As newly admitted students navigating your way into medical school, oftentimes, the most beneficial information you can receive will come from those who have most recently been in your shoes. Therefore, every year we recruit first year medical students to serve as our Vital Signs Contributors, helping us to provide student insight.
We are so thrilled to introduce to you this cycle’s Vital Signs Co-Contributors: Gavin, Elena, Kayla, Laci, and Nayana.
Gavin Baker
Where are you from?
Alabaster, AL
Where did you complete your undergrad?
UAB - Go Blazers!
What made you want to become a physician?
To me medicine is unique in that you get to do a lot of hands-on work that directly applies scientific concepts for the benefit of patients.
What made you choose the UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
I really enjoyed my undergrad at UAB and in Birmingham. Also, the opportunities and support you receive at UAB Heersink is far greater than any other school I considered.
What is your favorite thing about UAB Heersink?
I'm always impressed by how my fellow students at UAB Heersink go above and beyond to support one another. From forming study groups to providing encouragement and support for projects in and outside of the classroom, there's a sense of unity and solidarity that creates a supportive and nurturing environment for everyone.
What do you like to do outside of medical school?
In my free time I like to hang out with friends, exercise, cook and play video games. I have been part of the same trivia group for the past 3 years and so far, we have finished in 2nd place more than a dozen times but have yet to finish first (which is currently my life’s goal). There are also several trails around town where you can ‘escape’ city life and relax without having to drive too far.
What is something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Relax more, take a longer vacation, and generally do not worry about anything until well after orientation. However, if you want a good parking pass buy it on the day of release, not the next day, day of.
What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
I frequently go to the Vulcan Trail and Red Mountain a lot, especially on the weekends. I enjoy going to the many breweries around town, particularly Trim Tab and Ferus. Birmingham has a lot to offer so there’s always new places to explore.
What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
It took me awhile to get adjusted to the amount of content but it’s really doable and not something to be worried about. You just have to stay on top of things and that changes week to week. One week you may be studying 9-5 and the next maybe only 2 hours a day; it can be really variable so make sure you look at the schedule and plan ahead.
Kayla Baker
Where are you from?
Childersburg, AL
Where did you complete your undergrad?
The number one HBCU, Tuskegee University where we ball and parlay!
What made you want to become a physician?
I grew up in a rural area of Alabama so health disparities were a common experience. I have a history of many comorbidities in my family as well. I have seen generally healthy people suffer from treatable illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes due to their lack of access to care. I chose to become a physician because I don’t believe that anyone’s access or quality of care should be determined by their zip code. I believe that healthcare is a right and not a privilege so I chose to become the change I want to see by pursuing my medical education.
What made you choose the UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
My mom and I had recently relocated to Birmingham a year before I was accepted to UAB Heersink so being able to stay close to home while pursuing my education was ideal. Also, UAB has a lot to offer in terms of resources. It is centered around a major academic hospital in the heart of downtown Birmingham. You will get to see a diverse patient population with a variety of different conditions. Our hospital treats patients from all over Alabama as well as the southeast. I chose UAB Heersink because I knew that coming here would help prepare me for the diversifying medical field.
What is your favorite thing about UAB Heersink?
Our newly renovated fourth and fifth floor common areas! It is like a mini coffee shop where we can study or relax in between classes.
What do you like to do outside of medical school?
I have a kitten named Milo so I like to hang out with him whenever I can. I also like to go to the movies and eat at local restaurants such as Roots & Revelry. Medical school can be tough sometimes but taking a much needed break can give you a boost of energy.
What is something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Don’t do anything the summer before medical school! I participated in a summer research program before I started and wish I hadn’t. It was a great experience but I did not get as much rest as I would have liked to before starting. Don’t feel like you need to pre-study or do anything the summer before your first year. There will be plenty of opportunities to keep you busy once you start! Enjoy your summer!
What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
I like going to Hero doughnuts to study. I usually get a latte and sit near a window to review lectures. During medical school, I have definitely learned to romanticize studying. Sometimes studying at volker can be a little hectic so breaking away and doing your own thing can be essential to staying sane. It’s important to remind yourself to have a life outside of medical school or become efficient at integrating medical school into your life. If you are having breakfast, do a few anki cards. If you have an extra hour or two between mandatories, watch a lecture. Your life doesn’t have to stop because you are pursuing your education. Pursuing your education can make your life super busy but it can also provide you with new fulfilling experiences!
What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
It is a job. It is a lifestyle change for sure. Medical school is not like undergrad where you can study a few hours a day or right before an exam and still do well. Cramming won’t get you too far and even if it does, you will be exhausted. It is better to learn how to integrate more active study methods. Just staring at PowerPoints for hours may not help the information stick because we learn a high volume of information in a short amount of time. Finding study methods that are effective and efficient will help you get a head start on developing learning as well as study skills that will help you throughout your medical education. Good luck future doctors! You deserve this!
Elena Chesnokova
Where are you from?
Vestavia Hills
Where did you complete your undergrad?
UAB! Go Blazers!
What made you want to become a physician?
I loved the intersection between science and human connection that medicine offered. Through the field, I’ve met some of the most passionate and empathetic individuals who want to better how we take care of our society.
What made you choose the UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
UAB has some of the brightest minds that you can learn from, so it was more of a question of why not UAB.
What is your favorite thing about UAB Heersink?
It takes a village to raise a medical student, so I love how students are very well-supported by the school. You truly feel like they care and will do anything to help.
What do you like to do outside of medical school?
I love biking and cuddling with my cats!
What is something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Go travel, have fun, play video games, and hang out with your friends!
What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
My house is number one, but Moss rock is a close second. Alabama has BEAUTIFUL trails.
What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
It is extremely daunting to think about all the studying that you have to do, but it gets so much easier as you go through school. You get used to studying, and everyone is in the same boat, so there is a lot of support. Honestly, I’m enjoying medical school just as much as college because of all the amazing people I’ve met.
Laci Turner
Where are you from?
El Paso, TX
Where did you complete your undergrad?
I attended UAB as an undergrad and got a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences!
What made you want to become a physician?
I always thought I wanted to be a history teacher: I was so fascinated with how the profession combined lifelong learning, stories, creative approaches, and working with a range of students and comprehension levels. It wasn’t until I was placed in my last choice elective in high school, Foundations of Healthcare, that I realized the best doctors are the best teachers, which started my journey into medicine. I want to use my passion for stories and connection to build relationships with future patients, and work towards a future of health equity for all patient populations.
What made you choose UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
I went to UAB for undergrad, and loved how close I was to my mom who lives in Huntsville. I didn’t want to move away from her and the community that I had built in Birmingham, and loved how UAB shared and encompassed my values of diversity, rebuilding bridges with vulnerable populations in healthcare, research, and patient education.
What is your favorite thing about UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
My favorite thing about UABHSOM is the emphasis we have on connection! Students, faculty and staff make such an effort to get to know one another and take the time to build relationships. I also love the LC’s (learning communities) that we have, and I am a proud Harrison hedgehog!!
What do you like to do outside of medical school?
One of my many love languages is picnics! When it’s warm, I love hopping around to different parks in the city with my friends and just enjoying their company. Sometimes we’ll all read different books together, play volleyball, or go for walks while we’re there. I also have the most amazing mini golden-doodle in the world named Willow! We go for lots of hot girl walks, pup cups, and play dates with her friends from doggy daycare.
What advice would you give to students the summer before their first year?
Do NOT study! Spend time doing things you love and with people you love! Learn some new things, try new recipes, go on picnics, and binge watch Harry Potter. You will be studying the rest of your life, so enjoy this time to just be. Call your grandparents, find some new coffee shops, read the books you’ve never had time to, and celebrate the amazing accomplishment of getting accepted into medical school!
What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite spot in Birmingham is The General! It is vastly underrated, but I love studying or meeting up with friends here. They have amazing pastries from Last Call Baking, and walking in you always feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. They have a small homegoods store inside, and a lovely greenhouse plant store outside - the best of both worlds!
What made you choose your campus?
My campus for clinical rotations is Huntsville (AKA Rocket City). My mom currently lives in Huntsville, so that definitely influenced my decision - but overall I was drawn to Huntsville since I’ve heard so many good things about the regional campuses! As a third year medical student in Huntsville, you are first-assist for a lot of things and gain more hands-on experience delivering babies, handling patient interactions, and conducting physical exams. Additionally, you develop closer relationships with preceptors and physicians, and it truly feels like a family!
What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Imposter syndrome is real! Even if you feel qualified now, there will be times where you compare yourself to your classmates and feel inadequate or just not enough given everyone’s various accomplishments, degrees, research, and experiences. I didn’t expect to feel this way since I have always been at the top of my class, but it happens to everyone. However, when you do feel this way, it's important to remember that you were hand-picked out of thousands of applicants, and that multiple people believed you would be a great physician and bring something unique and special to your class! You have knowledge, experience, skills, and perspective that no one else has - and that is your superpower.
Nayana Vuppala
Where are you from?
Huntsville, AL
Where did you complete your undergrad?
I went to Washington University in St. Louis and double majored in Spanish and Neuroscience!
What made you want to become a physician?
As a medical student and future physician, I want to advocate for all patients and their individual needs to foster a compassionate environment where they are safe to receive equitable care.
What made you choose UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
I have been away from home for 5 years since I took a gap year to work and get my master’s in public health, so coming back home felt like the right decision. On top of early clinical exposure and leadership opportunities, I also was really interested in the Primary Care Track program which was unique in integrating medical students into healthcare teams their first summer in Tuscaloosa.
What is your favorite thing about UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
My favorite thing about UABHSOM is the people. From day one, the faculty, staff, and other students have made me feel heard and supported! There are so many resources to help you succeed and everyone in our class is so willing to help, which makes medical school less daunting. I can’t stop raving about my LC because I love the people in mine!
What do you like to do outside of medical school?
My all-time favorite thing to do outside of medical school is explore Birmingham since I’ve never lived here or had the time to when visiting! There’s lots of trails and parks which is awesome when I want to walk and get some fresh air! There are also lots of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, which speak to the foodie in me, and are great places to relax post-exam with friends!
What advice would you give to students the summer before their first year?
I would say relax, travel, cook, sleep, etc. Do whatever makes you happy, but don’t study or stress. There’s plenty of time to focus in and study during medical school, so I would advise y’all to live life and make memories! Take time to visit and check-in on friends, spend time with your family, read that book you’ve been wanting to read, binge watch an entire TV show series, or sleep all the time and become nocturnal! You deserve the break and time to do what you want!
What is your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite spot in Birmingham is DIY Crafts in Homewood since you can paint your own pottery, bring friends, and relax after a long day. I love making things that I can keep forever and enjoy arts and crafts so I would recommend going there and making something! They give you everything you need, and the staff is always kind and helpful.
What made you choose your campus?
My campus for third year rotations is Tuscaloosa, AL! I choose to be in the Primary Care Track because I’m passionate about bridging healthcare inequalities and working with underserved communities. Something that I love about being Tuscaloosa campus is how they have structured our third-year curriculum to include a longitudinal integrated clerkship. I also was drawn to how our clinical rotations are one-on-one experiences where we get to learn from community healthcare leaders and get more hands-on experience in each specialty.
What is something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Since the curriculum isn’t semester-based but block and module-based, your schedule changes block to block or module to module. It can be difficult to stick to a set schedule since the lectures per day might change or the number of mandatories changes per day. To me, this just means that I can try new things and plan out my free time as I go rather than plan too far ahead and get stressed in the moment. I like that my friends and I have the same schedule, so planning activities in our free time stays coordinated even if the schedule changes and everyone is experiencing the schedule-funk at the same time.