Reflections on My Journey to Medical School: A Personal Account
When I began my undergraduate journey as a Biology major, the idea of attending medical school was far from my mind. It wasn’t until my sophomore year, during a stroll with my first love between classes, that I had a profound realization. I reflected on the fact that around 400 other students, most of whom were pre-med, were likely outperforming me academically. This realization led me to declare my intent to become a pre-med student, a decision that would profoundly impact my future.
From Biology to Pre-Med: A Turning Point
During my freshman year, I had a great passion for chemistry and mathematics, leading me to consider these as my major choices. However, a significant misstep occurred when I elected to bypass the introductory classes in both subjects. This decision proved to be a huge mistake, as I found myself struggling immensely in these advanced courses. One particularly poignant moment was during a chemistry quiz where my score of 2 out of 50 was significantly lower than the mean score of 8, yet still not the lowest in the class. Despite this, I realized I could pivot towards psychology, a subject that I found equally intriguing.
I switched to a psychology major and soon after, my decision became more concrete when I met a new girlfriend during the Fall semester of my senior year. This new relationship and the support it provided played a key role in my further inclination to pursue medical school. The decision to apply to medical school was thus a culmination of personal growth and support from significant relationships in my life.
The Unexpected Path to Medical School
Initially, my pathway to medical school was not without its challenges. After graduating in the Spring of 1971, I was required to complete additional coursework before I could officially matriculate into medical school. Over the summer of 1971 and the following academic year of 1971-72, I tackled organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and genetics. These courses were rigorous, pushing me to my limits, and I excelled in each of them. However, my journey took an unexpected and unprecedented turn.
A Difficult Turn of Events
One of the most significant moments in my journey was when I took a job in New York City after these intensive studies. This professional opportunity presented a new set of challenges and opportunities. However, my pathway took an unforeseen detour when my very senior male boss – the COO – decided that he wanted a sexual relationship with me. This decision was part of his strategy to ensure my continued reliance on his line for professional advancement. When he attempted an assault during a business trip to Chicago, I found myself in a dangerous and traumatic situation. Fear and betrayal were not the only motivations for my decision to leave; it also included a sense of empowerment and self-protection.
My resignation was immediate, and I sought to distance myself from an environment that felt increasingly untenable. Remarkably, just a week after accepting my resignation, I received the admission to medical school, a moment that marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. This experience served as a turning point, not just in my personal life, but in the course of my professional journey as well.
Reflecting on this journey, the decision to enter medical school was a complex blend of academic achievement, personal growth, and the courage to stand against misconduct. It was a decision guided by both love and necessity – love for the field of medicine and necessity in the face of moral and ethical challenges.