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You're so close! We see that you started your application, but have not finished it.
Finish your application today and join a collaborative medical school community.
You're so close! We see that you started your application, but have not finished it.
Finish your application today and join a collaborative medical school community.
You're so close! We see that you started your application, but have not finished it.
Finish your application today and join a collaborative medical school community.
Home Country: Cameroon
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I was born in Cameroon where the patient to doctor ratio is 10,000. Growing up, I never had a pediatrician. Years later, I moved to the US and while attending college, I remember feeling this void. I was a biology major going through the motions with no clear goals. After some soul searching, I felt the calling to become a doctor. At that point, my grades were not “good enough” as I had to support myself through school. I vividly remember my pre-med advisor telling me I would never get accepted into medical school. Fortunately, I did not listen to her!
How did you prepare for your journey to become a physician?
I would describe the whole process as a cacophony of trials and errors that in due course, matured into a sweet symphony where all things sort of fell into place. There’s no magic formula and different things work for different people. In my case, being raised in a developing country gave me an edge, which came in handy in the face of transition and adversity. For instance, moving to another country to study wasn’t as anxiety-provoking because it wasn’t new to me. That also framed my outlook in life to remain optimistic, open-minded and realistic in my journey. Traits will help to stand during adversity. There were ups and downs, but with persistence I made it through.
Why did you pick the specialty you did?
After graduating from AUC, I took an unexpected detour where I volunteered as a general practitioner for three years in Cameroon. That period was pivotal in my journey and ultimately to my self-discovery. Having gravitated towards pediatrics, I signed up for a volunteer position at the referral children’s hospital Fondation Chantal Biya. I wasn’t prepared to experience how profoundly disadvantaged my patients would be and to that end, my perspective on a lot of things started shifting.
While working in the ED, I encountered my first baby with congenital heart disease. I would soon learn that plans were underway to emergently evacuate them to France as there was no local means of treatment for this baby. More to that, the hospital would not pay for the mother to accompany the baby. That stirred something in me and I wanted to do something about it. To that end, I returned to the US and became a pediatric cardiologist.
With the help of like-minded organizations, I aim to bridge the gap in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease and access to lifesaving cardiac surgeries in this population.
Can you give some advice to potential medical school students as to what to look for in a medical school?
I would look for a medical school that is well established and has proven results (high USMLE pass rates, high residency match rates, student satisfaction, etc). It’s important to find a well-rounded medical school that will nurture your goals.
When doing your clinical rotations, what advice can you give to students to get the most out of them?
What would you say helped you achieve success in medical school?
My unwavering faith in God and my determination to finish the journey of medical school.
Describe AUC in one sentence.
AUC, a thriving home to diversified and competent doctors!
Home Country: Cameroon
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I was born in Cameroon where the patient to doctor ratio is 10,000. Growing up, I never had a pediatrician. Years later, I moved to the US and while attending college, I remember feeling this void. I was a biology major going through the motions with no clear goals. After some soul searching, I felt the calling to become a doctor. At that point, my grades were not “good enough” as I had to support myself through school. I vividly remember my pre-med advisor telling me I would never get accepted into medical school. Fortunately, I did not listen to her!
How did you prepare for your journey to become a physician?
I would describe the whole process as a cacophony of trials and errors that in due course, matured into a sweet symphony where all things sort of fell into place. There’s no magic formula and different things work for different people. In my case, being raised in a developing country gave me an edge, which came in handy in the face of transition and adversity. For instance, moving to another country to study wasn’t as anxiety-provoking because it wasn’t new to me. That also framed my outlook in life to remain optimistic, open-minded and realistic in my journey. Traits will help to stand during adversity. There were ups and downs, but with persistence I made it through.
Why did you pick the specialty you did?
After graduating from AUC, I took an unexpected detour where I volunteered as a general practitioner for three years in Cameroon. That period was pivotal in my journey and ultimately to my self-discovery. Having gravitated towards pediatrics, I signed up for a volunteer position at the referral children’s hospital Fondation Chantal Biya. I wasn’t prepared to experience how profoundly disadvantaged my patients would be and to that end, my perspective on a lot of things started shifting.
While working in the ED, I encountered my first baby with congenital heart disease. I would soon learn that plans were underway to emergently evacuate them to France as there was no local means of treatment for this baby. More to that, the hospital would not pay for the mother to accompany the baby. That stirred something in me and I wanted to do something about it. To that end, I returned to the US and became a pediatric cardiologist.
With the help of like-minded organizations, I aim to bridge the gap in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease and access to lifesaving cardiac surgeries in this population.
Can you give some advice to potential medical school students as to what to look for in a medical school?
I would look for a medical school that is well established and has proven results (high USMLE pass rates, high residency match rates, student satisfaction, etc). It’s important to find a well-rounded medical school that will nurture your goals.
When doing your clinical rotations, what advice can you give to students to get the most out of them?
What would you say helped you achieve success in medical school?
My unwavering faith in God and my determination to finish the journey of medical school.
Describe AUC in one sentence.
AUC, a thriving home to diversified and competent doctors!
Now Enrolling for May 2024
Called to make a difference in medicine? Start your journey to an MD Degree with American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC). Our ACCM accredited institution is designed to train tomorrow’s physicians, whose service to their communities and their patients is enhanced by international learning experiences, a diverse learning community, and an emphasis on social accountability and engagement.
Our program offers a rigorous education model taught by expert faculty, and designed to develop an in-depth understanding of different healthcare systems and patient populations. Our students benefit from individualized attention in their courses, small class sizes and early clinical skills exposure.
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"Attending AUC was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. While learning all the fundamentals that helped me succeed in both clinical rotations and residency, I also gained lifelong friendships, family, and unique cultural experiences I’m forever grateful for."
Brian Hachey, MD – AUC School of Medicine, Class of 2013 Cardiology
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