The Orientation Leaders (OLs) have been selected! They will be working hard to make sure your orientation is fun, informative, and welcoming.
Alyssa Lambert
1. Where are you from?
Remlap, Ala.
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
I have always wanted to be a doctor because it combines my love of science and people. As I grew older, I saw the difference I could make in filling the need that Alabama has for medical care especially in Rural areas.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite Birmingham spot is Back Forty Brewing. They have the BEST burgers in Birmingham and the atmosphere is so fun and laid back.
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
It is possible to be a medical student and still have a life.
5. What made you choose UAB?
I chose UAB because they are committed to filling the need in underserved communities in Alabama. The faculty care that the students succeed and work to make the environment inclusive for everyone.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
The biggest jump from undergraduate to professional school is the time commitment. Learning to juggle school and personal life is difficult but becomes more manageable as you learn the ropes.
Sean Drummond
1. Where are you from?
Birmingham
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
Serving other in a medical capacity has always appealed to me but my interest in the field really began with my role models in school. When I was in high school I had an incredible AP biology teacher that really sparked my love for anatomy and the human body. However, his impact on me academically paled in comparison to how I looked up to his character and the way he treated other people. To this day he remains one of my premier role models and somebody I seek to emulate in my intentionality with service to others.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
Eugene’s Hot Chicken. I would definitely recommend the second highest level of heat though. I tried the highest once and am surprised I still have a sense of taste.
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
The greatest reward is in two areas of your journey: the relationships you build and the personal growth you see in yourself over time. School makes time will rush by so quick that you’ll look up and see the volume of information you’ve learned in the past few years. Then you’ll blink again and remember all the mentors and friends that helped get you to that point, and it will leave you with an incredible sense of thankfulness. Best part of the journey, hands down.
5. What made you choose UAB?
When I interviewed the faculty just seemed to care so much about me as an individual instead of just another cog in the application cycle. It was refreshing after going through the months of preparation to get to that point. I also had a lot of mentors from college that went to UAB and attested that this was built into the character of this school. I was sold right then and there.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
Being a professional school student opens up so many opportunities for connection and exploration. Shadowing wasn’t easy to come by for me an undergrad but it’s so easy to get involved when you make it into medical school. The world that opens up to you is a very exciting one to navigate through. Also make sure you know how to dress and carry yourself in a professional manner. This expectation is exceedingly important when encountering patients for the first time.
Anna Jones
1. Where are you from?
Memphis, Tenn.
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
I first knew that I wanted to become a doctor when I was 5 years old. My mom, a research nurse, brought home stories of her healthcare team dynamic and medical literature. Intrigued by the medical literature and the thought of providing medical care for patients, my passion for medicine was born and became a living, breathing desire. My conviction to become a physician deepened as I learned the importance of providing effective patient education, providing positive, healing healthcare experiences, and serving my community by providing healthcare to all. Becoming a physician is not only a passion, but a continuing commitment to serving others with dignity and compassion.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite Birmingham spot is Vulcan! Pro tip: get a blanket and Chick-Fil-A to go and have a picnic while looking at the coolest view of Birmingham.
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
The friendships that you make in medical school are very deep. You don’t realize how close you can get with someone until you ride the struggle bus with them. I can absolutely say that the friendships I’ve made in medical school will last forever.
5. What made you choose UAB?
I chose UABSOM because of the overwhelming support and care that the faculty and staff show the students. My transition as an undergraduate student to a medical student was seamless, and I believe that happened because of the care and encouragement that UABSOM faculty and staff has for their students.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
I have honestly enjoyed medical school WAY more than undergraduate. In undergrad, I sometimes felt like what I was studying was never going to be used in my future career. It is very much the opposite feeling in medical school. I am now studying content that I will use to help my future patients.
Om Patel
1. Where are you from?
Birmingham
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
As an undergrad, I did a lot of work with underserved populations. Seeing them struggle with insurance payment models and accessing appropriate care is what drove me towards medicine. In addition, I felt that medicine provided me with everything I wanted in a fulfilling career: to treat and educate, to serve my community, to contribute through research, and to study the human body and disease.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
The Vulcan Trail
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Entering the profession of medicine is a privilege: everyone doesn’t have the ability to experience what we are able to as medical students and future physicians.
5. What made you choose UAB?
I absolutely loved the environment and support that UASOM had to offer. In addition to this, I had built a relationship with a few doctors and mentors here that I did not want to lose by going to another institution.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
There is a lot of work and long hours involved compared to undergrad. You have to be responsible with your work and a lot is expected of you every week. However, that being said, it is one of the most rewarding feelings to learn about diseases, their manifestations, and treatments. Not many people get an opportunity like this.
Sellers Swann
1. Where are you from?
Greenville, Ala.
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
I always thought that I would be a veterinarian when I was growing up because I was incredibly passionate about riding horses and caring for animals. But, my grandmother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of dementia when I was in middle school. As she began to decline, I stepped into the role of being a primary caretaker for her. It was during this time that I realized I had a profound love of caring for others, and that I wanted to dedicate my life to serving individuals and their families through medicine.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
I am obsessed with downtown Birmingham! I love spending my free days trying new restaurants and coffee shops in the downtown area. Downtown has grown so much over the years and I love getting to experience all of the culture in the area.
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Everyone knows that being a medical student is difficult, but what they don’t realize is that this time will be some of the best years of your life. I have experienced so much personal growth since I began school and have had more fun that I could ever imagine! Getting to pursue your dream with incredible friends supporting you is an experience like none other.
5. What made you choose UAB?
Choosing UAB was an easy decision for me. I loved the faculty staff, and students that I met during my preview day, and knew that this would be an incredible place to continue my education. I was most impressed by the vast resources available to help ensure student’s academic success and mental wellness. Overall, UAB created a supportive atmosphere that I believed I would be able to thrive in while on my medical journey.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
There is definitely a huge difference between graduate school and undergrad. I have found that there are greater expectations and pressures that graduate students face. We truly are treated as young professionals; therefore, we are expected to exemplify that behavior both within and outside of the classroom. While this was unnerving at first, I believe that medical school has truly helped me to grow as a young adult.
Thomas Kozar
1. Where are you from?
Huntsville
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
There are two factors that drew me to medicine. First, I am passionate about working on issues of health disparities and health equity in the United States, especially those that exist in own backyard. Second, I wanted a career that allowed me to have a tangible impact on the lives of those I serve. Medicine allows me to solve complex problems facing real people.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
Railroad Park! It is so nice to have a green space so close to my apartment and campus. It is a great place to toss a frisbee, hang out with your roommate’s dog (that might just be a me thing), or grab dinner with friends.
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
You still have time to be a person! You will spend a lot of time studying, but it is completely possible to have a social life and hobbies. It is all about balance.
5. What made you choose UAB?
I choose UAB because of the culture and opportunities. Everyone here is passionate about what they do, and we want to see each other succeed. I am passionate about health equity in Alabama, and there was no better institution to begin to address these issues than UAB.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
There is a near limitless amount of flexibility. You are completely in charge of your schedule very few things are mandatory, including classes. The lack of structure is a little daunting at first and takes a bit to get used to, but it opens you up to delve deeper into your areas of interests.
Delima Bhagat
1. Where are you from?
Birmingham
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
I’ve always dreamt of being a doctor from a young age because of the relationship I had with my pediatrician growing up. The way that she cared for my family and I set a standard for showing empathy during difficult situations. Growing up, I also spent a lot of time doing volunteer work in India, which has helped me develop a passion for global health. I want to be a care provider in the United States and abroad because there’s value in learning and applying diverse experiences in treating patients.
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
That’s a tough one because it depends on what you’re looking for! If you need food recs, I love El Barrio, Taco Mama, and Pies and Pints. If you’re looking for a place to get some fresh air, I love Railroad Park and Moss Rock Preserve. If you love coffee shops, Filtr and Seeds are the best. For sightseeing, the Vulcan and Botanical Gardens are breathtaking. Birmingham has a little bit of everything, which is why I love it so much and haven’t left after all these years!
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Everyone knows it’s a lot of work, but I don’t think people realize that it’s not all work and no fun. Being in the classroom learning information that will help treat your patients one day is so valuable, and the late nights studying with friends are some of the best nights. There are so many fun memories mixed into all of the studying, and the people you make those memories with are going to be some of your lifelong friends!
5. What made you choose UAB?
When choosing which university to attend in high school, staying in Birmingham made sense because of scholarships and the growing healthcare field. After coming to college, I was exposed to a variety of opportunities that I previously overlooked. Watching Birmingham become a more developed and modern city with a unique vibe throughout my college years only made me fall in love even more. UAB School of Medicine quickly became my top choice for my medical education, especially once I learned more about the sense of community between students and with faculty here. It was clear to me from the very start that the school’s faculty is willing to support students and encourage them to reach new heights.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
People treat you completely differently knowing that you’re a medical student. Whether you’re home for the holidays or walking through the hospital in your white coat, people sometimes act like you’re already a doctor and believe in your ability to make an impact. You earn the respect of people in the community because people know you’re working hard to provide care for others. On especially exhausting days, it’s comforting to know that people recognize your hard work and that the chance to make a difference is an honor.
Ayaka Fujihashi
1. Where are you from?
Birmingham
2. What made you want to become a doctor?
I’ve always loved science, but I didn’t really have medicine on my radar until my junior of undergrad when my research professor told me he thought I’d be a better MD than a PhD. I shadowed a doctor to see if I’d like it, and I was pretty quickly convinced to change course. In medicine, doctors are in the privileged position of helping others manage their health. At the same time, you get to pursue your own scientific interests in an interesting and ever-evolving field. Shout out to Dr. Rogers for letting me shadow him and helping me realize that medicine was what I wanted to do!
3. What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
Red Mountain has awesome hiking trails and a pretty nice dog park too!
4. What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
I think there is a stereotype of medical students being super busy all the time, so many students don’t realize that there still is plenty of time to enjoy your hobbies and hang out with friends/family. It’s certainly harder to do and requires planning, but it is absolutely doable.
5. What made you choose UAB?
I chose UAB because I love Birmingham, and UAB is one of the top schools in the Southeast. UAB is also a large teaching hospital with plenty of opportunities to explore different specialties.
6. What are some of the differences you’ve noticed in being a professional school student (expectations, pressures, visibility, etc.) than those of an undergrad or graduate school student?
At UAB, the school will emphasize that as medical students, we are representatives of the school and of the healthcare field in general. As such, you will be help to a higher standard of expectations and be expected to maintain professionalism in your daily life.