Medical Student Ambassadors Program

Hometown: Charleston, SC

Undergrad Institution: University of Notre Dame

Major: Biochemistry and Theology

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as lead ambassador, I am involved in the Hollings Cancer Center Mentorship Program, Pediatrics Interest Group, and the Health Humanities Series Interest Group!

Specialty Interest(s): pediatrics, orthopedic surgery

How do you best study: I love talking through concepts! So, I prefer working through lectures before exams with a friend. I love flashcards, and I often have jazz instrumental music playing!

Favorite study spot: Third floor cubicles of library!

How do you get to and from campus: Walk

Favorite volunteering experience: CARES, but I am excited to get more involved with pediatric volunteer opportunities.

Favorite social event: I loved our COM Christmas Cocktail, but I also enjoy my time with my small group every week – it feels like a social event!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula: I love being downtown during my first year because of the proximity and efficiency of my commute!

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: The outdoor experiences! (walking the bridge, beaches, and sunshine)

How do you like to spend your free time: I love working out and spending time with family and friends. I am lucky to have family in Charleston, so I get to spend a lot of time with my younger sister, brother, and sister-in-law! I love cooking, baking, and trying new recipes.

Pets: None

What is your favorite beach: Sullivan’s Island

What is favorite book/movie: Little Women

Are you a Yogi or Gym Rat (or other): Gym Rat

Stingrays or River Dogs: River Dogs

Reflection

Any advice to your younger self: Don’t be afraid to stick with what works for you! There will be a variety of study methods being utilized around you, but if you know what works for you, stick to it!

What surprised you about medical school: If you make it a priority to time manage, there was a surprising amount of flexibility and freedom in your schedule.

Tell us something that people might not know about you: I was on the track team at Notre Dame and threw hammer, shot put, and discus!

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC: The people make the place. It has been such a blessing to be home and in a familiar place, but I am always inspired by the genuine kindness of each new person I meet and each faculty member’s dedication to the success of the student body.

Hometown: Lexington, SC

Undergrad Institution: Clemson University

Major: Health Sciences

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am a member of the oncology, anesthesiology and pediatric interest groups. I also enjoy volunteering with the CARES clinic, wellness works, and at the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge.

Specialty Interest(s): I am undecided, but I know I want to include my passion for lifestyle medicine in whatever specialty I go into!

How do you best study: I like to do practice questions to assess where I am at with the material and learn from the questions I have trouble with. I also have always liked writing out information on paper and condensing what is high yield.

Favorite study spot: I practically live at one of the standing desks on the third floor of the library!!

How do you get to and from campus: I live just a few blocks from campus so I bike or walk to school.

Favorite volunteering experience: I started volunteering at the hope lodge that houses patients going through active cancer treatment. I help serve dinner once a week and really enjoy talking with the people staying at the house!

Favorite social event: I really liked the night at the aquarium because it was nice to be with students in all the other colleges at MUSC.

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula: I live on the peninsula within a 10-minute walk from campus, and I love it! I have to pay a little bit more but it is worth it to me to be able to walk everywhere and not have to spend extra time commuting.

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: I am the biggest outdoorsy person, so I love how the city is centered around being outside. So many weekend events in Charleston are along the street and it is super easy to find something fun to do to enjoy the weather and the city!

How do you like to spend your free time: I enjoy cooking and baking, so I use that as a daily break during school. I also love to do random things with my friends, like day trips to the beach, spikeball at Cannon Park, bike rides on the Battery, and visiting Charleston restaurants on the weekends.

Pets: I do not have any pets with me in Charleston.

What is your favorite beach: I like to go to Folly because there are many parking spots and bathrooms at the beach accesses so it is easy to stay there all day!

What is favorite book/movie: Even though it is a Christmas movie, I would have to say National Lampoon's Christmas vacation! I have grown up watching it, and my family quotes it just about every day.

Are you a Yogi or Gym Rat (or other): I am a gymaholic for sure! I love to cycle and I go to the wellness center every single day to use the bikes. I definitely recommend finding a form of exercise you enjoy to help get you through medical school!

Stingrays or River Dogs: I am a big outdoorsy warm weather girl so River Dogs for sure!

Reflection

Any advice to your younger self: I would tell myself to be confident and not be worried so much about how it would work out. I used to worry about getting into school, paying for school, and figuring out how to do it all, but I have learned now to just have faith that it will work out the way it is meant to.

What surprised you about medical school: I was surprised by how much I enjoy it! It is awesome to be learning information that really interests me compared to undergrad classes which were more general. Although the information is difficult and a lot, I really like learning it.

Tell us something that people might not know about you: I love to bake really random flavors of cheesecakes!

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC: The support from the staff and professors at MUSC is something I am so grateful for and is something I did not realize how much I would appreciate. I really like the interactive culture students have with professors and how willing they are to help us succeed.

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Undergrad Institution: Clemson University

Major: Public Health Sciences with a minor in Life Sciences

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: Aside from acting as a lead ambassador, I work on a cancer outcomes research project, am part of Discussions in Medical Ethics (DIME), and serve as a MUSC representative to STARS—a program advocating for medical resource stewardship. I also enjoy playing tennis on the roof of the wellness center with the MUSC tennis club!

Specialty Interest(s): I have many interests including oncology, gerontology, nephrology, and OB-GYN.

How do you best study: Creating colorful study sheets is my favorite way of studying. I benefit from 2nd year’s supplemental instruction sessions full of practice questions as well!

Favorite study spot: Any quiet cubicle on the 3rd floor of the library is where I focus best.

How do you get to and from campus: I drive or take the bus.

Favorite volunteering experience: Teaching fall prevention classes to older adults is super fun and rewarding!

Favorite social event: Pumpkin painting in the fall allowed me to de-stress before an exam and meet several new friends!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula: I live off the Peninsula—about a 15-minute drive from campus. It’s nice to get away from the business of downtown, and I listen to audiobooks on my commute as a little break from studying.

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: I love watching the sunrise over the marsh every morning on my drive to campus! The wildlife and skyline of the city are beautifully juxtaposed.

How do you like to spend your free time: I enjoy playing tennis, trying out new coffee shops with friends, singing karaoke, and cooking new recipes.

Pets: I have never had a pet, but some of my classmates have the cutest puppies that I’ve gotten to play with and snuggle to scratch the itch.

What is your favorite beach: I live pretty close to Folly Beach and have had incredible dolphin encounters at the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve there!

What is favorite book/movie: Book – Pride and Prejudice. Movie – The Princess Bride.

Are you a Yogi or Gym Rat (or other): I lean more yogi, but want to be a gym rat.

Stingrays or River Dogs: I have no authority to speak on this subject as I don’t even know what the Stingrays play, but I have at least been to a River Dogs game, and it was a blast!

Reflection

Any advice to your younger self: Recognize your life is not meant to be lived for yourself.

What surprised you about medical school: I am pleasantly surprised by how much interaction MUSC fosters between students and professors as well as students and community members. We are known, cared for, and supported by professors! Community engagement gives students confidence in clinical skills and great opportunities for service learning.

Tell us something that people might not know about you: I play multiple instruments, including one of the largest in the world—the carillon bells.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC: Medical school is incredibly difficult but even more rewarding. MUSC made my transition into medical school simple with all the support provided by professors and admin. Not only do the people of MUSC make success in academics accessible and enjoyable, they recognize students are more than their studies. We are encouraged in our passions and our goals are given direction to help each of us students become compassionate, excellent physicians.

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina

Undergrad Institution: Clemson University

Major: Chemistry

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am a member of the Class of 2028’s student council serving as my class's Social Chair, volunteer with Wellness Works, and participate in multiple medical student interest groups.

Specialty Interest(s): OBGYN, Emergency, Anesthesia

How do you best study: Alone, music in my headphones, caffeine-d up!

Favorite study spot: Third floor of the library

How do you get to and from campus: Car

Favorite volunteering experience: Wellness Works

Favorite social event: Happy hours after the exams!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula: Downtown

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: Restaurants, being so close to the beach, and running along the Battery at sunset.

How do you like to spend your free time: I like to spend my free time with friends, and I enjoy working out.

Pets: My dog, Bojangles!

What is your favorite beach: Isle of Palms

What is favorite book/movie: Kung Fu Panda

Are you a Yogi or Gym Rat (or other): I love mixing it up- whether it’s going to the gym, trying out a new workout class, or running around the city.

Stingrays or River Dogs: River Dogs

Reflection

Any advice to your younger self: Don’t compare yourself to others. You’re running your own race.

What surprised you about medical school: How much fun it can be! Once you’ve developed a schedule that works for you, you can manage very well and have free time.

Tell us something that people might not know about you: I’ve traveled to all 50 states!

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC: The administration, professors, and fellow students want you to succeed. Everyone is incredibly supportive and uplifting.

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

Undergrad Institution: Clemson University

Major: Biological Sciences

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am a member of the Medical Student Alumni Council and multiple medical student interest groups.

Specialty Interest(s): Undecided, but still in the works!

How do you best study in the preclerkship years: I prefer to use flashcards to study and really enjoy the outside resources that MUSC provides us with.

Favorite study spot: Third floor of the Colbert Education Center & Library

Favorite volunteering experience: Anything involving the CARES Free Medical Clinic.

Favorite social event: SGA Oyster Roast

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula? Even though I live off the Peninsula, and still love the experience, I prefer living Downtown! Being close to campus is a huge plus.

How do you get to and from campus? Car and then a small walk.

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: The RESTAURANTS!

Which is your favorite beach: Sullivan’s Island

How do you like to spend your free time: I really enjoy exercising!

Pets: Two dogs at home

What surprised you about medical school: How important breaks are. I think we all are aware that medical school is a tough four years, but if you prioritize time for yourself, it all feels very manageable.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC? MUSC has surpassed all expectations of mine. Once you are here, you will quickly understand that you’re not just joining the MUSC family for four years, but you’re joining for a lifetime!

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Undergrad Institution: Clemson University

Major: Biological Sciences

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am a member of MEMs, Internal Medicine Interest Group, Psychiatry Interest Group, Family Medicine Interest Group; I am very interested in addressing the institutional healthcare disparities that effect marginalized groups and working to bring equal healthcare and opportunities to those people.

Specialty Interest(s): Med-Peds or Med-Psych

How do you best study in the preclerkship years: I am a very visual learner, so I love watching supplemental videos like Osmosis, Ninja Nerd and Sketchy.

Favorite study spot: One of the study rooms in the 3rd floor of the Colbert Education Center & Library with my friends!

Favorite volunteering experience: CARES Free Medical Clinic.

Favorite social event: Edmunds Oast Brewery “Power Hour” with my small group and our M2 leaders before Block 1 exam!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula? I enjoy living on the Peninsula. My apartment is near the Ravenel Bridge and 5 minutes away from both King Street and campus.

How do you get to and from campus? I drive a little under a mile to Hagood Parking lot every day. From there, I ride the MUSC shuttle to Jonathan Lucas Street to spend my days in the library!

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: I absolutely LOVE the beach, weather, and walkability of the city.

Which is your favorite beach: Folly Beach! I love the restaurants and the beach town vibe.

How do you like to spend your free time: I spend my free time searching for the best burger spots in Charleston with my friends. I also enjoy a nice weekend out or away after block exams.

Pets: My dog nephew, Nyke!

What surprised you about medical school: I was the most surprised about the community between my classmates as well as the ease of building relationships with faculty and staff. A lot of people have an idea of medical school being cutthroat and very competitive, but I feel very seen and supported by my classmates and the faculty.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC? Medical school has been the biggest transition of my life this far. I love MUSC for providing the support and structure that I need to be successful. Here, I feel like more than a number or robot; I am an individual being guided and cheered on while chasing my dream of being a Future Doctor of America!

Hometown: Holland, Michigan

Undergrad Institution: University of Michigan

Major: Neuroscience

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am involved in the Human-Centered Design Program working on technological innovations in surgery, Sawbones Orthopedics Interest Group, and enjoy volunteering with the CARES and DREAM student-run free clinics.

Specialty Interest(s): Orthopedics

How do you best study in the preclerkship years: Working through practice questions with friends is one of my favorite ways to test and solidify my learning.

Favorite study spot: Group study rooms and classrooms at the library.

Favorite volunteering experience: Saturday morning free clinic health fairs have been a great way to connect with the local population, practice clinical skills, and spend time with classmates.

Favorite social event: MUSC Night at the Aquarium!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula?  I enjoy living on the peninsula for the convenience it offers to easily walk to and from campus as well as being a central location to travel anywhere in the greater Charleston/Mt. Pleasant area.

How do you get to and from campus? I walk!

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: The people! Charlestonians are incredibly friendly.

Which is your favorite beach: Sullivan’s Island, hands down!

How do you like to spend your free time: I enjoy exploring new restaurants and areas around Charleston with friends, going for beach walks, and working out at the Wellness Center.

What surprised you about medical school: MUSC is an incredibly tight-knit and supportive community. I already feel like I have known my classmates for a decade.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC? I chose MUSC for medical school for the strong sense of community among students and faculty that I was introduced to throughout the admissions cycle which has become central to my MUSC experience as a student. The faculty genuinely care about student success in offering support both academically, professionally, and personally. Additionally, the vibrant lifestyle in Charleston provides a perfect balance between rigorous studies and quality of life.

Hometown: Lancaster, South Carolina

Undergrad Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Major: Microbiology with minors in Chemistry and Africana Studies

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am involved in many interest groups and Student National Medical Association.

Specialty Interest(s): I am undecided as of now, but I’m interested in family medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and internal medicine.

How do you best study in the preclerkship years: I like to study with friends because I like to have the opportunity to ask and answer questions as I review the material.

Favorite study spot: I like the study rooms on the 3rd and 4th floor of the library or going to a coffee shop.

Favorite volunteering experience: I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Seabrook Island Tennis Tournament, and I appreciated learning from the upperclassmen and EMT who I volunteered with.

Favorite Social event: I am really excited for COM Prom this year!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula? I live off the peninsula, and I really like the area I live in. The drive to campus is only about 10 minutes, and there’s not much traffic.

How do you get to and from campus? I drive to campus.

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: I really enjoy the parks and coffee shops here. There are so many of each in the Charleston area, so it’s fun to get to know the city and to treat myself.

Which is your favorite beach: I live close to Folly Beach, and it’s nice to have dinner or go on a run there.

How do you like to spend your free time: I like trying coffee shops, going on runs, or testing out different recipes.

Pets: I don’t have any pets, but I want to get a dog once I’m in residency.

What surprised you about medical school: I was really surprised by how easy it is to talk to everyone. Whether I am interacting with my classmates, upperclassmen, or faculty, everyone is very kind and willing to help. It has been really easy to feel comfortable talking to people with more or different experiences than me, and I appreciate having the opportunity to learn from so many kind people.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC? I chose MUSC because of the welcoming and supportive environment. I love how much everyone wants to succeed and is equally willing to help those around them. The respect and support that everyone has for each other was integral to my decision to come to school here. I also appreciate the interprofessional opportunities we have; having the opportunity to work and learn with students from the other health professions at MUSC is a key opportunity. As future physicians, understanding how our role plays into the overall care of the patients requires an understanding of the roles of the other members of the health care team. I am so grateful that MUSC provides us with exposure to this aspect of healthcare.

Hometown: Lancaster, South Carolina

Undergrad Institution: University of Pittsburgh

Major: Microbiology with minors in Chemistry and Africana Studies

Life at MUSC

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a lead ambassador, I am involved in many interest groups and Student National Medical Association.

Specialty Interest(s): I am undecided as of now, but I’m interested in family medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and internal medicine.

How do you best study in the preclerkship years: I like to study with friends because I like to have the opportunity to ask and answer questions as I review the material.

Favorite study spot: I like the study rooms on the 3rd and 4th floor of the library or going to a coffee shop.

Favorite volunteering experience: I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Seabrook Island Tennis Tournament, and I appreciated learning from the upperclassmen and EMT who I volunteered with.

Favorite Social event: I am really excited for COM Prom this year!

Living in Charleston

Do you prefer living Downtown or off the Peninsula? I live off the peninsula, and I really like the area I live in. The drive to campus is only about 10 minutes, and there’s not much traffic.

How do you get to and from campus? I drive to campus.

What is your favorite thing about Charleston: I really enjoy the parks and coffee shops here. There are so many of each in the Charleston area, so it’s fun to get to know the city and to treat myself.

Which is your favorite beach: I live close to Folly Beach, and it’s nice to have dinner or go on a run there.

How do you like to spend your free time: I like trying coffee shops, going on runs, or testing out different recipes.

Pets: I don’t have any pets, but I want to get a dog once I’m in residency.

What surprised you about medical school: I was really surprised by how easy it is to talk to everyone. Whether I am interacting with my classmates, upperclassmen, or faculty, everyone is very kind and willing to help. It has been really easy to feel comfortable talking to people with more or different experiences than me, and I appreciate having the opportunity to learn from so many kind people.

Anything else you would like to share about your experience at MUSC? I chose MUSC because of the welcoming and supportive environment. I love how much everyone wants to succeed and is equally willing to help those around them. The respect and support that everyone has for each other was integral to my decision to come to school here. I also appreciate the interprofessional opportunities we have; having the opportunity to work and learn with students from the other health professions at MUSC is a key opportunity. As future physicians, understanding how our role plays into the overall care of the patients requires an understanding of the roles of the other members of the health care team. I am so grateful that MUSC provides us with exposure to this aspect of healthcare.

Hometown: Pawley's Island, SC

College: Vanderbilt University

Major: Neuroscience, Philosophy

Why MUSC: I chose MUSC because it felt like home. Every student and professor I spoke to have a story to share about their connection to the MUSC community, and I knew quickly that I wanted to be a part of this family. Being in a walkable, vibrant city by the beach doesn’t hurt!

Campus Involvement: I’m involved in several specialty interest groups, the Discussions in Medical Ethics club, Anki Club, and a neurosurgery research project.

Specialty Interest(s): I’m still very undecided, but right now I’m interested in neuro, anesthesia, psychiatry, or dermatology.

How do you best study: I find a spot with some natural light, shuffle my Spotify library, and hunker down with my friends for a few hours.

Favorite study spot: The new library is AMAZING, and I also love to try out local coffee shops.

How do you get to and from campus? I walk about 15 minutes from my house downtown.

Hometown: Columbia, SC

College: University of South Carolina

Major: Biology, Public Health, and Sociology

Campus Involvement: In addition to my role as a Lead Ambassador, I serve as the Rural Outreach Coordinator of the CARES Clinic.

Specialty Interest(s): Cardiology is at the top of my list. However, I am still open to that changing!

How do you best study? I’m a “big picture” guy. I love to use concept maps and textbooks to get a broad understanding of the material, then I fill in the smaller details with flashcards.

Favorite study spot: The library here is amazing, so I use it whenever I can!

How do you get to and from campus? Though I live very close to campus, I still drive.

Any advice to your younger self? Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Focus on serving well wherever your feet are and that will lead you to what’s next.

What surprised you about medical school? I was surprised at how manageable school is. Once you get the right habits and routines in place, it becomes very straightforward, and you can find so much enjoyment in it.

Hometown: Fort Mill, SC

College: New Jersey Institute of Technology

Major: Biology

Campus Involvement: Currently, I am in various specialty interest groups like ENT and Internal Medicine. I am a part of the Medical Ultrasound Group, Student Alliance for Equal Opportunity, and involved in an orthopedic surgery research paper.

Specialty Interest(s): I am not entirely sure as of right now, but I am interested in surgery and Interventional radiology.

How do you best study: I tend to find an open table with a group of friends, play music on my headphones, and grab a cup of coffee!

Favorite study spot: Probably one of the new study group spaces in the library.

How do you get to and from campus? I drive about 15 or so minutes from West Ashley to class.

Any advice to your younger self? I would say not to give up no matter how difficult something may seem.

What surprised you about medical school? I think how closely-knit the community is and how often people go out of their way to offer help or support.

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

College: UNC Chapel Hill

Major: Psychology

Why MUSC: I chose MUSC because of the faculty and students. I worked at MUSC before starting school and had the opportunity to meet multiple faculty members. They were all overwhelmingly friendly and supportive. I knew a couple first-year students at the time, and they raved about the friendly environment between students and faculty as well as between medical students. I’m also a huge fan of downtown Charleston. Both the walkability and close proximity to cool restaurants and happy hours make it an awesome place to be.

Campus Involvement: Multiple interest groups, pickleball club, oncology research project, Latino Medical Student Association, and Medical Student Alumni Council

Specialty Interest(s): Internal medicine, ophthalmology, physical medicine and rehab

How do you best study? I prefer to study with other people nearby to keep me accountable.

Favorite study spot: The brand-new library

How do you get to and from campus? Walk

Any advice to your younger self?  Come into school with an open mind regarding new study techniques and new ways of learning.

What surprised you about medical school? How welcoming all the older medical students were and how easy it was to become friends with other first-year medical students.