Kwesi Blackman
NU 2009 - BS Biology; Howard University School of Medicine, Class of 2014
What led to your interest in a career in medicine? Who or what inspired you?
As an 8-year-old boy I used to watch a show on the Learning Channel about surgeons performing various types of surgeries. I remember my mother asking me “why are you watching this kind of stuff?” and responding, “That is what I want to do when I grow up.” I found it so amazing what they were doing. I did not have any doctors in my family and my only experience with a real doctor was when I would go for my yearly physicals. So, a TV show on the Learning Channel every Sunday night was what first inspired me to become a surgeon. Read more…
Joseph Pepe
NU 2011 - B.S. Health Science; Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2015
What led to your interest in a career in osteopathic medicine? Who or what inspired you?
I have always enjoyed the medical field. I worked as a patient transporter in high school, which exposed me to all different aspects of the medical system. Osteopathic medicine, in particular, has a strong emphasis on training its practitioners to be intuitive primary care physicians. This philosophy is one of the reasons I feel the profession fits so well with my personal goals and values. Though not all physicians serve in the primary care field, I believe that all physicians must be great general practitioners, first and foremost, no matter their level of specialization. My experiences with emergency medicine, in particular, have shown me the importance of personalized care, which can so often be overlooked in such a hectic and fast passed field. Read more…
Jeffrey Cumplido
NU 2010 - B.S. Biology; Tufts University School of Medicine, Class of 2014
What led to your interest in a career in medicine? Who or what inspired you?
Growing up I had always been fascinated by science and by the potential it had in transforming the way we understand the world we live in today. My passion for the biological sciences propelled during high school, particularly due to the passion and motivation that my AP Bio teacher had when teaching it. At that point, I participated in a youth forum on medicine and was introduced to the world of clinical medicine. From that point on, I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, I just wasn’t sure in what context that would be. Read more…
Kristen Bonkowski
NU 2010 - B.S. Biology; Georgia Health Sciences University, Class of 2014
What led to your interest in a career in dental medicine? Who or what inspired you?
My interest stemmed primarily from my father’s undying love, commitment, and passion for his profession. We have always had similar interests growing up, so naturally I found the dynamic field appealing and stimulating while assisting him. It is a career that demands mental toughness and physical excellence. Knowing myself, dentistry matched up well to my athletic passion for strategy, desire to fulfill the needs of patients and love for utilizing my hand skills. Read more…
John Daggett
NU 2010 - B.S. Biology; Tufts University School of Medicine, Class of 2014
What led to your interest in a career in medicine? Who or what inspired you?
Early on I admired a team of health care providers caring for my grandfather when he took ill. Teamwork was so evident, and it was great to see a group of dedicated people working to care for another person. My exposure at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on co-op with inpatient physical and occupational therapists later confirmed my desire to pursue medicine in the hopes of caring for those in need. Read more…
Katy Applin
NU 2010 - B.S. Mechanical Engineering; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Class of 2015
What led to your interest in a career in medicine? Who or what inspired you?
I originally thought I wanted to be a mechanical engineer. After a couple of co-ops in the field, I realized that I didn’t like the idea of spending most of my time working behind a desk. It was at that time that I began to seriously consider medicine. It had all of the challenging aspects that were offered with engineering; however, it was much more interpersonal. Read more…
Kevin Greene
NU 2011 - B.S. Behavioral Neuroscience; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Class of 2016
What led to your interest in a career in medicine? Who or what inspired you?
My first co-op was the first time I felt certain that medicine was something I could see myself doing for the rest of my life. The co-op was with an HIV/AIDS epidemiology research group at Mass. General Hospital and what really struck me was the clear distinction between the goals of my co-workers vs. those of my friends on co-ops in other majors. Read more…