How do you manage to stay balanced and healthy in spite of the busy med school schedule? 

I try to get involved in activities outside of school (ie intramurals, service activities, Bible studies). Many people told me to do this as I was beginning medical school, and it has been great advice.

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to an incoming MS1?

The most important piece of advice I would give to an incoming MS1would be “Don’t sweat the petty things and don’t pet the sweaty things.” While the latter half of this advice is pretty much common sense, I think the former part is very important. This year has really helped me realize that when I focus on inconsequential details (whether it be while studying for a test or in other aspects of my life) that the big picture tends to fall out of focus, leading to increased stress and a decreased quality of life. While some details are of great importance, there are many that are not and it is an important skill to learn how to differentiate between the two.

What is your favorite artery, organ, or nerve; and why? 

I am going to have to say that my favorite part of the body is the central gyrus on the brain because its boundaries have given rise to one of the two greatest mythical creatures ever imagined; the homunculus (the other is the Chupacabra).

Tell us one of your favorite memories from your first year of med school in the form of a haiku!

Oh formaldehyde
Susan’s hair draped in thorax
leads to sweet, sweet smell

If you could be any element on the periodic table which would you be and why?

I would be xenon because of all the fun Lewis dot structures it can create.

Give us your favorite first year “one-liner”.

Attending: “Med student, what do you think about the case?”
Med Student: “Well I-“
Attending: “It doesn’t matter what you think. You are a med student.”