of the opportunities I want out of my medical education along with the type of people I want to have at my side during it. UABSOM provides the incredible hospital system along with a top-tier research institution. From primary care to research intensive professions, I felt like UABSOM would give me all the opportunities to pursue my goals, no matter what they were. Also, the faculty and students were always welcoming and hospitable.
What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
I know it is cliché, but my favorite thing about UABSOM are the amazing people! From the faculty to the students, everyone truly is there for you during the highs and lows of medical school. During school hours, there is always a place to go where you can pick up a cup of coffee or some candy and talk with someone about any issue you are having that day. It really is a welcoming environment, and it made coming here worth it.
What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
To me, UAB is different than other schools because of Birmingham. I’ve talked about how great the school itself is and all that its faculty and students offer, but the really unique thing that UAB will give you that other schools cannot is the city of Birmingham. The city and its surrounding areas offer great areas to hike and pursue other outdoor activities. There is a great night life along with some awesome concert venues. Also, if you haven’t heard yet, the food is amazing! So many different barbeque places to try, and that is just the beginning. But most importantly, Birmingham offers a diverse population that we as medical students get the privilege to serve during our time here at UAB.
What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
If I could go back, I would tell myself to go out and travel more! I would do a lot of the things I truly love and enjoyed before beginning my first year. Medical school is a big commitment, and you should take time for yourself and have fun!
What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
Wow, so many to choose from! My favorite spot is probably the botanical gardens. It is a great place to relax and go for a walk!
What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
All the great support you have! From other students to great faculty, there is always someone there to help you. Yes, it can be stressful at times, but the school truly cares about your well-being and will help you get through the tough times.