UW Spokane Interview

Tell me about yourself

I grew up in Ferndale, Washington, which is in the northwest corner of Washington about 15 minutes from the border to Canada. I’m the youngest of four, with two brothers and one sister. Growing up in the PNW, I’ve been given the privilege to explore a lot of what nature has to offer. I’m in close proximity to the ocean as well as mountains, which has allowed me to get into scuba diving, snowboarding, mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. My many adventures have helped me become the person I am today, and how i’m always seeking out new experiences.

60 second elevator pitch of why medicine and where you see yourself in 10 years

I think my interest in medicine initially developed when my aunt was diagnosed with stage four rectal cancer. I got to witness her go through a pretty extensive treatment process involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, and saw the physical and emotional toll that it took on both her and our family.

What really stood out to me was the role her physicians played throughout that process. They weren't just treating her disease, but guiding her and our family through a lot of uncertainty and difficult decisions. Seeing that made me realize that was a position I could see myself holding.

That interest was further reinforced through my experiences volunteering in the hospital and working as an ED scribe, where I've been able to interact with patients and see firsthand the impact physicians can have on their lives.

In 10 years, I see myself practicing primary care in the Pacific Northwest, ideally in a community with a rural-urban dynamic. Working in two different emergency departments, I've seen firsthand how many patients don't have an established primary care physician and often rely on the ED for their healthcare needs. That's reinforced my interest in primary care because I really value the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients, focus on preventative care, and help them maintain their health over time. Ultimately, I want to be someone my patients can rely on throughout different stages of their lives, helping them stay healthy so they can continue doing the things they enjoy with the people they care about.

Why medical school and why now

Over the past few years, I've made a conscious effort to gain as much exposure to healthcare as possible to better understand the role of a physician and make sure this was the right path for me.

Working as an ED scribe in both Skagit and Whatcom counties has been particularly influential. I've had the opportunity to work alongside physicians with different approaches to patient care and observe the range of responsibilities they take on. I've also been able to interact with patients during some of the more difficult periods in their lives.

Those experiences have reinforced that I want to take on that responsibility myself. I want to develop the medical knowledge and clinical judgment to evaluate patients, make decisions about their care, and build meaningful relationships with them.

As for why now, I feel that the experiences I've gained since graduating have given me a much better understanding of what I'm committing to. I've matured, become more confident in my decision, and feel ready to take the next step toward becoming a physician.

You've applied to medical school multiple times. What has changed since your last application, and why do you think you're better prepared to succeed now?

I think the biggest area of growth has been in how I understand the role of a physician and the communities I hope to serve.

Since my last application, I've continued working in two emergency departments and volunteering at both the hospital and local food bank. I've accumulated thousands of additional patient interactions, and I think I've become much more aware of the challenges patients face outside the hospital.

I've started recognizing patterns in patients who repeatedly come into the ED, and how things like housing instability, food insecurity, and limited access to primary care can contribute to those visits. What's been particularly meaningful is that I sometimes see the same individuals at the food bank and later in the emergency department. It's helped me understand how closely someone's circumstances outside the hospital can influence their health.

These experiences have also strengthened my interest in primary care. I've come to appreciate the importance of having a physician who knows their patients, can build long-term relationships with them, and help address health concerns before they become more serious.

I think I'm coming into this application cycle with a much clearer understanding of the physician I want to become. Last cycle, I was ready to become a physician. This cycle, I understand more clearly what kind and who I want to serve.

Potential problems do you see in becoming a medical student, or challenges.

I think one of the biggest challenges will be adjusting to the academic intensity of medical school. I recognize that the volume of information and the pace at which we're expected to learn will be substantially different from undergraduate education. I'll have to be disciplined with my time, develop effective study habits, and be willing to adapt when something isn't working.

I also recognize that maintaining a healthy balance will be challenging. Medical school is a significant commitment, and I'll have to be intentional about balancing academics with maintaining relationships with family and friends and making time for activities outside of school.

That being said, I feel confident in my ability to work through those challenges. Completing my biochemistry degree while balancing employment and volunteering taught me a lot about time management and discipline. I've also worked construction since I was 16, which taught me the importance of hard work, persistence, and following through on commitments, even when things become difficult.

I understand medical school will be a significant step up, but I feel that my experiences have prepared me well for that commitment. I know there will be an adjustment period, but I'm confident I'll be able to adapt, put in the work, and succeed.

you're a pcp in south chicago serving an low income area, 55 yo women htn and diabetic, perpetually no show patient, when she does come in she's late and variably with high blood pressure and high glucose, suspicious that she is not adherent to the plan you've given her. Could you give us 3 reasons for why she is potentially not adherent to the plan you've given her

I think there could be several reasons for her inconsistent attendance and difficulty adhering to her treatment plan. I would be careful not to immediately assume that she's unwilling to manage her health. I'd want to consider what barriers might be preventing her from doing so.

First, financial constraints could be playing a significant role. Given that she's living in a lower-income area, she may have difficulty affording her medications, particularly if she's uninsured or underinsured. She may also struggle to afford healthier food options, which can make managing diabetes and hypertension more difficult. It's also possible that she's prioritizing other necessities, such as rent, utilities, or supporting her family, over her own healthcare.

Second, transportation and access to healthcare could be barriers. She may not have reliable transportation to appointments, or public transportation may make it difficult to arrive on time. She could also have employment or family obligations that make scheduling appointments difficult, especially if she works hourly or doesn't have paid time off. Repeatedly missing appointments or arriving late doesn't necessarily mean someone doesn't value their health. There may be logistical challenges that we aren't aware of.

Third, there could be challenges related to health literacy or understanding her conditions. She may not fully understand the long-term consequences of uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, particularly if she feels relatively healthy and isn't experiencing symptoms. She may also have difficulty understanding her medication regimen, remembering when to take medications, or incorporating lifestyle changes into her daily routine. Additionally, she could have competing responsibilities, such as caring for family members, that make prioritizing her own health difficult.

Ultimately, I wouldn't want to make assumptions about why she's struggling to follow the treatment plan. I'd want to approach the situation with empathy, have an open conversation with her, and understand what her biggest barriers are before determining how I could best support her.

Follow up question to previous: let's take a step back and look at it from a broader view, what are potential societal barriers that could prevent people from getting the healthcare they need

I think it's important to recognize that access to healthcare is influenced by much more than an individual's willingness or ability to seek medical attention. There are several broader societal factors that can create barriers.

First, economic stability plays a major role. People living in lower-income communities may struggle to afford health insurance, medications, and medical appointments. They may also have to prioritize necessities like housing, food, and utilities over their healthcare. Even when someone has insurance, high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses can still prevent them from seeking care.

Education and health literacy are also important. Not everyone has the same educational opportunities or access to reliable health information. Someone may have difficulty understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, or medication instructions. They may also struggle to navigate a complicated healthcare system or understand what resources are available to them.

Where someone lives can also significantly influence their access to care. We see shortages of physicians and healthcare facilities in many rural and underserved communities. People may have to travel long distances for appointments, and limited transportation can make accessing care even more difficult. Their neighborhood environment can also affect their health, such as limited access to affordable, nutritious food or safe places to exercise.

I also think it's important to recognize that disparities don't end once someone gains access to the healthcare system. Discrimination and socioeconomic status can influence the quality of care patients receive. For example, patients from lower-income backgrounds or marginalized communities may experience implicit bias, less thorough communication from healthcare providers, or have their concerns taken less seriously. This can lead to differences in treatment, poorer outcomes, and less trust in the healthcare system. If patients have repeated negative experiences, they may become less likely to seek medical attention in the future.

These disparities can also continue after someone leaves the hospital. Patients who lack stable housing, transportation, or family support may have difficulty obtaining medications, attending follow-up appointments, or managing their recovery. So even when two patients receive treatment for the same condition, their circumstances outside the hospital can lead to very different outcomes.

One thing I've noticed through volunteering at the food bank and working in the emergency department is how interconnected these issues can be. I've encountered some of the same individuals in both settings. It's helped me recognize that the circumstances people experience outside the healthcare system often directly influence the medical problems they experience inside it.

Ultimately, I think physicians need to look beyond the immediate medical concern and understand the circumstances their patients are living in. We may not be able to resolve every societal barrier ourselves, but we can recognize them, work with patients to identify available resources, and advocate for more equitable care.

another follow up: what does social determinants of health mean to you

To me, social determinants of health are the conditions and circumstances in which people live that influence their overall health and well-being. I think it's important to recognize that health is shaped by much more than someone's genetics or the medical care they receive. Factors like income, education, housing, food security, transportation, and social support can all have a significant impact on someone's health.

This is something I've become much more aware of through my experiences working in the emergency department and volunteering at the local food bank. I've encountered some of the same individuals in both settings, and it's helped me recognize how closely someone's circumstances outside the hospital can influence the medical problems they experience inside it.

I think understanding social determinants of health is important because, as physicians, we need to look beyond the immediate diagnosis and understand the barriers our patients may be facing. Someone may understand their treatment plan and want to improve their health, but factors outside their control may make that difficult.

Ultimately, I think recognizing these factors allows us to approach patients with more empathy, avoid making assumptions, and find ways to better support them in managing their health.

Have you acquired an EMT position

I did complete my EMT course and pass the NREMT. Since we last spoke, I did interview with an ambulance service and was initially told I would be hired. However, their hiring timeline was pushed back, and eventually I found out they weren't experiencing the turnover they had anticipated and didn't have any available positions.

I continued looking for other opportunities and applied to another ambulance service, which is a little farther from where I live. I'm currently on their waitlist, so I'm still hoping to get some experience working as an EMT.

In the meantime, I've continued working as an ED scribe and volunteering at the hospital and local food bank. Although I haven't been able to work as an EMT yet, I've remained involved in healthcare and continued building on the experiences I've gained over the past few years.

How has your EMT training broadened your understanding of medicine

I think the EMT course broadened my understanding of medicine by giving me a stronger foundation in patient assessment and understanding different medical conditions.

One thing we focused on was learning how to properly evaluate patients, which involved taking a thorough history, asking appropriate questions, assessing their symptoms, and gathering information to better understand what might be going on.

I found that a lot of those skills were similar to what I had been observing while working as an ED scribe, particularly how physicians interact with patients and take their histories. Having that background from my EMT training helped me better understand why physicians ask certain questions, what information they're looking for, and how they use that information to guide their clinical decisions.

I think it gave me a better appreciation for the importance of taking a thorough history and understanding the patient as a whole when evaluating their condition.

How do you organize yourself when you have a lot of deadlines?

When I have a lot of deadlines, I try to stay organized by first identifying what needs to get done and prioritizing tasks based on their urgency and importance.

I typically use a calendar to keep track of deadlines and commitments, and I like to break larger assignments into smaller tasks so I'm not trying to complete everything at the last minute. I also try to give myself personal deadlines ahead of the actual due dates so I have some flexibility if something unexpected comes up.

I think one of the biggest things is being consistent and not letting things pile up. If I know I have a busy week coming up, I'll try to plan ahead and get some things done early.

I've had to develop those habits throughout my undergraduate education while balancing my biochemistry degree with working construction and volunteering. Those experiences taught me how important time management and discipline are, especially when I have several responsibilities competing for my time.

you prescribe a schizophrenia drug to a patient that is going to cost 13k per year. What are some possible scenarios that you can think of that would result in the patient walking out with that drug in their pocket without the need of having to stop at the bank to get a loan first?

I think there are several options I would want to explore before assuming the patient would have to pay that amount out of pocket.

First, I would look into their insurance coverage. I'd want to determine whether they have private insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, and whether the medication is covered under their prescription plan. If it isn't covered, I would look into whether prior authorization or an insurance exception might be possible.

Second, I would explore pharmaceutical assistance programs. Some drug manufacturers offer programs that provide medications at a reduced cost or even free for patients who meet certain financial eligibility requirements. There may also be copay assistance programs available.

Another option would be looking into prescription discount programs like GoodRx. Patients can compare prices between pharmacies and potentially obtain medications at a lower cash price.

I would also consider whether there are generic versions or alternative medications that could provide similar therapeutic benefits at a lower cost. Obviously, I would want to make sure any alternative was clinically appropriate for that particular patient.

Lastly, I would involve the hospital's social workers or patient assistance resources. They may be aware of community programs, financial assistance, or other resources that could help the patient afford their medication.

Ultimately, I think the important thing is to understand the patient's financial circumstances and work with them to identify a sustainable option so that the cost of their medication doesn't prevent them from receiving the treatment they need.

The medical profession is constantly in transition, name a positive trend and a negative trend you see right now?

One positive trend I see in medicine is the continued advancement of technology and the expansion of telemedicine. I think these developments have created additional opportunities to improve access to healthcare, particularly for people living in rural or underserved communities. For example, patients who may otherwise have to travel long distances to see a specialist can sometimes receive care through telemedicine. I think continued advancements in technology and remote monitoring also have the potential to improve how we manage chronic conditions and maintain continuity of care.

As for a negative trend, I think physician burnout and the increasing administrative burden placed on healthcare providers are major concerns. Physicians have to balance patient care with extensive documentation, insurance requirements, and other administrative responsibilities. I think this can take away from the time they are able to spend directly with patients and contribute to burnout. Over time, that can also affect physician retention and further worsen access to healthcare. Improving electronic health record systems and utilizing additional support staff could help reduce some of that workload. I also think adequate staffing and more manageable workloads are important. Physicians need enough time to properly evaluate and interact with their patients without constantly feeling rushed.

Ultimately, I think it's important that as medicine continues to advance, we make sure those advancements actually improve patient care while also supporting the physicians responsible for providing it.

How do you see discrimination and prejudices whether they’re implicit or not effecting the health and well being of people in this country?

I think discrimination and prejudice can affect people's health and well-being in several different ways, both within and outside of the healthcare system.

First, I think it can create barriers to accessing healthcare. Individuals who have experienced discrimination or negative interactions with healthcare providers may develop distrust and become less comfortable seeking medical attention. That can lead to delayed care or people avoiding healthcare altogether.

I also think implicit biases can influence the quality of care someone receives. Even when it's unintentional, a provider's assumptions about a patient's background, socioeconomic status, or circumstances can influence how seriously they take their concerns, how they communicate with them, and the treatment they receive. This can contribute to delayed diagnoses, differences in treatment, and poorer health outcomes.

This is something that has stuck with me from my hospital volunteering. I remember walking outside with a gentleman who used a wheelchair and was from the Lummi Reservation. We started talking about the water and fishing, which were both interests we shared. As we continued talking, he opened up about some of his experiences in the hospital and how he often felt that he wasn't being heard or taken seriously because of his socioeconomic background and past struggles with substance use and the legal system. That conversation really stuck with me because it made me think about how easily someone's circumstances or past experiences can influence how they're perceived, rather than having their concerns heard and addressed as an individual.

Ultimately, I think it's important for physicians to recognize that everyone has the potential for implicit bias. We need to be willing to examine our own assumptions, listen to our patients, and make sure we're approaching each individual with the same level of respect and attention. I think recognizing those biases is an important step toward providing more equitable care.

You’re a family medicine physician, you get to your office and notice you’re severely overbooked. You’re not going to be able to get through your day and your son has a T-ball game at 5 o’clock that afternoon. How are you going to manage that?

I think the first thing I would do is assess the situation and determine which patients need to be seen that day versus those whose appointments could safely be rescheduled.

I'd communicate with my office staff and see whether there are other providers available who might be able to accommodate some of the patients. I'd also want to make sure patients are informed about any delays or changes to their appointments and that anyone with an urgent medical concern is still receiving appropriate care.

I would try to be as efficient as possible with my schedule, but I wouldn't want to rush through appointments or compromise the quality of care just to get through the day.

At the same time, I think it's important to maintain a balance between my professional and personal responsibilities. My family commitments are important to me, and I would make a reasonable effort to attend my son's game at 5 o'clock. I'd work with my staff to develop a plan that allows me to do that while ensuring my patients' needs are taken care of.

Afterward, I'd also reflect on how the schedule became so overbooked and what changes we could make to prevent that from happening again.

Tell me about what your support system will look like in medical school?

I think my support system in medical school will come from a combination of family, friends, mentors, and maintaining some of the routines that have always helped me manage stress.

First, I plan to stay in regular contact with my family. They've been an important source of support throughout my education, and I think having that connection, especially during more challenging periods of medical school, will be important.

I also want to make an effort to build friendships with my classmates. I think having peers who are going through the same experience can be really valuable. We can support each other academically, talk through challenges, and have people to spend time with outside of school. I think developing those relationships will be important because we'll all understand the demands that come with medical school.

I'd also like to seek out mentors, whether that's faculty members or physicians, who can provide guidance as I progress through training. Having people I can learn from and turn to for advice will be valuable, especially as I begin making decisions about my future career.

Lastly, I think maintaining my own well-being will be an important part of my support system. I've been lifting weights consistently for several years, and going to the gym has always been one of the ways I manage stress and reset for the next day. I know medical school will be demanding, but I want to make an effort to maintain that routine and make time for activities outside of academics.

Ultimately, I think having those different sources of support will help me manage the challenges of medical school while maintaining a healthy balance.

How would a friend describe your strengths and weaknesses

I think a friend of mine would describe me as dependable, hardworking, and someone who's easy to get along with.

I think being dependable is one of my biggest strengths. If I make a commitment to someone, I take that seriously and make sure I follow through. Whether it's helping a friend with something, showing up when someone needs me, or following through on responsibilities, I try to be someone people can count on.

I also think they'd describe me as hardworking and persistent. I'm someone who sets goals for myself and is willing to put in the time and effort to achieve them. I don't necessarily expect things to come easily, but I'm willing to work through challenges and keep improving. I think my friends would also say I'm pretty approachable and enjoy getting to know people. I value my relationships and try to be someone others feel comfortable talking to.

As for weaknesses, I think they would probably say that I can be overly critical of myself. I tend to set high expectations, and when something doesn't go as well as I had hoped, I can spend too much time thinking about what I could have done differently. Sometimes I put more pressure on myself than I need to.

I've been working on recognizing when that kind of reflection is productive and when it's better to take what I can learn from an experience and move forward. I think it's important to hold myself to a high standard, but also recognize that I'm not going to get everything right the first time. I know that's something I'll need to continue working on throughout medical school.

Why do women and people of color in the emergency department receive less pain meds for a long bone fracture compared to white men?

I think there are several factors that could contribute to these differences, but one of the biggest is implicit bias.

There are longstanding stereotypes surrounding race and gender that can influence how healthcare providers perceive patients. For example, there have historically been inaccurate beliefs that certain racial groups have a higher tolerance for pain or that they experience pain differently. Women have also historically had their symptoms dismissed or attributed to emotional factors rather than being taken seriously.

I think these assumptions, even when they're unconscious, can influence how providers interact with patients, how seriously they take their concerns, and ultimately the treatment they provide. A provider may be less likely to recognize the severity of someone's pain or may be more hesitant to prescribe adequate pain medication based on assumptions about that individual.

I also think it's important to recognize that these disparities aren't necessarily the result of one provider intentionally treating someone differently. They can reflect broader systemic issues within healthcare, where existing stereotypes and inequalities influence clinical practices over time. This can lead to differences in treatment, poorer outcomes, and further distrust among communities that have historically experienced discrimination in healthcare.

As future physicians, I think we have a responsibility to recognize that we're all susceptible to implicit bias. We need to be willing to examine our own assumptions, listen to our patients, and use consistent, evidence-based approaches when making treatment decisions. I also think it's important to remain open to feedback and recognize when our own perspectives might be influencing the care we're providing.

Ultimately, every patient deserves to have their concerns taken seriously and receive appropriate treatment based on their medical needs, regardless of their race or gender.

Example of a key social issue in today’s healthcare system

I think one of the major social issues in healthcare today is the lack of access to affordable and consistent primary care.

Through my experience working in the emergency department, I've seen a number of patients who don't have an established primary care physician and often rely on the emergency department for their healthcare needs. In some cases, they're coming in for conditions that could potentially be managed in an outpatient setting if they had access to consistent primary care.

I think there are several factors contributing to this. We have physician shortages in many areas, particularly rural and underserved communities. There are also financial barriers, insurance limitations, transportation issues, and difficulty getting appointments in a timely manner. For some patients, even finding a provider who is accepting new patients can be challenging.

I think this creates a cycle where people may delay seeking care until their condition becomes more serious, which can lead to more complicated health problems and greater reliance on emergency services. It also makes it more difficult to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, where consistent follow-up and preventive care are particularly important.

I think addressing this requires improving access to primary care, particularly in underserved communities, and making it easier for patients to establish long-term relationships with healthcare providers.

This is one of the reasons I've developed such a strong interest in primary care. I value the opportunity to build relationships with patients, focus on prevention, and help manage health concerns before they become more serious.

What is your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as collaborative and supportive, but also someone who is willing to take initiative when I recognize something needs to be done.

I think being a good leader means creating an environment where people feel comfortable contributing, asking questions, and working together toward a common goal. I also believe in leading by example. I try to be dependable, follow through on my responsibilities, and put in the same effort that I would expect from others.

At the same time, I think leadership is also about recognizing opportunities to step up, even when you're not necessarily in a formal leadership position.

One example that comes to mind is from my volunteering at the local food bank. After one of my shifts, I was walking to my car when I noticed a gentleman outside with his dog. He had missed the time window to get into the food bank and explained that he was unhoused and needed food for himself and his dog.

Although my shift had ended and the food bank was technically closed, I recognized that there was an opportunity to help. I spoke with the supervisors, explained the situation, and helped arrange for him to get the food and resources he needed. I also made sure to grab some dog food so his dog wouldn't go hungry.

That experience reinforced for me that leadership isn't always about having a title or being the person in charge. Sometimes it's simply recognizing a need, taking responsibility, and being willing to step up when an opportunity presents itself.

I also recognize that leadership is something I'll continue developing throughout medical school. As a physician, I'll eventually be responsible for working with and guiding a healthcare team, making difficult decisions, and taking responsibility for patient care. I think being collaborative while also being willing to take initiative will be important in that role.

A belief or position you hold that someone else could reasonably or justifiably hold the opposite belief of.

Talk about you believing healthcare is a right, while the physician i worked with talked about how it is a privilege.

Greatest medicine discovery

• Start:
  “I think one of the most significant developments in medicine was the development of CT imaging.”

• Personal connection:
  “I worked with a physician who talked about how, especially with abdominal complaints, it used to be much more difficult to determine what was actually causing a patient's symptoms.”

• What changed:
  “Once CT became more readily available, physicians could actually visualize what was happening inside the abdomen and much more quickly narrow down the diagnosis.”

• Why it's significant:
  “It reduced a lot of the uncertainty in diagnosis and allowed physicians to make more informed decisions about treatment.”

• Takeaway:
  “I think that's what makes imaging so significant to me—it gave physicians a way to actually see what's happening inside the patient rather than having to rely almost entirely on symptoms, physical exam, and clinical judgment.”

Greatest modern day discovery

• Start: “For a more modern discovery, I’d probably choose CRISPR gene-editing technology.”

• Why: “What’s interesting to me is that it gives us the ability to target specific DNA sequences and potentially correct the underlying cause of a genetic disease.”

• Impact: “A lot of medicine has traditionally focused on managing diseases, but CRISPR creates the possibility of actually correcting the problem itself.”

• Example: “We’re already seeing this move into clinical use with diseases like sickle cell disease.”

• Takeaway: “I think that could really change how we approach genetic diseases and what we’re capable of treating.”

Healthcare disparities

Talk about experiences. Specifically, housing insecurity, poverty, access to quality food, difficulty with follow-up, and transportation. Seen the relationship between the food bank and the hospital scribing. Recurring interactions, and how we see one patient continuously struggles with alcoholism due to difficulty following up due to transportation and being unhoused. Helped me to recognize how it’s important to take into consideration the various circumstances and aspects that may be influencing a patient’s health.

Why medicine

• Initial spark: aunt diagnosed with stage 4 rectal cancer
  → saw long treatment course (surgery, chemo, radiation) and emotional toll on family
  → showed me medicine is not just fixing disease, it’s guiding people through uncertainty and fear.

• Witnessing physicians truly guide her throughout the process of getting back to health provided realization this is a position i could hold

• Hospital volunteering reinforced this as i began interacting with patients and visitors, with an understanding of how as a physician I would have a large impact on people’s lives

• with ability to oversee their entire journey back to health so they can get back to their lives and spend time with friends family or go on adventures again.

Why osteopathic medicine

• Drawn to idea of treating the whole person, not just symptoms

• Core DO principles that resonate:
  → body as an integrated system
  → prevention + lifestyle matter
  → structure/function connection

• Recognizing providing the highest quality of care goes deeper than diagnoses looking into lifestyle, habits, diet, stressors, or potential barriers in care

• Your real-world connections:

  • Food bank → health depends on resources, not just biology

  • Construction → people’s lives and responsibilities affect healthcare decisions

  • Hospital → emotional + social side of illness is always present
    → DO philosophy matches how I already view patients in real life

Volunteering impact

Volunteering impact

• Hospital volunteering:

  • small patient support tasks (water, washcloths, books)

  • emotional support through conversation during stressful moments

  • help staff with flow of unit work

• Food bank:

  • working with families experiencing food insecurity

  • seeing direct link between resources and health stability

• Key example:
  → staying with patient after discharge while waiting for transport
  → conversation helped reduce anxiety and uncertainty

• Big takeaway:
  → impact is often emotional support and dignity, not just clinical care

Why Wake Forest

• Application-focused curriculum

  • Hospital volunteering and shadowing → realized I learn best by connecting concepts to real patients

  • Interdisciplinary

  • Like that Wake emphasizes learning from patients from day one

  • Foundational sciences reinforced through patient contact, case-based learning, simulation, and clinical skills

  • Helps me understand not just what I’m learning, but why it matters for the patient

• North Carolina / community

  • Drawn to the beautiful landscape and opportunities to explore

  • Opportunity to learn from and serve diverse populations in Charlotte and Winston-Salem

  • Delivering Equal Access to Care Clinic in Winston-Salem → opportunity to provide care to underserved members of the community

  • Community involvement is something I’d really like to participate in during medical school

• Personal fit

  • Wake combines hands-on/application-focused education + early patient exposure + diverse clinical environment + community engagement

  • Can genuinely see myself being happy in North Carolina

  • Love hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, snowboarding

  • Having that balance outside of medicine is important to me

Why ICOM

• Connection to where I come from

  • Grew up in a smaller community in northwest Washington

  • Have seen how community, resources, and access to healthcare can shape patients' experiences

  • I want to eventually serve communities similar to the ones I grew up around

  • ICOM's focus on serving Idaho and the surrounding region makes that personal connection

• Primary care + applying what I learn

  • Interested in primary care, particularly caring for patients in communities where access can be more limited

  • I learn best when I can build a strong foundation and then apply that knowledge to actual patient care

  • ICOM's state of the art simulation center and standardized patients appeals to me

  • Gives me the chance to practice clinical skills and work through realistic scenarios before entering rotations

  • Connects the science I'm learning to the actual practice of medicine

• Idaho / personal fit

  • Idaho feels like a natural fit coming from Washington

  • Similar outdoor lifestyle

  • Hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, snowboarding

  • I want to spend four years somewhere I can be happy outside of school as well

  • I can genuinely see myself living in Idaho

If you were a medical student and saw a resident take a pill and say, 'I need to wake up,' what would you do?

My first step would be to avoid making assumptions because I would not know what the medication is or the circumstances behind it. I would want to check in with the resident privately and ask if everything is okay and understand what is going on. If it was something appropriate, like caffeine or a prescribed medication, then I would support them. However, if I became concerned that they were using substances inappropriately or that it could affect patient safety, I would have a responsibility to address it and involve the appropriate resources. Ultimately, I would approach the situation with compassion while recognizing that protecting patients and supporting my colleague are both important.

If you saw another medical student looking at the records of a patient they weren’t caring for?

"I would first make sure I understood the situation before assuming they were accessing the chart inappropriately. If it was clear they were looking at a patient's records without a legitimate reason, I would approach them privately and respectfully and ask why they were accessing the chart. I would explain that patient information is confidential and that we should only access records when we have a legitimate clinical or educational reason to do so. If they acknowledged it was inappropriate, I would make sure they understood the seriousness of the issue and encourage them to report it appropriately. If they were dismissive, continued doing it, or there was a significant privacy violation, I would escalate the situation to the appropriate faculty member or compliance office. My priority would be protecting the patient's confidentiality while also handling the situation professionally and giving my classmate an opportunity to correct their behavior."

A time there was a confrontation in the team and how you went about it

• Situation

  • Construction project → had to figure out a new/unfamiliar process

  • No established way of doing it

  • Several team members had different opinions

  • Discussion became somewhat confrontational because everyone felt their approach was best

• What I did

  • Stepped back from who was right/wrong

  • Let everyone explain their reasoning

  • Listened to concerns and different perspectives

  • Discussed pros/cons of each approach

  • Looked for common ground / ways to combine ideas

  • Focused on what was best for the project/team, rather than whose idea won

• Result

  • Reached a solution everyone could agree on

  • Team was able to move forward

  • No lingering conflict

• What I learned

  • Disagreement isn't necessarily bad

  • Different perspectives can lead to a better solution

  • Important to make people feel heard and respected

  • Keep disagreements focused on the common goal, not personalities

A time you saw someone in a team doing something you didn’t agree with or thought was wrong, what did you do

Something related to safety on the construction site, siding a chimney on a super steep roof, coworker didn’t tie himself off, so i voiced my concern and discussed the safety concerns. How it would make everyone feel more comfortable if he tied himself off. Respecting his own decisions and autonomy, while also voicing concerns.

Pros and cons of social media in medicine

Pros

• Patient education

  • Can spread reliable health information to large numbers of people

  • Physicians can combat misinformation

• Health awareness / outreach

  • Reach populations that may not regularly interact with healthcare

  • Promote prevention, screenings, public-health initiatives

• Professional connection

  • Can learn from other physicians and stay up to date

  • Networking and collaboration

Cons

• Privacy/confidentiality

  • Biggest concern → never share identifiable patient information

  • Even seemingly harmless stories/photos can compromise privacy

• Professional boundaries

  • Physician-patient relationships shouldn't become personal/social relationships

  • Be careful about interacting with patients on personal accounts

• Misinformation

  • Medical advice can be taken out of context

  • Physicians need to make clear when they're providing general education rather than individualized medical advice

Think of a time you empathized with someone who was speaking to about something that concerned them. How did you approach the situation and what were some outcomes?

• Situation

  • Helping discharge a patient

  • Their ride unexpectedly became unavailable

  • Patient became concerned/anxious about getting home

• Action

  • Listened + reassured them they were safe and we would find a solution

  • Worked with other volunteers/security to find transportation

  • Arranged an Uber

  • Stayed with them until the ride arrived → made sure they were comfortable

• Outcome

  • Patient got home safely

  • Became much more comfortable once they knew there was a plan

• Takeaway

  • Empathy = making someone feel heard and supported, even when you can't immediately solve the problem

How will you contribute to your community as a physician?

by being there for them, understanding their situations, and ultimately listening to the entirety of their stories. connecting them to resources that would be most beneficial for them, and being an advocate.

How would you fix the US healthcare system?

I think one of the biggest opportunities for improvement is to move away from the fee for service system and shift more focus toward prevention and value-based care. Our current system often rewards treating disease after it develops rather than preventing illness when possible.

Incentivizing high quality of care that leads to better overall long term health than focusing on the short term aspect. A major way we can do this is by providing health literacy while also expanding access to primary care. In doing this, patients will receive the preventative care they need rather than just treating a diagnosis.

I also recognize that healthcare is incredibly complex, involving patients, providers, insurers, and policymakers, so meaningful improvement will require collaboration across all of these groups.

Something you held a strong opinion about but changed your mind on

Writing more thorough HPI’s is only applicable in certain situations

What characteristics are important for a physician?

I think three important qualities are humility, compassion, and communication. Medicine requires lifelong learning, so physicians need humility to recognize what they do not know and continue improving.

Compassion allows physicians to understand patients as people rather than just diagnoses. Communication is what allows physicians to build trust and create treatment plans that patients can actually follow.

From my experiences volunteering in the hospital, I have learned that patients remember not only the care they receive, but also how they are treated during vulnerable moments.

Patient who doesn’t trust medicine

• First approach:
  → pause and listen to understand concerns instead of correcting immediately

• Sources of mistrust you recognize:
  → cost of care, access barriers, past negative experiences
  → frustration with healthcare system structure

• Personal exposure:
  → construction + community work exposed you to people who delay care due to financial/family responsibilities

• Communication approach:
  → simple explanations, no jargon
  → acknowledge their concerns as valid
  → slow, respectful trust-building

• Closing:
  → goal is partnership with patient, not forcing agreement

Medical school is very demanding. What strategies will you use to manage the academic and emotional challenges you will face?

• Structure:
  → consistent study schedule, avoid falling behind, daily routine mindset

• Stress outlet:
  → weightlifting as consistent discipline + mental reset
  → teaches consistency even on difficult days

• Support system:
  → building relationships with classmates for shared learning + emotional support

• Mindset shift:
  → asking for help early instead of trying to push through alone

• Closing:
  → balance comes from structure, discipline, and support network working together

How do you make a good first impression? Follow up: How do you treat people who make a bad first impression?

• Good first impression:

  • Be respectful and attentive.

  • Listen and show genuine interest.

  • Make the other person feel heard.

• Bad first impression:

  • Don't make assumptions based on one interaction.

  • They could be having a bad day or dealing with something you don't know about.

  • Give them another chance and approach them with the same respect.

  • If it continues: remain professional, try to understand where they're coming from, and set appropriate boundaries if necessary.

Tell me what empathy means to you and how you demonstrate it

Creating safe space, respectful, listening, and doing what you can to help in a situation. Can talk about about the situation where patient wanted to go out, had a conversation with him, provided a listening ear, and was able to improve his day.

Anything else about you that you would like us to know

• Construction background while pre-med

• Worked with diverse crews (including immigrants)

• Learned communication, trust, and teamwork in real-world settings

• Saw how work/family responsibilities can delay healthcare

• Helps me understand patients beyond assumptions

• Will carry into how I connect with patients as a physician

Your approach to a problem (think out loud)

1. Facts – Who is involved? What’s the issue?
2. Perspectives – Patient, family, team, ethics.
3. Options – Pros/cons using ethical principles.
4. Decision – “I would… because…”
5. Steps – Communicate, document, follow-up.

A difficult conversation you’ve had

One of the most challenging conversations I’ve had occurred while I was scribing for a physician who asked whether I believed healthcare is a right or a privilege. I immediately said it was a right, because I’ve always believed that everyone deserves access to care. He then shared a perspective that challenged me—he argued that most rights do not require someone else’s time or labour, whereas healthcare always does. For example, your right to freely speak only takes your own effort.

What made the conversation difficult was that it confronted a value I felt strongly about. This experience taught me how important it is to stay open to different viewpoints, especially when they challenge my own. It reminded me that difficult conversations are not about proving a point—they’re about understanding values and communicating respectfully.

Tell me about a time when you encountered someone whose healthcare decisions or priorities differed from your own. How would you approach that situation as a physician?

• Construction: Saw coworkers prioritize work/family over healthcare because missing work meant lost income.

• ED example: Framer with a nail-gun injury had debated coming to the hospital because of work.

• Lesson: People’s healthcare decisions are shaped by their circumstances, so I shouldn’t make assumptions.

• As a physician:

  • Listen first and understand their perspective.

  • Explain my recommendation and medical risks clearly.

  • Respect their autonomy if they understand the risks.

  • Keep the relationship open and make sure they know they can come back.

• Key takeaway: “Listen first, understand their circumstances, explain the risks, and respect their autonomy.”

Patient experience that reaffirmed or showed why medicine?

• Talk about situation walking visitor to car to receive belongings

• Difficult period in her life, uncertainty

• traveled from friday harbor

• related with her on the islands and scuba diving

• She talked about how much she appreciates the nurses, physicians and the rest of the team 

• Helped to build trust and comfort

• reaffirmed why i want to be a physician

Describe a time you faced adversity and how you overcame it.

• Worked construction in high school and college → physically demanding, developed grit

• Faced skepticism from coworkers about pursuing medicine → challenged my confidence

• Learned to stay disciplined, take criticism without discouragement, and maintain focus on goals

• Developed resilience → holding on to purpose, not just enduring challenges

• Lessons applied broadly to school, work, and life challenges

Weakness

• Area for improvement: Initially taking criticism personally

• Past example: Construction work → frustrated when supervisor suggested technique improvements

• Learned to reframe feedback as a growth opportunity, not a reflection of ability

• Focus on the value behind feedback and that it comes from wanting to help me succeed

• Result: Embracing feedback improves skills and confidence

• Continuing to develop this mindset as a vital skill for becoming a physician

Leadership experiences

• Hospital volunteering: Trained and guided new volunteers → patient interaction, hospital workflow

• Construction work: Led new hires → taught siding installation, tool use, and safety protocols

• Landscaping business: Managed projects and clients → ensured timely completion and quality work

• Sonic Drive-In: Trained team members → cooking techniques, customer service, fostering supportive environment

• Skills developed: Teaching, clear communication, teamwork with diverse personalities and skill levels

Tell me about a failure

• Context: Group project in protein engineering class on functionalizing exosomes for drug delivery

• Challenge: One teammate did not contribute despite multiple attempts to involve her

• Immediate reaction: Felt frustrated; took frustration out on her after class

• Reflection: Recognized this was inappropriate; should have handled the situation with empathy and composure

• Lesson learned: Importance of proactive communication, patience, and managing emotions in group settings

What are the three most important qualities of a physician?

The three most important qualities of a physician are empathy, adaptability, and communication.

• Empathy: Understand patients’ experiences and emotions → build trust and provide compassionate care

• Adaptability: Adjust to new challenges, evolving knowledge, and diverse patient needs → deliver effective care in dynamic situations

• Communication: Clearly explain medical information and collaborate with teams → prevent misunderstandings and improve outcomes

• Overall: Together, these qualities enable holistic, patient-centered care and effective teamwork

What are your greatest strengths?

• Adaptability – Learned to stay calm and problem-solve in unpredictable situations (scuba diving, construction, volunteering, ER work).

• Work Ethic – Built discipline and persistence through academics and years of construction work; committed to finishing tasks even under pressure.

• Empathetic Communication – Strong listener who adapts communication to others’ needs, building trust and collaboration with patients and peers.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

• Stay focused & adaptable – Learned through construction, volunteering, scuba diving, and snowboarding.

• Calm decision-making – Step back, assess, prioritize, and approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.

• Resilience – View stress as natural and manageable with the right perspective.

• Self-care – Exercise and balanced lifestyle help maintain mental and emotional well-being under pressure.

How would your friends describe you? Your supervisors/professors?

Friends: They’d describe me as adventurous, always seeking new opportunities to connect with nature—whether hiking into the backcountry, camping under the stars, or snowboarding. They’d also say I’m caring, making others feel comfortable, and that I bring humor to lighten the mood.

Mentors/Professors/Supervisors: They’d highlight my self-discipline, work ethic, and willingness to put in the effort to reach goals. They’d also describe me as respectful, proactive, and unafraid to ask questions to ensure the best outcome.

What role should physicians play in improving the healthcare system?

Having conversations with our patient’s to fully understand their story and potential circumstances influencing their health. From there, connecting them with particular community resources or social work that may help their situation.

Outside of direct patient care, working alongside other physicians, healthcare professions, hospitals, communities, and policy makers to push for a focus on preventative care more, and working towards more value based care.

What is the biggest problem with medicine today?

I think one of the biggest problems in medicine today is how restrictive insurance requirements can be. I’ve seen situations where a treatment, test, or medication that a physician believes is best for the patient isn’t covered because the patient doesn’t meet a very specific criterion. This forces providers to either jump through multiple hoops to justify care or to find an alternative that may not be the ideal option.

For patients, this can be incredibly frustrating—sometimes even delaying care or making it unaffordable. And for physicians, it creates extra stress and takes time away from focusing on patients. In my experience scribing, I’ve seen how insurance considerations shape decision-making, even when everyone knows what the patient really needs.

I think addressing this issue—whether through policy reform, improved coverage flexibility, or stronger advocacy—would help align the healthcare system more closely with its primary goal: getting patients the care they need, when they need it.