Meet Our 2021 Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Graduates

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I started my interest in medicine after reading about a family member’s medical condition and became inspired to learn more about it as a doctor.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I hope to improve diversity and inclusion in the field of medicine.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Elizabeth, NJ.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I will be starting my neurology residency at JFK Medical Center

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine has done an amazing job in emphasizing the importance of humanism in medicine which helps me to see the patient as a valuable partner.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
Always fascinated with physiology, pathophysiology, and loved the clinical progression of true patient-physician interaction. Going into medical school, I always thought I’d go into a surgical specialty, however, during clerkship years, I enjoyed EVERY rotation, which confirmed my genuine self as a “jack-of-all-trades”, making the broader medical fields more appealing.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
Not sure. Would like to see myself as either a specialist such as cardiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, or hematology/oncology. On the other side, I would also go into more of an administrative position while retaining some clinical responsibilities.

Where did you grow up?
Born and raised in Southern California. Downey (Los Angeles) to Fontana (San Bernardino) and to San Diego for undergraduate school.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Jersey Shore, Internal Medicine

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
The early clinical exposure drastically influenced my education. The early exposure allowed me to enter clerkships with confidence.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g. particular inspiration)?
I was initially inspired to become a doctor from my experiences with my own pediatrician, and I hope to be like her and provide thoughtful and compassionate care to every child I encounter.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
My ultimate goal is to become a neonatologist and take care of sick and premature babies in the Neonatal ICU as I find the spectrum of pathophysiology to be fascinating and it is immensely rewarding to impact a child’s life in their early years when they have their entire futures ahead of them.

Where did you grow up?
I am from Westwood, NJ, and I am thrilled to continue serving my home community during residency.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I will be starting Pediatrics residency at Hackensack University Medical Center this July!

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicineprepared you for this journey?
Aside from equipping me with a strong foundational knowledge base to care for patients, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicinehas shown me how important it is to listen to every patient’s story and understand the multifaceted social determinants that influence their health.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I am the first person in my family to enter the medical field, so my decision to get into medicine wasn’t necessarily following in another’s footsteps. Instead, I chose to enter the medical field because of my love to solve puzzles, help others, and be a lifelong learner.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I plan to begin my career in internal medicine. I am currently undecided with specialties, but I plan to help others in my community and be the person my family goes to for medical advice. I strive to be a physician that takes the time to understand their patient’s perspective. Someone that I would be comfortable with taking care of my loved ones.

Where did you grow up?
Bemidji, MN – a small town in northern Minnesota

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Internal Medicine Residency

How has HMSOM prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine has taught me the value of a humanistic approach and the need for better communication, understanding, and empathy when building the patient-physician relationship.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I have always wanted to help care for others; first as a nurse prior to medical school and I am now happy to continue this life long commitment as a physician.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I look forward to becoming an anesthesiologist with an active role in medical education while contributing to the health of those in my community. I also have an interest in global health.

Where did you grow up?
I was born in Hoboken, New Jersey but moved frequently growing up, living in 4 different states as well as in India. I’ve lived in Bloomfield, New Jersey for about 15 years and have always considered New Jersey my home.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Hackensack University Medical Center in the Department of Anesthesiology.

How has HMSOM prepared you for this journey?
From my many mentors and advisors, I have learned to always believe in yourself and that no dream is too small to achieve.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
As a non-traditional student, medicine was not something I had always imagined myself doing; it was only when I did some volunteer work in community clinics and with end of life care that I realized it was the right thing for me to do.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
To be honest, I think it might be a little too early to say what I want to do eventually; I’ll work through rotations as they come and know I’ll find something that I like.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Maryland.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I’ll be doing Internal Medicine at HUMC.

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
I think the most important thing Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine did to prepare me was have me engaged with patient care in person from the get go, allowing me to see the day-to-day life of a physician and best prepare me for what I wanted to do in the future.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I have always been interested in medicine, and in college when I started volunteering in an Emergency Department I knew that this was a field and environment that I was meant to work in.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I am considering fellowship training after my EM residency, and hope to get involved in advocacy and research surrounding environmental health at some point during my career.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Bridgewater, NJ.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I am starting my EM residency at HUMC July 1st.

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
They have connected me with the wonderful residency that I have matched at, as well as including a lot of education surrounding determinants of health which has helped me learn about environmental health.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I find medicine fascinating and like to help people!

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I plan to pursue a career in academic hospitalist medicine or cardiology.

Where did you grow up?
Warwick, RI, the Ocean State!

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Jersey Shore University Medical Center – Internal Medicine

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine’s excellent clinical skills curriculum and dedicated faculty.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I have been interested in science since I was very young and always knew that I wanted to go into something science-related, but I realized in high school that medicine provides the perfect combination of helping people, building on my passion for science, and challenging yourself everyday.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I am most excited to build relationships with my patients and their families to help them to grow up and live happy, healthy lives!

Where did you grow up?
I grew up not too far away in Morris County, N.J.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I will be joining the Pediatrics Residency Program at Hackensack University Medical Center in July.

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine has taught me not only with a strong foundation of clinical knowledge, but also the importance of treating the whole person and the ability to recognize the roles of the social determinants of health.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I chose medicine initially because it was really practical. I grew up without knowing anyone in the medical field and navigating it was a nightmare; naturally learning medicine was the solution. But then I figured out that I wanted a job I looked forward to every morning and had colleagues that pushed me to become a better person. There was no specific person that started my journey, but everyone I met along the way was someone who I wanted to emulate.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
Honestly, I just want to be the person people come to for advice and reassurance which is why I want to go into outpatient medicine – I love counseling and helping people achieve their goals in a calm office setting.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY back when a slice of pizza was 1$ and a bag of chips was 0.25c. It was a simpler time.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I’m going into residency at JSUMC for internal medicine!

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine gave me a variety of clinical experiences ever since day 1 so I feel fully prepared to graduate and begin my training.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
Emergency medicine is a fast paced field where you have the opportunity to make a difference for your patients.

Where did you grow up?
Massachusetts

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Emergency medicine

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine emphasizes the importance of always listening to patients and keeping an open mind that we should always be learning. This mindset can help patients to feel heard and create a positive experience.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
I have always been interested in the medical field, which is what prompted me to pursue nursing originally. The decision to change from nursing to medicine was so I could have more autonomy in patient care and be able to help my patients to the best of my ability.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
My future career goals include completing my residency in anesthesiology and pursuing a fellowship in cardiac anesthesiology.

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Brick, NJ.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
I will be starting my residency in anesthesiology at Hackensack University Medical Center.

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine has prepared me for this journey by providing me with the knowledge and skills to confidently start residency this July.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?

I decided to became a physician after breaking my foot playing basketball and learning about the science and art of taking care and partnering with patients.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
Hematologist/Oncologist.

Where did you grow up?
Bergenfield, NJ.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Hackensack University Medical Center in Internal Medicine.

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
I have the foundations and tools to critically think through the medical and psychosocial challenges of tomorrow.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
Volunteering at a free medical clinic in college where I was able to make connections with patients and learn about different barriers to healthcare inspired me to go to medical school.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?
I help patients improve their health and quality of life.

Where did you grow up?
Kinnelon, NJ

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?
Anesthesiology at Hackensack University Medical Center

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepares students with a well-rounded curriculum that gives us the tools to be effective team members and get involved with all aspects of patient care. As graduation approaches, I feel confident in my knowledge, clinical skills, and awareness of health disparities and the social determinants of health.

Why did you get into medicine (e.g., particular inspiration)?
In college I had the opportunity to watch a surgery; seeing how you can combine knowledge and skill to dramatically impact a person’s health left a strong impression on me. I was interested in medicine before but this helped to solidify it.

What do you hope to achieve as a doctor (e.g. specialty, goals)?

I am going into anesthesiology. I am not certain about what I would like to do down the road, but I am currently considering doing a cardiac fellowship to do anesthesia for heart surgeries.

Where did you grow up?

I have lived in Plainsboro NJ for the past 15 years, but I was born in Los Angeles CA and spent a while in Aurora IL as a child.

Where are you starting your career (i.e., residency)?

I will be doing my residency at HUMC

How has Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine prepared you for this journey?

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine has given me a good foundation in both clinical and social knowledge to be a successful clinician in this area with its diverse patient population.