Hello Entering Class of 2021!
As newly accepted students navigating your way into medical school, we understand that, oftentimes, the most beneficial information you can receive will come from those who have most recently been in your shoes. Therefore, many of the Vital Sign issues will include student-written pieces.
Today, we would like to introduce you to our Vital Signs Contributors: first-year medical students Skye Opsteen and Lydia Yang.
Skye Opsteen
Where are you from?
Muscle Shoals
Where did you complete your undergrad?
UAB - once a Blazer, always a Blazer!
What made you want to become a physician?
My original reason for wanting to become a physician stemmed from my knack of being very accident-prone and having to visit various orthopedic doctors throughout my childhood, but my reason for continuing on this path solidified during undergrad. During my second year, I joined a research lab led by an Infectious Disease doctor, where I was not only able to contribute to her research but was also given the opportunity to shadow her at the 1917 Clinic, an outpatient HIV clinic located in Birmingham). Through her mentorship, I was able to participate in research that was directly affecting stigmatized populations (POC, LGBTQ+, etc.), and I was able to see how one truly passionate, caring physician can make all the difference in a patient’s experience with the healthcare field. She fueled my passion for making sure everyone’s voice is heard, and I hope to one day follow in her footsteps as an empathetic, brilliant physician.
What made you choose UABSOM?
As someone who went to UAB for undergrad, I had already grown to love Birmingham and knew that the faculty and staff here were amazing. However, my decision became concrete during my interview day when current students came up to me and truly seemed to care about what I was saying and made me feel like I belonged. The sense of community at UAB is unmatched!
What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
One of my favorite things about UABSOM are the learning communities! During orientation, you are sorted into your learning community, which becomes your family. It’s composed of fellow students from your class, as well as upperclassmen mentors and a faculty sponsor who are there because they want to see you succeed. Mentorship is something I highly valued when looking at medical schools, so the fact that UABSOM has a longitudinal program set up was a huge plus in my book!
What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
UAB faculty members truly care about making sure we succeed. After every single lecture, they will hang around to talk to students and are constantly making themselves available for any questions we may have about course content or any other topic that arises. There are so many wonderful opportunities to get involved in shadowing, research, volunteering, etc., and the UAB faculty is here to help you find the opportunities that you’re most passionate about.
What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your first year?
Try to establish good habits prior to school starting! Having a few simple recipes, an exercise routine, and/or ways to destress at the end of a busy week will make the transition to medical school an enjoyable one.
What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite spot is Red Mountain Park! I make an effort to hike there almost every Saturday morning for a peaceful start to my weekend. There are several different trails, so no hike is ever the same, and the view is amazing!
What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
You can, without a doubt, have a life outside of school/studying. With just a little bit of planning, you can balance studying, hobbies, hanging out with friends, and anything else you might want to do!
Lydia Yang
Where are you from?
Tuscaloosa
Where did you complete your undergrad?
Auburn University – War Eagle!
What made you want to become a physician?
When I was young, I was diagnosed with a kidney disease and got to experience a patient’s perspective early on. (Later, I found out I was misdiagnosed, and it became a bit of a mystery!) However, growing up with positive interactions with physicians and having an interest in science as a child made me want to pursue medicine. As I went through undergrad, my interest in medicine was further solidified as I spent lots of time at a local nonprofit clinic and saw its impact on the community. I also love the problem-solving aspect of medicine and how there is so much variety depending on what field you end up in!
What made you choose UABSOM?
Growing up, I had always heard about UABSOM’s great reputation. Talking to older students and attending a preview day helped me ultimately make my decision. I was very impressed with all the opportunities that UAB has to offer. With missions in primary care, serving the community, and research, I knew that I would have tons of resources and ways to get involved and pursue my interests.
What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
The people! I have had wonderful experiences with the faculty here at UAB. Everyone truly wants to help you out and encourages you to reach out to them. I’ve especially loved getting to talk to learning community mentors and hear about their journeys through medical school and residency.
What are you involved in outside of classes?
UAB has a student-run free clinic called Equal Access Birmingham (EAB) where you can help interview patients before they see the physician. It’s a great opportunity to help out the community, practice your patient history taking skills, and see what the world of telehealth medicine looks like. I also am a part of Cooking Healthy On a Penny (CHOP), which does recipe demonstrations on healthy and inexpensive meals. Right now, we’re making videos to send out to the community, and it’s been a lot of fun helping out with those. Both of these organizations are similar to things that I was involved with during undergrad, so it’s been great to have the opportunity to continue those interests as well!
What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your first year?
First of all, definitely take time to relax! You just went through a long cycle of classes, applications, and exams, so give yourself a chance to decompress so you don’t burn out. Also, try learning some fun, quick recipes to use for when things get busy!
What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
I recently have gotten back into running and love how Birmingham has so many trails! I especially love the Vulcan trail for its amazing view. It’s a great way to get outdoors and de-stress!
What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
The curriculum and schedule may seem daunting initially, but you will get used to it! Once you get your study habits and time management skills down, the workload is definitely manageable, and you will be able to have a life outside of medical school.