Student Spotlights
Muskan Ali, Class of 2028
I am from College Station, Texas. I became interested in medicine as a child. I always thought that my pediatrician was the coolest lady. I remember pretending to be my mom’s doctor with my play stethoscope. Later, when my mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, I wished that I was a real doctor so that I could help her. My mom’s illness allowed me early exposure to the healthcare system and the disparities and complexities that riddle it. Early in my mom’s diagnosis, my parents had a difficult time finding a doctor who both fit in their insurance coverage and spoke Urdu. Ultimately, Dr. Laila Hassan, a rheumatologist, decided to take up my mom’s case pro bono. Dr. Hassan’s kindness and compassion over the past decade and a half inspired me to pursue medicine in hopes that I could return the generosity that my family received to others. After medical school, I hope to contribute to society in a manner that reduces existing medical disparity. I intend to participate in patient advocacy via involvement in healthcare policy.
Armand Berry, Class of 2026
I spent my childhood in various cities in Germany before moving to Augusta, Georgia as a teenager. Living in diverse locations exposed me to different healthcare systems and disparities in access to care. This exposure to a range of healthcare environments motivated me to pursue a career where I could combine my unique perspective and passion for science to ultimately treat individuals. My drive to excel in medical school is the opportunity to directly impact patients’ lives in a positive way fueled by a deep sense of responsibility to improve patient outcomes. I strive to continually improve my knowledge and skills, understanding that patient care is ever evolving. After medical school, I plan to specialize in Orthopedic Surgery. and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient care. I developed an interest in Orthopedic Surgery after witnessing the significant impact treatments can have on patients. The ability to help patients regain mobility and return to their daily lives is what drew me to this field. I am passionate about orthopedic research and aim to contribute to advancing treatments and improving recovery times. I am excited by the potential to integrate innovative approaches in clinical practice and research, ultimately advancing the field of orthopedics and enhancing patient outcomes.
Alejandro Coronado, Class of 2027
I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and my journey toward medicine began in high school with an anatomy and physiology course that exposed me to healthcare careers. This class sparked an interest I never knew I had and quickly became one I thoroughly enjoyed. Until then, I hadn’t been sure about my career path, but this experience motivated me to explore this newfound passion further. That same year, I attended an open house at Long School of Medicine, where meeting medical students and learning about the profession solidified my interest in becoming a physician. In college, I scribed which was another strong motivator that showed me I had made the right decision in pursuing medical school. I was admitted to the Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP), which was pivotal, offering internships that gave me early exposure to medical school and strengthened my motivation. These experiences reinforced my commitment and gave me a clear vision of my future in medicine. What drives me to excel as a medical student is knowing that, one day, my patients will rely on my knowledge and critical thinking to provide exceptional care and to approach challenges with resourcefulness and confidence. My goal after medical school is to become an orthopedic surgeon in the military.
Yousuf Hassen, Class of 2028
I am from Garland, Texas, and growing up as a black, first-generation student from a low-income household, I witnessed systemic barriers that limited access to resources and opportunities for my family and many in my community. These experiences fueled my passion for dismantling inequities and advocating for underserved populations. As a first-year medical student at Long School of Medicine, I am motivated by the opportunity to turn my personal experiences into meaningful actions. My drive comes from wanting to give back to communities like the one I grew up in, using cultural expertise to address their unique health challenges and needs. So far, this has manifested into opportunities like volunteering at the SFCP Refugee Health Clinic and joining the Global Health Program to assist rural communities abroad. After medical school, I aspire to work in underserved communities and provide culturally competent care while addressing the root causes of health disparities. I hope to specialize in a field where I can combine patient care with advocacy to drive systemic change. My goal is to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system that empowers marginalized populations and promotes access to quality care for all.
Mujtaba Khandoker, Class of 2027
Growing up in the very small town of Lancaster, California, I saw how health challenges could shape the lives of those around me, but it wasn’t until my grandfather faced a serious illness that I truly understood the impact a dedicated physician could have. His resilience during his battle with pancreatic cancer inspired me to pursue a career where I could, hopefully, be the difference maker he needed. What motivates me most is the pursuit of knowledge and the opportunity to innovate within the medical field. I am fascinated by the complexity of the human body and the ever-evolving advances in medicine. This curiosity drives me to not only learn but also think critically about how I can improve care and find new ways to address challenges in healthcare. Looking ahead, I hope to focus on improving access to quality medical care, especially in underserved communities like the one I grew up in. I want to be part of a movement that bridges gaps in healthcare, ensuring that everyone has the chance to live healthier lives. But at the core of it all, I simply hope to make a tangible impact in the lives of those whom I serve.
Travis Kotzur, Class of 2025
I am born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Growing up in a household led by my single deaf mother, I faced a challenging environment that taught me resilience and compassion. Inspired by my mother’s unwavering strength in the face of adversity, I developed a deep desire to help others. This drive initially led me to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering, where I combined my passion for problem-solving with a commitment to improving lives. My experiences navigating healthcare disparities within my own family further fueled my determination to address inequities in care, ultimately guiding me toward a career in medicine. As a medical student with a background in bioengineering and clinical research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I am motivated by the potential to combine technical expertise with compassionate care. My experiences in research, particularly in addressing postoperative outcomes and healthcare disparities, drive me to excel both academically and clinically. After medical school, I aspire to become an orthopedic surgeon, using research to enhance patient outcomes and addressing healthcare inequities. I envision a career that merges surgery with academic research, allowing me to make contributions to my field and advocate for underserved populations. My ultimate goal is to inspire others facing similar challenges to pursue their dreams, just as I have been inspired by those who believed in me.
Cindy Li, Class of 2027
I was born in Fujian, China and immigrated to the US when I was 5 years old. As the oldest child, I took on the responsibility of translating for my non-English speaking parents. I witnessed firsthand the difficulties my parents faced in accessing healthcare given the language and cultural barriers. This inspired me to pursue medicine, hoping to help patients in similar situations as them. My driving motivation is to assist patients facing multiple barriers in accessing healthcare. Growing up with my parents has let me realize the gravity of this healthcare issue. Currently, I am staying open-minded for all specialties when rotations begin. Regardless of the specialty, I aspire to leave a positive impact on patient healthcare.
Matthew Mallinson, Class of 2027
I am from a relatively small town north of Dallas called Sherman, Texas. In this area, I had the privilege to shadow many doctors who became mentors throughout my academic journey. They helped me to stay motivated to pursue medicine when it got tough. My biggest inspiration to pursue medicine has been seeing the role that physicians I have shadowed have in patients’ lives, guiding them and helping them with their illnesses while providing comfort and building relationships. Knowing that I will be able to have this role in patients’ lives in the future is what predominately drives me to be the best medical student that I can be. The more knowledge and experience I gain through training means that I can care for my patients better, and this is significant motivation for me when stress levels rise, and school gets difficult. After medical school, I would like to attend an Ophthalmology residency and possibly return to the north Dallas area and practice medicine with the same population I shadowed so long ago. With time, I aspire to care for patients the same way I observed my mentors care for them.
Mohamed Omar, Class of 2025
I was born in Yemen, spent my early years in Kenya, and moved to the United States in 2016. Growing up, becoming a doctor felt like a distant dream—especially since neither of my parents had attended college. However, as I progressed through my undergraduate studies, I grew more committed to accomplish what no one else in my family had: becoming the first doctor in my extended family. My greatest inspiration throughout this journey has been my mother. Her sacrifices and unwavering support have been the cornerstone of my ambition. She helped me to believe that anything is achievable if I set my mind to it. What motivates me to be the best medical student I can be is the sense of responsibility I feel toward my family, my community, and those who lack the opportunities I’ve been given. As the first in my family to pursue medicine, I aim to prove that anyone, no matter their background, can reach their goals. I am interested in pursuing a career in emergency medicine, where I can make an immediate and meaningful impact on underserved communities. I am also passionate about becoming an educator, dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of physicians, especially those from similar backgrounds, to ensure they have the guidance to succeed in this challenging but incredibly rewarding profession.
Carlos Peña, Class of 2028
I grew up in El Paso, Texas, a vibrant but underserved community defined by its resilience and warmth. I witnessed the challenges my community faced—limited access to healthcare, educational barriers, and systemic inequities. These experiences shaped my desire to become a physician and serve communities like mine, where people work tirelessly for better lives but are often held back by circumstances beyond their control. What drives me as a medical student is the great pride I have in my roots and the knowledge that every step I take brings me closer to making a difference. I carry the stories of my neighbors with me—stories of perseverance in the face of limited opportunities and barriers to care. Their strength fuels my dedication to learning and improving so I can one day offer the compassionate, equitable care they deserve. I hope to inspire future generations of Latino students by showing them that their dreams, no matter how ambitious, are achievable. Representation matters, and I am committed to being a role model for those who come after me. After medical school, I aspire to practice medicine in underserved areas while working to reduce systemic healthcare disparities. My dream is to combine patient care with policy efforts to improve access and create opportunities for others to follow in my footsteps. My journey is about more than becoming a doctor—it is about honoring my community and ensuring others have the opportunity to thrive.
Marco Sanchez, Class of 2026
I was born and raised in McAllen, Texas, in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley. Growing up in a medically underserved area, I experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing quality healthcare while managing my health issues. These early experiences shaped my commitment to addressing health inequities and inspired me to pursue a career as a physician dedicated to improving lives through medicine. I am currently a third-year medical student at the Long School of Medicine, working to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become a reliable and compassionate physician. I draw inspiration from my peers, exceptional preceptors, and the patients I have had the privilege to serve during my clinical clerkships. Their stories and resilience continue to fuel my passion for medicine. Looking ahead, I plan to apply to residency programs in either anesthesia or neurology, with the aim of pursuing a career in critical care. I aspire to return to my hometown to provide care that not only heals but supports patients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. For me, medicine is a lifelong mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Wyatt Schaefer, Class of 2027
I am from the piney woods of Marietta, Texas. I was morbidly obese as a child, and it was my weight-loss journey that ultimately revealed my compassion for the sick and hurting people around me. Because of my parents, I have always felt both loved and worthy of love. It is these two experiences: to feel “less-than,” from my obesity but ultimately know the separation of body and self and to have self-worth independent of my body that inspired my pursuit of medical school. One honorable mention was a health sciences course in high school that I was forced to take to graduate. Had I never been required to take that course, I might have never found medicine! I directly see how my understanding of medicine directly benefits patients. When I study, I see my handicapped father who fights the need for a wheelchair every single day. I see my late grandfather, whose last few years of life were spent enslaved to chronic disease. I see my wife who, all thanks to expert obstetricians, gave birth to our beautiful daughter without complication. It is the suffering and in-need mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters of us all who drive me to be the best medical student I can be. After medical school, I plan to attend a family medicine residency program in Texas and ultimately move back to my home of East Texas to become a rural family medicine doctor.
Maria Smereka-Hladio, Class of 2027
I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and my motivation to pursue medicine stems from one main reason–the desire to ease human suffering. From a young age, I was a translator for my parents, who are immigrants from Ukraine. I saw the difficulties that a language barrier created in their interactions with the healthcare system. To this day, they are still unable to access basic primary care due to insurance issues and cost, only seeking care in emergency situations–and their story is not unique. I study medicine for my family and for all those who face barriers in accessing care. I hope that my experiences will help contribute to long-term solutions. I think we should all strive for excellence in our respective fields to leave a lasting impact. I want to be the best physician I can be, as well as a reliable source of information, for my future patients and the public. After medical school and residency, I see myself working in a safety net hospital that provides care to underserved populations. I am not set on a particular specialty yet, but I am leaning towards general surgery or OB/GYN. I am currently a trained Spanish interpreter and hope to gain certification to communicate directly with Spanish-speaking patients in my practice. Inspired by Dr. Rasha Khoury, an OB-GYN and MSF-USA board member, I plan to pursue global health work, specifically through Médecins Sans Frontières.
Cody Tilton, Class of 2027
I grew up in Deer Park, Texas, which is a suburb of Houston, Texas. Coming from a family with no college graduates, I had no one to guide me toward a career path requiring a degree. Ultimately, it was the fantastic pediatric and family physicians I had growing up that planted the seed to pursue medical school. Due to a variety of factors, I had a long course to medical school and initially gave up on my dream. After teaching chemistry for seven years, I was finally able to pursue my dream of being a doctor. Having taught for so long, my goal is to maintain the same high expectations for myself that I held for my students. The more time I spend now learning the basics of medicine, the better clinician I can be for my future patients. Looking forward, I think I’d like to continue being an educator by working in academic medicine (dermatology and psychiatry are my specialties of choice right now). Being able to train the next generation of medical students and doctors excites me just as much as educating my high school students of years past.