What do you like about Kansas City?

I love how close everything is! As someone from a rural town, I find that KC has so much variety, from the plaza near Volker Campus, to the downtown area near the medical school. There’s something for everyone in Kansas City!

Why did you choose UMKC School of Medicine?

I chose UMKC School of Medicine for a few reasons. First, I was enticed that this six year program offered me guaranteed acceptance into medical school, allowing me to start my journey through medicine from the first day I set foot on campus. Second, I really enjoyed the community environment – UMKC has lots of great clubs and organizations that can really help you get started exploring the medical field! Finally, I chose this program because the early clinical experience is truly unparalleled by any other program across the nation. The 6-Year BA/MD offers the best of both undergraduate and medical education, all within an achievable time frame.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a BA/MD student thus far, and how has it shaped your journey in medicine?

My most rewarding experience has been my early exposure to medical knowledge through my courses, experience through docent rotations and extracurriculars, and research. Through my time in the BA/MD program, I have learned more about the way that I study and achieve goals.

My journey in medicine will be variable and nothing quite like anything I’ve experienced before, but the best part is that this program has equipped me with all the tools I need for success.

How do you see the School of Medicine supporting your future goals in the world of medicine?

One of the great things about the School of Medicine is how open it is to feedback. There are numerous opportunities for students to have their voice heard regarding the curriculum, anywhere from course evaluations to routine surveys or even check-ins from SOM faculty. My goals are supported because I know that there is always a staff or faculty member that I can turn to for help, whether it is academic or social.

A final piece of advice I have for prospective students is…

Don’t be afraid to try something new!! A lot of times, students in medicine feel they have to have everything figured out, and once they think they have a plan, they want to stick to it as tightly as they can. However, you’ll end up missing out on all the experiences around you! Always put your best foot forward even if you don’t feel like you’ll enjoy the event, course, or extracurricular – you’d be surprised at how your opinions will change throughout medical school!

What do you like about Kansas City?

I’m originally from Missouri, so living in Kansas City allows me to be closer to my family; I can visit them a lot more frequently this way. Also, the people, the food (especially the barbecue!), and the events within Kansas City make this a great place to live. But the thing I like most about Kansas City (and UMKC specifically) is that it places a strong emphasis on inclusion of every culture, which makes me feel at home here.

Why did you choose UMKC’s School of Medicine?

I chose UMKC because it is one of the only six-year combined BA/MD program in the United States. It has always been my dream to become a doctor, and reaching that dream in six as opposed to eight years (and saving time and money) really drew me to this program. On the more personal side, it’s closer to home and I get in-state tuition because I am a Missouri resident.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a BAMD student thus far, and how has it shaped your journey in medicine?

As a BA/MD student, the most rewarding experience so far has to have been receiving my white coat at the end of Year 2. The first courses we take when we begin medical school halfway through Year 2, the Human Structure Function (HSF) series, are extremely difficult, intense courses that last from January until late July. These courses pushed me in ways I didn’t think were possible, but I kept pushing through as I knew getting my white coat was just around the corner. Eventually, after studying for hours on end and learning so much new material, we finished the HSF series. One week later, I received my white coat — a symbol of devotion to patient care that continues to encourage me when things get difficult. Going from finishing the most difficult course in medical school to then getting my white coat made me feel like I was on top of the world. Even now, when I struggle in courses or rotations, I think back to the work I have already put in as well as my white coat experience and reflect on the fact that I am where I’ve always wanted to be and doing what I’ve always wanted to do.

How do you see the School of Medicine supporting your future goals in the world of medicine?

I want to be an internal medicine physician after graduation, and UMKC’s SOM is unique in that medical students here get six months of IM training as opposed to typically just two months at other medical schools. I have heard from many practicing physicians that the internal medicine physicians that train at UMKC are very knowledgeable of the field and good at their profession. Additionally, the School of Medicine offers a variety of ways to get involved with extracurriculars that I want to continue pursuing in the world of medicine — research, quality improvement, teaching, mentoring, and so many more.

A final piece of advice I have for prospective students is…

Medical school is extremely rewarding, and I think anyone who wants to be a doctor should go for it; however, there are also many challenges. You will be pushed to new limits that you didn’t think were possible, learn a ton of information in a very little amount of time, and struggle to balance schoolwork with self-care and life in general. However, you will meet some of your best friends here, be mentally rewarded in so many ways, and create unforgettable memories. It is easier to traverse the challenges of medical school if you can keep the end goal in mind, be realistic in your expectations, focus on the good, and establish a strong support system to help you through.

What do you like about Kansas City?

While I love exploring the Plaza with my friends and enjoying Kansas City barbeque, the best part of Kansas City is the people! I noticed that many people here are warm and helpful, and I quickly made friends!

Why did you choose UMKC’s School of Medicine?

I chose the UMKC School of Medicine because of the six-year BA/MD program, allowing me to start gaining clinical experience in my first year. I have always been extremely passionate about becoming a physician, and the UMKC direct med program allows me to achieve this goal.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a BAMD student thus far, and how has it shaped your journey in medicine?

The most rewarding part of being a BA/MD student is the docent experience, as learning from my docent doctor and interacting with patients is amazing! Not only has this honed my history-taking skills, but I am also able to apply what I have learned in the actual setting. I have always been enthusiastic about medicine, but the docent experience has made me more passionate about becoming a physician.

How do you see the School of Medicine supporting your future goals in the world of medicine?

I am interested in doing research throughout medical school, and I know that the UMKC School of Medicine offers plenty of research opportunities for its students as well as mentors. The UMKC School of Medicine also has a rigorous curriculum that will give me a solid foundation of medical knowledge and clinical skills. Although medical school is demanding, I have found a supportive community at the UMKC School of Medicine.

A final piece of advice I have for prospective students is…

Demonstrate your interest in medicine by shadowing healthcare workers, volunteering in a health-based setting, and doing research!

What do you like about Kansas City?

Kansas City has a little bit of everything! If you are a person who loves to explore or go to events with your friends, there’s always something to do on the weekends like go to concerts, participate in trivia nights at various restaurants, or go to theme parks located about 20 minutes outside the city. If you like to do something more relaxing we have many art museums, gardens, coffee shops, and boutiques to visit. If you like outdoor activities/getting active, there are a couple of lakes 30 minutes outside the city, many hiking/walking trails, and even rock climbing gyms! I love the variety that you can get within the area.

Why did you choose UMKC’s School of Medicine?

I chose UMKC School of Medicine because of its accelerated path and resources. I have known that I wanted to be a doctor even before I was in high school, by joining the program, I am one step closer and faster to achieve my goals in the healthcare field. UMKC is also unique in that we are not only associated with two hospitals; one is a Level 1 Trauma hospital located in the heart of the city, but we also have the advantageous opportunity to work with one of the top children’s hospitals in the country (Children’s Mercy). This is very beneficial as you can explore a vast amount of specialties and experience a wide variety of cases during your clinical years!

What has been your most rewarding experience as a BAMD student thus far, and how has it shaped your journey in medicine?

The most rewarding experience for me has been through the Docent program starting on Day 1 where I was able to interact with patients and gain skills that have helped me become more observant, a better problem solver, and more aware that a person’s health encompasses a range of factors through the biopsychosocial approach. This has shaped my journey in medicine because I have learned how to approach problems from different angles and see the end goal that as a future physician, I can not only make lasting connections with my patients but also change the trajectory of their health!

How do you see the School of Medicine supporting your future goals in the world of medicine?

The School of Medicine is very supportive in terms of research and mentorship. The professors at UMKC are exceptional in the way that they teach complex courses and they always want you to succeed. They try to get to know each student and are easy to reach out to when you are feeling lost in the material. Many times, the School of Medicine tries to find a research project based on specialties that you want to pursue. The Docents and peer mentors are always happy to give words of advice and help set you up with programs and opportunities that align with your goals in medicine and residency.

A final piece of advice I have for prospective students is….

Try to get involved in a mix of medical activities (volunteering, shadowing, high school events/programs, etc.) as well as activities that interest you (sports, jobs, high school clubs, etc.). It’s good to have a balance to cultivate your medical interests but also to make sure you can prevent burnout by finding things you like to do to decompress!

What do you like about Kansas City?

The variety of food, communities, and events that you can find in the city.

Why did you choose UMKC’s School of Medicine?

I chose the UMKC School of Medicine for its early clinical exposure, extensive research opportunities, and active community involvement. Additionally, I was drawn to the close-knit, supportive student body. The university’s dedication to student success from the very beginning, offering comprehensive support, further solidified my decision.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a BAMD student thus far, and how has it shaped your journey in medicine?

My most rewarding journey has been navigating the challenges of medical school alongside my peers. Through difficult courses, early mornings, UMKC parking tickets, student organizations, and research projects, their support has been indispensable. Reaching milestones and success is so rewarding as a group. This experience has reminded me that I am stronger as part of a community rather than alone. It’s crucial to listen to others’ perspectives and understand that asking for help is normal. Taking care of patients is a collaborative effort, not an individual one.

How do you see the School of Medicine supporting your future goals in the world of medicine?

I am confident that the School of Medicine is equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to treat my future patients with effective care, compassion, and humility. Through research, clinical training, and community involvement, the school is shaping me into a well-rounded individual and future physician. Their unwavering commitment to excellence drives me to question, learn, and strive harder, all in dedication to the well-being of my

A final piece of advice I have for prospective students is….

Enjoy every moment no matter where you go or what you do, time goes by incredibly fast. It is not worth stressing a test question or a homework question, rather see the bigger picture in all endeavors.