interview questions

5 qualities stand out WU: Why should we pick you? What will make you a strong addition to the incoming class? What makes you more qualified than other candidates

*Diversity in experiences both personal and clinical that have taught me lessons and gave me qualities that I'm confident will make me an efficient/empathetic/and well-rounded physician 1. Background- dedication/hard work/ drive 2. Background- cultural awareness/ help with diverse populations 3. Extensive clinical experience- unwavering dedication + learned qualities especially as a scribe that will make me a well-rounded physician (improved listening/focus, enhanced ability to compassionately interact with patients, learned how to work as a member of team) 4. Community service- reflects my desire to serve which is essential to being a physician 5. Adversity- moms cancer, lost aunt and 2nd mom unexpectedly to surgery, lost uncle to cancer—> made me more resilient and increased my ability to empathize with those going through adversity

Rate healthcare in America If you were the president, what issues would you address the nation on and what would you do to improve them (he was looking for health care) RU: How do you think the future of healthcare will look in 10 years?

- 6 or 7 out of 10 -good but needs significant improvement -good: leading in cutting edge technology and pharmacological advancements, short wait time of major procedures, some of the best medical education programs in the world -bad: Expensive health care, due to increased cost many Americans are either uninsured or not sufficiently insured, there is a big disparity between healthcare in some areas vs others where there is a shortage of PCPs, if you are of lower SES more likely to experience disparity of care because you will be forced to attend hospitals that provide lower quality care (ex: many county hospitals) ***bottom line: due to inequality in care provided for those of different socioeconomic backgrounds and rural areas with shortage of PCP's, I believe healthcare in America has a lot of room for improvement -I know that I alone would not be able to solve that issue -however, I do believe that progress will start at the individual level -For example, I hope to provide my services to the ppl in our country that truly need it most and devote a large part of my career to those in underserved areas that experience that healthcare disparity -Again, I understand this will not 100% solve the issue but I think as humans it is our duty to do everything in our individual power to help with social issues and that is how I would personally contribute to the cause ***10 years: hopefully towards more socialized medicine where we have universal and more affordable healthcare and the disparity of care is reduced if not diminished altogether

What would you do if you caught a classmate cheating?

- I would approach the student and try to get a better understanding of the situation in a non-confrontational way. I wouldn't jump straight to conclusions- important to not make assumptions without knowing all the details - if the student admitted he was cheating, I would recommend that he talk to the professor himself and explain what he did - if he didn't want to talk, I would feel that it would be my responsibility to speak to the professor as in life, and especially in the medical profession, there is no room for shortcuts, especially when you have future patients' lives and their health in your hands.

Why should we NOT accept you? What would you say your friends would say is your greatest weakness? What would someone who doesn't like you say their reason for disliking you was?

- if you wanted to look hard for a reason not to accept me, one personal characteristic that might influence such a decision is my competitive drive. I've been told by friends in the past that I can be overly competitive at times, which stems from desire to want to be the best that I can possibly be and to always be improving. -However, in recent years I have been working on this competitive drive. I have been focusing more on bettering myself rather than beating out my competitors/colleagues because my drive for continuous improvement is not something I want to forfeit all together. For example, as a scribe I take the time to learn from my colleagues and rather than trying to be better than them, I focus on how I can be the best scribe I can be for the physicians. I attribute a lot of my personal success to this quality, but I do understand that my competitive nature can sometimes come off aggressive to others.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? WU: What area of medicine do you see yourself practicing?

- need to do clinical rotations to be certain but Ive been fortunate to scribe and shadow for 2 family physicians - experience in both positions has been extremely positive and I am very excited by the wide range of patients they are able to treat that vary in age background and medical conditions - that is the diversity that I aim to search for in my future profession - also what makes family physician unique to other fields is the strong bond that they are able to from with their patients -dr. nichols has been a physician for over 46 years, and has had patients under his care for 35 years. needless ot say he cares for these patients not only as patients but as friends-- and vice versa. that is the bond I hope to have my with my future patients. *Non medical plans: I hope to be a father or hoping to start my family. I've always looked up to my dad- who has been my role model throughout my life. I hope to support my family in the same way he has and maintain a selfless attitude throughout my life. i hope to instill in my kids the same qualities that my family and background has instilled in me.

QU: What does "underserved" mean to you?

-Any region, city, or country that is lacking in quality and access to primary care providers -These populations are usually of lower socioeconomic status and suffer from experiencing a significant disparity in health care as opposed to the more affluent members of society -It is possibly the most pressing issue in our society today in terms of health care problems

How do you fit into OUWB's mission to train (patient centered care) holistic physicians?

-As a biopsychology major, I've gained a deep appreciation for how mental states affect physiological process and emotional states and how all of these work together to influence human health and behavior -As such, I truly believe patient care should focus not only on biological factors and physical symptoms but should encompass sociological, environmental, and psych factors that all play a role in human health and behavior -This perspective has been reinforced through my clinical and personal experiences -I shadowed a Dr. for over a year that truly believed in patient-centered care -He was very hands on and would always as the patient their mood before leaving the room because he understood that physical health and mental health are interconnected -His patients definitely seemed to appreciate this approach because it personalized the care that they received -Also, in my Mom's battles with cancer I saw very intimately how a patient's health is more than just physical symptoms -Because after my Mom was discharged she was still emotionally depressed and physically weak despite the fact that the CT scans showed she was cancer free -Once I was able to motivate her to get back to the gym which was something she used to love to do I noticed her mentality towards her situation gradually improved and sure enough her physical health followed soon after -Her journey to recovery really drove home the principle that there are many factors that play a role in human health

As a pre-med, what skills have you learned to help manage your time and relieve stress?

-As a pre med, especially while working long hours as a restaurant server and trying to balance my academic, family, and social life I encountered many situations where I felt overwhelmed by responsibilities -Sometimes this stress would have a negative effect on my performance -I knew I needed to develop a more efficient time-management system -By my Junior Year I discovered the usefulness of future planning, organization, and discipline -I would plan for my responsibilities weeks to months in advance leaving room for flexibility -I'd create deadlines and maintain discipline in keeping to those deadlines -I noticed my stress levels significantly reduced because having a visible representation of all my responsibilities and when I had to get those tasks done made them seem more manageable -Now I use planners and excel to organize my professional, academic, and social responsibilities -I know this is a strategy I'll carry with me as a future medical student and physician

Team Leader Story: stressful situation/leadership/diffuse tension WU: Have you had to handle a conflict and in what way?

-As a team leader I'm entrusted to train the volunTEENs on relevant duties -One of our teens had a learning disability and often showed disrespect to the hospital staff and team members when she was told she could not perform certain tasks that were specifically reserved for adult volunteers -Because she was on my shift I saw it as my responsibility to control the situation -I understood that the teen felt disrespected because she thought she was being treated differently from the other volunteers -I decided to give her the responsibility of answering phones and recording tasks into the log book -This way she was able to have a significant role (felt valued as a team member) but would also not be completing tasks that did not involve direct patient contact and so was within hospital and program policy -This approach was able to diffuse the tension and resolve the situation

Can you think of a situation in which you felt you were unfairly judged?

-Colorado store target -had luggage -wanted to grab a few soft drinks -worker rummaged through luggage without asking -accused us of stealing before he realized it was our luggage -it was a shocking experience for me and not something I had ever experienced -I felt he was judging my girlfriend and I unfairly, and could have handled the situation a little better -I think if instead of jumping to conclusions he would have had more open dialogue and communication with us we would have had a much more pleasant encounter -for me, biases and unfairly judging individuals almost always stems from a lack of knowledge about the individual(s) and lack of communication between those involved -If we can have more open and friendly communication between everyone, I think anyone can see that no matter what culture or background you are from, we as humans are far more similar than we are different

Name a time you had to interact with ppl very different from you/ generic diversity ? WU: Define diversity. What does diversity in medicine mean to you? Have you had any experience with people from diverse backgrounds?

-Diversity= situations, perspectives, cultures, people different from what you are accustomed to... To me diversity is extremely important because encountering people and situations different from what you're used to gives you insight into different perspectives, and ultimately this is how I believe you can become more well-rounded as an individual and as a physician -it is especially important in healthcare where you constantly encounter patients with a variety of backgrounds, identities, and perspectives -I've been fortunate to come from a unique background of immigration that has given me cultural awareness and a respect for individuality -But I've also reinforced this perspective through personal activities -Example: OC Rescue I encounter individuals from all stripes -but at the shelter all differences are forgotten s we work together to serve our community through preparing meals and sorting donations -I've made some meaningful friendships at the shelter and learned some great lessons there through an open-mind and focusing on commonalties rather than our differences -Ultimately seeing the positive impact these individuals are able to have on their community despite their troubled pasts reinforced to me that everyone is deserving of compassion and respect irrespective of background -specific example: Chris, ex gang member, changed life after having first kid

Epigenetics research

-Epigenetics always interested me -I found the idea that not only do we alter environment, the environment changes us and our genetic function without altering DNA sequence -So for my senior year project in my science writing course I decided to conduct my research paper on how traumatic events can alter not only the function of your own DNA but also that this change can be transmitted to your children -The paper focused on several traumatic events such as pregnant survivors of 9/11 which suffered from PTSD due to their experiences -My research showed that these events altered the biological mechanisms in charge of stress responses in some of these women incliuding HPA axis and pertinent glucocorticoid receptors and that these fundamental changes were also passed down to their children and these children were more prone to Anxiety/depression issues themselves -essentially passing down your own experiences to your children -The project was important to me because it not only improved my research skills and ability to form conclusions based on data -but it further emphasized the idea that health is not purely a result of biological factors but a collection of biologiical, psychological, and environmental factors that all work together to make up one's health

How do you plan to balance family with medical school? QU: what support systems do you anticipate making use of while in academic school?

-Family will always be the most important aspect of my life -Throughout my life I make sure my family is updated on my personal and professional pursuits -I regularly approach my parents and brother for advice on all my life struggles, goals, etc. -In medical school I will not try to separate my family from my academic and professional life -Instead, I will make sure they are as involved as possible -I'll still approach them when need help, stressed -When I have good news and bad -This way it won't feel as if i need to balance family and medical school; instead, they will join me in my journey -I will also take full advantage of on-campus resources -whether that is academic counseling or student wellness programs... I will use any and all resources offered to me by the school in order to help me with the demanding road that lies ahead

QU: As a medical student, you walk into a patient's room to do a history and physical. The patient is pregnant and you smell cigarette smoke. How would you handle the situation?

-Firstly, I would conduct the history and physical just as I would any other patient -I would avoid judging or jumping to any conclusions about the patient -there are many possible explanations for why her clothes would smell of cigarette smoke and I can't be sure that this smell is the cause of the patient herself smoking -after conducting the history and physical I would casually bring up the normal precautions for pregnancies -I would ask her to please let me know if she was thinking of beginning any new medication -I would tell her to avoid heavy lifting and exertion -Try to reduce stress levels, etc. -I would then bring up the dangers of alcohol and tobacco use while pregnant and would strongly advise against such actions -I would never accuse the patient of using these substances herself -and I would try to bring up concrete data to support the reasons against drug and alcohol use during pregnancy -As a physician, it is our duty to act in the patient's best interest and this sometimes requires counseling on proper and improper actions regarding their health, but they should avoid judging their patients at all times

Why not nurse or pharmacist Why do you want to be an MD over another role in the medical profession

-Firstly: utmost respect for these professions Nurses/pharmacists: integral members of healthcare team -Physician: aligns best with tendency to lead, shot caller, take on a lot of responsibility, and be a PROBLEM SOLVER (ex: as a scribe I like to listen to a patient's symptoms and try to come up with a diagnosis and see if it aligns with physician's assessment) -And I think Physicians have HIGHEST CALLING as medical professional -entire health care process begins/ends with you DIAGNOSE and TREAT -nurses/pharm/etc. necessary to execute your plan but ultimately they are acting under physician's orders -in this way they have MOST DIRECT IMPACT

How can we improve healthcare in underserved areas?

-For one, I believe that this process should start with recruiting more medical students who demonstrate a passion for the underserved -I think this is demonstrated through community service, and more emphasis should be placed on recruiting those individuals that show a strong commitment to these areas because they are more likely to practice their in the future -More holistic review process of applications instead of focusing so heavily on statistics and scores -Once in medical school, I think it is important to include more service projects into the curriculum and clinical rotations in these areas -I believe that many medical students do not practice in these areas simply because they have never been exposed to these areas and their lack of resources -I think that by integrating more service projects and rotations in underserved areas it will increase student awareness about these populations and will make students more empathetic and enthusiastic to practice in these underserved areas

What is the biggest ethical concern facing the medical field today?

-Genetic testing is a big issue in healthcare and I can definitely see it causing issues in society in the years to come -I was watching a 60 minutes--rep. genetics -Preimplantation genetic diagnosing -screen out 100's-1000's of diseases -also may decrease diversity of our society which is what makes the world such a great place -blue eyes/blonde hair -I can also see it causing issues if genetic testing becomes common in the workplace setting -there are many possible issues but also many possible exciting features to genetic testing -it has the potential to increase quality of life tenfold but also has potential to alter our way of living in permanent and even detrimental ways -We need to do our best to get ahead of these issues before they start -implement specific criteria to protect the rights of humans before genetic testing becomes mainstream

WU: What's the weakest part of your application? If you could change something on your application what would it be?

-Grades first year UCSB -result of lack of preparation and slow transition to the rigorous and fast pace of college level courses -Also believe that with that weakness one of my apps greatest strengths came as a result -Because I was able to adapt to those difficult courses by changing my mindset, prioritizing responsibilities, more efficient with my time, making necessary sacrifices -dedication reflected in last two years -I believe that is a strong part of my application because it displays resilience, dedication, drive for continuous improvement-- so important in healthcare that requires lifelong learning

What is your definition of honesty? Do you think physicians should always be honest with their patients?

-Honesty= the quality of being genuine, truthful, and forthright -It's a physician's duty to always act in their patient's best interest -I believe that almost in every situation telling your patient the truth is in their best interest and therefore the physician should be honest with their patient -One situation I can think of in which the physician may not need to be entirely truthful is if they believe the truth will cause the patient to harm themselves or others, and therefore would not be in their best interest -In these rare situations I think it is important to try to balance compassion and honesty -I think it could be justified to omit certain details or to break down the truth into separate sessions so the patient has time to process the situation bit by bit -I think these are rare situations but do occur and physicians sometimes bend the truth to avoid taking away their patient's hope by telling them too much truth all at once

OUWB: Through which experience have you made the biggest impact on your community?

-I believe I've been able to have the most positive impact on my community through my service at OC Rescue Homeless Shelter -I think this is the most impactful experience I've participated in because I'm able to help those members of my community that truly need my services most -At OC Rescue I prepare daily meals for the residents of the shelter and I also sort through donated goods that will be distributed to those less fortunate -I was able to gain an intimate understanding and appreciation for the positive impact of charity which inspired me to organize my own food drive where I collected donated goods from family, friends and members of my parish -I was able to raise about 180 lbs of food for the Mission and it was a very fulfilling experience knowing that it would be distributed to those that truly needed the food most and would provide a family or families much needed hope for at least a few weeks

OUWB: Discuss a time when you taught something to someone.

-I believe anyone can be a great teacher as long as they are passionate about what they are teaching -I am passionate about weightlifting; I go to the gym five times a week and I love the sense of satisfaction I achieve through weightlifting because it gives me something that I can work to improve every day -I train my cousins 3 times a week in my home gym in my garage -I try to instill that same drive into my cousins as I teach them how to perform certain lifts, how to break up their exercise routines, how to prepare their meals correctly -I think the most important lesson I taught them and continue to teach them (Especially my young cousin) in every training session is just that mentality that no matter how big, strong, fast, good you get... you can always get better and you have to maintain that mentality in all your pursuits and never quit on anything

Teach me something

-I believe anyone can be an efficient teacher as long as they are passionate about their subject -every coach/teacher i've had was so great because they loved their jobs -I am passionate about weightlifting -It is the activity in my life I am constantly working to improve -I'd like to teach you how to perform a proper bench press 1. lie on bench, feet stable and close to center of body 2. hands on bar with arms slightly greater than shoulder width (wider= more chest and front delts/stress on shoulders, more inside isolates triceps--too small of muscle group to perform heavy reps) 3. extend arms so bar is held at upper chest level -inhale: lower weight to graze chest 4. exhale: straighten arms to full extension ***breathing is so important in not only avoiding injury and hernias but in improving strength because it gives you the oxygen and energy needed to perform maximum repetitions and forces you to focus on timing of lifts.

Leadership- Team Leader OUWB: How have you demonstrated leadership WU: What makes a good leader?

-I believe leadership is not a single trait but a word that encompasses many qualities -I believe I demonstrate many of these qualities as a team leader: 1. delegating duties efficiently- many tasks need to get done per 4 hour shift 2. adapting to tense situations- teen with learning disability 3. effective communication- my job to make sure everyone is up to date on policy changes, new program developments, and on the same page with any scheduling conflicts to ensure the team is working efficiently 4. strategizing- team leader meetings come up with way to increase development and efficiency

Why would you be a good doctor?

-I believe my diversity in experiences both personal and clinical have taught me lessons and given me qualities that will help me practice medicine ethically, efficiently, and empathetically. And will allow me to become the best physician I can possibly become. -Background of immigration: not only does this give me resilience, dedication and drive for improvement (important for lifelong learning)---but also made me culturally aware and taught me to respect individuality -important because you encounter a lot of diversity of a physician and my open minded perspective will allow me build strong, personal relationship--> treat them more effectively -clinical experiences: taught me technical skills (accurate recording of medical history, navigate EMR, listening/focus... also how to compassionately interact with patients and work as a member of a healthcare team) -Finally, the adversity I have faced in my own life through mom's cancer, losing family members, made me more empathetic in that I can better understand individuals going through difficult situations and know how to respond and give necessary support *Background: dedicated/resilient + culturally aware *Clinical experiences: technical and broader skills (team and compassion) *Adversity: increased ability to empathize

QU: Teach me something

-I believe that in order to be a good teacher, you need to be passionate about what you are teaching -Every great teacher or coach that I've ever had was great because they truly loved what they were doing -I'm personally passionate about weightlifting -I'd like to teach you how to perform a correct bench press: 1. lie down on the bench 2. keep feet stable on ground and close to the center of your body 3. Arms slightly greater than shoulder width apart (keep in mind that the further apart your hands the more you isolate your outer chest and this can be hard on the shoulders, but too narrow isolates triceps and makes it harder to lift heavy weight) so medium width is best 4. unrack the bar by straightening your arms 5. lower the weight (while inhaling through nose) to the mid chest until it slightly grazes your chest-- focus on breathing 6. push bar back up by straightening your arms (while exhaling through mouth) **keep in mind that well-timed, controlled breathing is key to lifting heavier weight, avoiding hernias, ***these are the steps to executing a proper formed bench press

Why did you choose your undergrad school and what did you like most about your school?

-I chose UCSB because I visited a friend who was attending the school already and immediately felt comfortable and at home -I loved the surrounding scenery with the beach on one side and the mountains to the other-- as a nature enthusiast this really excited me -UCSB was also consistently ranked as one of the top public schools in the country so I knew I would be receiving top notch education -it was actually just ranked as a top 5 public school and that was something I definitely agree with after attending because I had excelling professors, and the facilities were great -Ultimately the location, the excellent reputation, and the general vibe of UCSB is why I chose that school -I look for many of those same aspects when choosing a medical school and Rush definitely meets that criteria which is why I decided to apply here

WU: Why did you choose your undergraduate major?

-I chose to major in biopsychology because upon entering college I encountered some stress regarding what major would best prepare me for my future. -My Dad gave me the advice to study what interested me and everything else would figure itself out. -Sophomore year, I took a biological basis of psychology course which really piqued my interest. -I really enjoyed how applicable biopsychology seemed to explaining human health and behavior -The courses I took really taught me a lot about how interconnected mental states and physiological processes are. -I liked that biopsychology focused on a broad area of human behavior and health including objective neurological and physiological phenomena as well as psychological and social factors that influence these processes. -Ultimately, I believe that being a biopsychology major has reinforced the idea that patients are not only a set of biological factors and physical symptoms but there are a variety of factors that play a role in health -I think it has best prepared me for the mind-body perspective of healthcare emphasized so heavily in osteopathic medicine

Clinical or academic side of medicine? Do you want to be more clinical or research oriented

-I have utmost respect for both of these sides -academic is essential to preparing our future physicians with the skills and knowledge they will need for future duties -however, I have gained such a strong passion for direct patient care -I personally believe I will achieve the most satisfaction and fulfillment from having that direct and positive impact on a patient's health -whether that is reflected in improved mood or functionality based on counseling you provided or improved lab results based on medication you prescribed -that is something I hope to be a part of -why I would choose clinical

How do you know you can handle the stress of being a physician? OR How do you think you will be able to handle an 80 hour work week and on call night shifts at 40 years old?

-I know I can handle the stress of being a physician because I have immersed myself in healthcare and a variety of clinical roles and exposed myself to a life in medicine as much as possible throughout my life -having parents and a brother in the medical field has shown me the uniquely frustrating and stressful nature of medicine -In my clinical roles I have forced myself to examine both the positive and negative aspects of medicine -Ultimately though I believe the fulfilling nature of being a physician outweighs those negatives--> I've experienced that satisfaction from having a positive impact on another person's health and I only crave that feeling more -I would let that fulfillment overcome the stressful moments of being a physician -I also believe that by balancing multiple responsibilities throughout my life especially in my college years (professional, academic, family, social) I developed efficient time management and stress-relieving strategies that will help me overcome the stress that comes with being a physician... I will use those strategies and still participate in the activities I love to do when I'm a physician to maintain a nice work-life balance -strong support system

In what manner and to what degree do you stay in touch with current events?

-I try to stay in touch with major current events as best as possible -my resources for knowledge are typically credible journal articles such as New York Times and for medical related topics I like to read medical journals, usually NCBI -For natural disasters or national news on television I typically watch CNN -My main concern when researching news is to avoid biased perspectives because nowadays on social media and other outlets it is so easy to find yourself being exposed to non-credible sites and articles that are written strictly for viewership and to stir reactions

What bias have you overcome?

-I used to have a bias against mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, when I was younger -Not that I didn't accept them as medical conditions but more that I felt they stemmed from a lack of control of mental states -Like most biases my opinion stemmed from ignorance and lack of perspective -Once I saw these disorders affect people very close to me in very real ways gave me a deeper understanding of these conditions and altered my perspective -brother battled in college -My best friend in high school also battled anxiety/depression/internal voices/ suicidal thoughts/ which was extremely stressful and scary -These experiences really made me appreciate these disorders are very real and can affect anyone -knowing my friend, who he was on such a deep level, woke me up to the fact that this is not a disorder that can be treated by a simple change in mentality-- they are much more complex -As I encounter these disorders today as a scribe very regularly, I no longer view them as faults of the patients, but just as any other medical conditions they need to be treated with empathy, respect, and without generalizations

QU: If a convicted child offender were to come in for treatment, what would you do?

-I would treat this patient just as I would treat any other patient -It is not my job to judge any one based on their past actions, it is my role as a physician to provide the highest quality of care and act in the best interest of my patients at all times -if there is one thing I have learned serving at OC Rescue where I work with individuals from ex gang members to former drug abusers it is that everyone is deserving of a second chance and deserves compassion and respect -Therefore, I would treat this patient to the best of my ability just as I would with any of my other patients

OUWB: How would you deal with an angry patient?

-I'd deal with a difficult or angry patient in a similar way that I've seen Dr. Nichols handle these patients in the past. -He's been a physician for 46 years now so he rarely encounters a situation he has not yet handled -Recently we had a patient that wanted to increase his dose of Hydrocodone -Dr. Nichols saw no justifiable reason to do this as the patient was already taking the maximum recommended dose -The patient grew very upset and aggressive -Dr. Nichols very calmly addressed the situation by searching for alternative solutions -He checked the patient's medication list -He then offered to prescribe the patient a Rx anti-inflammatory for the pain -He let the patient know that he understood their frustration and wanted to help them with their pain -He asked the patient to try the medication for at least 3-4 weeks and if it did not work then he could schedule another appointment for a re-evaluation -This was able to ease the patient concerns for the time and allowed Dr. Nichols time to figure out how to address the situation in the future -The patient agreed ***So I would show the patient that I understood their concerns and frustration -I would not demean them in any way -I would then offer acceptable alternatives that I found appropriate -I would ask the patient to please try one of the options and if that did not work in a few weeks we could search for other alternatives -It is important to be patient and calm in these situations and to respect the patient and their situation

Biggest Failure- academics Tell me about a time you were challenged? How have you coped w/ a difficult academic incident and how do you think this has prepared you for the study of medicine? WU: When did you fail?

-I'd say one of my biggest failures was failing to reach the level of academic success I had come to expect and demand of myself in my first year or so at UCSB -I knew that I wanted to enter the medical field which would require a competitive academic record -Instead of giving up on my dreams of pursuing medicine I decided to dedicate myself to do anything in my power to improve my GPA -I realized during my sophomore year that I was simply not putting in enough time into my studies -I needed to change my mindset and recognize that college level courses demand much more effort and commitment than high school -I had to prioritize my responsibilities, become more efficient at managing my time, and make necessary sacrifices to achieve the level of success I desired -I believe that dedication is reflected in my academic improvement over my last 2 years at UCSB where I was able to achieve the Dean's List for 4 consecutive quarters and eventually graduate with honors -I was extremely proud of this accomplishment because it reflected my dedication to self improvement and my resilience during times of struggle ***help me in medicine because it requires lifelong learning and these traits of dedication/resilience/hardwork will undoubtedly be channeled throughout my career as I work to become the most knowledgeable/experienced/well-rounded physician I can be

WU: If you couldn't be a physician what career would you pursue? / If you could do anything except practice medicine, what would you do?

-I've actually been asked this by some friends in the past and I always give the same answer -I'd be a personal trainer -I have a passion for weightlifting because I think it is important for ppl to have an activity in their life that they can work to improve at every day -I believe weightlifting reinforces the principle of hard work, self motivation, and delayed gratification -I've always prided myself on my ability to motivate others -I trained my Mom as she was recovering from cancer and am very proud to see her today stronger than ever -I currently train two of my cousins 3 times a week in my home gym in my garage -Being a personal trainer is satisfying to me because you are still able to have a positive impact on another person's health even though it's not technically in the medical field -And being able to see your client grow both physically and mentally would definitely be fulfilling

OUWB: Describe a time when you were criticized, how did you take it?

-I've been criticized many times in my life -especially growing up I played a lot of sports -I was the captain of my basketball team for two years in high school -with that status came a lot of responsibility: my coach trusted me to call plays and run drills -My coach criticized me whenever I would not execute a play or drill correctly -I learned over the years that criticism shouldn't be seen as a negative -Criticism is a means of improvement -It is a way to show you what areas of your life or skill you need to work on -so whenever I was criticized as a basketball player I would listen to what my coaches were saying -I'd take their advice -get in the gym and utilize their critiques to advance my game and become a better player and leader ***Favorite quote: "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."

OUWB: Describe a time when you worked on a team Have you ever dealt with a bad team member? WU: Name an instance when you have had difficulty working with a group and how you resolved it?

-I've worked on a # of teams throughout my life -growing up i played basketball- and I was team captain for 2 years - college:group projects, Intramural sports - as a scribe, I am an integral member of the health care team--learned that patient care is a team effort because it takes multiple positions to provide the best quality of care - bad team member: group project for OCHEM lab where we had to present one of our experiments one of our members was not carrying her weight in terms of personal responsibility. i approached the student directly and asked if there was anything I could do to help her with her portion of the project, did it in a non-confrontational way bc i didn't want to make any assumptions for why she wasn't finishing her work on time. What I found out from approaching her was that she had just started a new position and she was working long hours, as such she could not keep up with her project responsibilities. I completely understood this as I was a restaurant myself and definitely felt overwhelmed and stressed at times. I ended up meeting up with her at the lib late one night and helped her complete her portion of the project. For me-- I completely understand there are times where we feel overwhelmed by our responsibilities and it's important to give the proper support to these people during these times.

If multiple schools accepted you, how would you make your decision? WU: What factors did you consider when deciding which schools to apply to?

-If fortunate to receive multiple acceptances I'd be extremely grateful, but just like any other part of this application process I would not take any part for granted -I have put too much time and effort and sacrificed so much toward achieving this goal that I would be as thorough as possible in making my decision -There would be many factors that influence my decision but some of the most important would be: -general happiness as described by students and the level of comfortability/collaboration felt on the campus among students (social support and teamwork is important to me in my journey) -how supportive the staff appears to be in helping their students achieve the highest level of success in their goals (including factors such as consideration for student health and wellness) -objective measures of student success including match rates and test scores -location: does the area offer many professional opportunities, exciting clinical rotations, and fun places to explore in downtime ***From all that i've heard, read, and seen so far _____ possesses all of these qualities and beyond, which is why I was so excited to be given a chance to interview here

What would you do if a patient won't listen to you? ***Or if child's parents were refusing treatment that would benefit the child?

-It is our duties as physicians to do what we can in our patient's best interest which often requires counseling patients on the best possible options -however, it is also our duty to respect our patient's wishes and choices -Ex: as a scribe I often see patients refuse vaccinations or refuse to adopt a diet or lifestyle change recommended by the physician -As physicians we cannot give up on our patients -continue to encourage them to adopt our treatment plans and support our reasoning with statistics -but we need to respect their wishes-- their health, body, their choice ***REVIEW*** -If child's parents were refusing treatment that was in the best interest of the patient -I can equate this with the parents I encounter in peds that decline vaccinations for their child -as a physician, I would strongly urge the parents to consider these treatments -I would also bring up legitimate statistics to back up my points -ultimately I would respect their decision because it is their choice -UNLESS it was a life-threatening illness, then different rules may apply -I would try to contact child protective services or hospital administrative services that are trained to intervene in these situations -Ultimately, I would treat the child after notifying the appropriate individuals of my intentions -Physicians are trained to act a certain way in emergency situations and there is not always time to take all matters to court or authorities because time is so valuable in these situations -Sometimes we need to do what we feel is in the best interest of the patient and trust that the appropriate administrations will handle the legal issues that may occur as a result

Most important lesson scribing

-Learned so many skills and qualities of what it takes to become a well-rounded/qualified physician -possibly most important: maintain high level of focus, don't generalize -HTN -showed me that physicians will encounter certain conditions thousands of times in their career but they need to resist the urge to generalize -each patient is unique with distinct qualities -need to pay attention to details and treat each patient individually without generalizations to their conditions

Shadowing Dr. Philipp- describe Talk about experience with Osteopathic medicine

-Most of my experience with Osteopathic medicine has surrounded my time with Dr. Philipp -He's been extremely influential and helpful throughout this entire application process, and he has showed me so much about what it means to be a qualified, compassionate osteopathic physician -I shadowed him in a variety of locations from hospitals to his private practice where he introduced me to the osteopathic tenets and his hands-on approach to physicals and TART assessments which differed from the MD that I work for -He let me watch some manipulative treatment and even conducted some High velocity low amplitude treatment on me -most of our time was actually spent at a nursing home where he had me shadow the same patients with chronic and compounded illnesses over a year period -Interestingly enough, this is where I feel I saw the differences of osteopathic medicine most clearly -I saw how Dr. Philipp would treat the patients in these encounters rather than just treating the illness -These patients had chronic illnesses for which there was no known cure from ALS to schizophrenia but Dr. Philipp still found a way to make a positive impact on these patient's lives and health through a humanistic understanding of their situations and a holistic approach to their care-- he didn't only focus on their physical symptoms but he wanted to hear about their mood, about their personal life, about their family situation... because as he would later explain to me-- being a physician is not only about Rx meds but it is about HUMAN INTERACTION -that's really what showed me that I agreed with the osteopathic principles and that I wanted be a DO in the future ***Bonding with these patients over time and accompanying Dr. Philipp as he engaged with these patients showed me a unique quality fo being a physician that is sometimes overlooked -Sometimes being a physician is not about curing a disease or prescribing a medication-- many of these patients had illnesses for which there was no known cure -Being a physician is a profession that revolves around HUMAN INTERACTION-- which requires an ability to listen, relate, and show genuine concern for your patients' situations and to make their lives as comfortable as possible even if there is no known cure for their conditions

What is the hardest challenge you've ever overcome? RU: Name an obstacle you have encountered on your journey to medical school?

-My Mom's battle with cancer is definitely the most difficult obstacle I've had to overcome. -the first time she was diagnosed was hard enough but when the cancer recurred after just a brief period of remission that was extremely devastating -I think that entire journey really taught me about resilience just seeing how not only my Mom but all of my family members refused to give up on our situation -It showed me the power of positivity because I saw how my Mom would feed off of the mentality of those around her and how a positive mindset would directly impact her physical health -and that same positive mindset was able to get me through the obstacle -Finally, it increased my ability to empathize because I can now better understand when ppl are going through adversity and how to react to those situations and provide them the support that they need

Discuss an emotional situation you have been in.

-My Mom's cancer -1st time was hard -2nd time even more difficult because we knew what to expect -Extremely difficult to see my Mom go from a lively, happy, healthy woman to such an emotionally and physically fragile state -truly broke my heart -learned: positivity, resilience, empathy

Why did you take 2 gap years?

-My clinical experience, family background of medical professionals confirmed to me that when it comes to healthcare there is no substitute for experience -even though once I graduated UCSB I was certain of the career path I wanted to pursue, I still decided to take 2 gap years in order to develop some necessary qualities and skill sets in order to become a well-rounded physcian -My activities during these 2 gap years are a reflection of that desire -Team leader I develop teamwork, communication, and creativity as I collaborate with other team leaders and the volunteer supervisor to come up with strategies to further develop the fast growing program -OC Rescue: exposes me to a variety of backgrounds, cultures, perspectives--> helps me better relate to the diversity I will encounter in the future + increases my desire to serve others -Scribing: enhances so many essential qualities of a physician as I partner with the physician to deliver the highest quality of care--> the positive and fulfilling experience has only intensified my desire to enter the medical field

How have you tested your motivation to become a physician? Please explain.

-My motivation has been tested repeatedly throughout this process 1. Grades: struggled at first but because I knew that wanted to pursue medicine I dedicated myself and improved academically despite professional responsibilities (reflected in my academic improvement) 2. Tested through my experiences: -Shadowing DO Philipp: exposed me to treating patients with chronic, compounded illnesses with no known cure-- showed me uniquely frustrating/emotional side of medicine --> yet seeing how Dr. Philipp was still able to enhance these patient's quality of life in simple ways (changing catheter, requesting room changes so patient has a window, asking them about their weekend, etc.) showed me how these moments can still be positive -Scribing: I've seen firsthand the demanding nature of the field --> difficult patients, federal/insurance regulations, long hours, self-sacrifices --> despite this exposure I continue to pursue medicine because I've been able to see the fulfillment that comes from a life in medicine and making a direct and positive impact on your patient's lives

Biggest regret

-Not visiting my aunt when she was in the hospital for surgery -surgery was supposed to be straightforward to fix a broken hip -I called her while she was in the hospital but did not make the trip to visit her from UCSB -She passed away suddenly due to surgery complications -never got to introduce her to my girlfriend or give her a proper goodbye -she was a second mom to me and I wish I could have told her thank you for all she has done for me one last time -Overall, the experience has made me more appreciative of life -taught me that no moment should be taken for granted and we should make the most out of every opportunity -mentality I try to carry with me every day and in every activity

How do you envision using your medical education?/What do you hope to get out of medical school? What are you looking for in a medical school?

-Of course I hope to get the most academically out of my medical education -By that I mean I hope to learn the most as possible regarding scientific principles in anatomy, physiology, etc. -But I also understand that much of that knowledge and learning falls on the responsibility of the student and how much they personally dedicate themselves to their studies -However, what I value most in my medical education is Experience -In my various clinical roles I have seen there is simply no substitute for experience -Dr. Nichols, as a family physician for 46 years, rarely encounters a case he has not yet seen -He knows how to treat an extensive number of medical conditions and handle a variety of stressful/uncommon encounters with patients because he has been exposed to these situations in the past -I have been fortunate to gain clinical exposure in a variety of positions and engage in direct patient care and I want to build upon this experience and receive the most direct patient-care and hands-on exposure as possible during my four years because I know this would best equip me as a physician because the clinical setting is so different than academic ***I was excited to see that WU offers early clinical exposure and patient encounters within the pre-clerkship phase of medical school which I know will be invaluable in producing well-rounded physicians

OUWB: If you had 3 days to do whatever you wanted to do what would you do? / what do you like to do for fun if you had one free day?

-One free day: I'm a huge sports fan. Basketball, football, soccer. -I try to keep up with all sports really -If I had one free day I would like to get a group of friends together, tailgate and BBQ a Lakers or Rams game and then watch the game together -I've tailgated at a USC football game before and it was one of the most fun days I've ever had -3 free days: Camp at big sur -I love nature, and I try to hike, camp, surf, as much as I can when I have the time -at UCSB I was fortunate to have both the nearby mountains and the beach as my backyard and I took full advantage of this environment -If I had 3 days I would definitely like to camp at Big Sur -I've camped their twice in the past and it is probably the most beautiful setting I've ever had a chance to see -I'd bring a couple friends with me and spend those three days with no phones or other distractions -Enjoy the hiking trails, beaches, and waterfalls

Most difficult class that you took and why? WU: Favorite pre med course.

-Physiology -I struggled in my early Biology years but I can honestly admit that those classes were not as hard as my upper div classes -my struggles were a result of lack of preparation -after changing my mindset I really gained a strong understanding of what it takes to succeed in college -Physio: high volume and very fast pace -despite the fact that our professor had the rep of being one of the hardest at UCSB still managed an A- -I was extremely dedicated in that class because I was also so interested in what I was learning -copious notes, attended CLAS tutoring, studied long hours at library -extremely excited to receive A- because reinforced to me that success is always possible for those that put in the work

How do you describe professionalism? Tell us about a time when you weren't professional and how you would change it.

-Professionalism= *reliable/trustworthy: someone who you can trust to get a job done ethically an efficiently and to do the right thing even when no one is watching *punctual: on time with good physical presentation *polite and courteous: personable-- and able to get along with supervisors and coworkers -ex: one time I was not professional was in my old job as a restaurant server -I got my best friend hired and on his first day I was given the task of training him -I was so excited to have him working with me that we got distracted throughout that day and we ended up having to close an hour late in order to finish all our tasks ***fix it: I learned that there needs to be a separation between social and professional duties -no matter how close you are with a friend/coworker, etc. work is a time when you are being depended on by many others including your boss, other coworkers, supervisor, the organization -as a scribe I had the same opportunity to work with a friend from UCSB who I hadn't seen since graduation -instead of letting the same distraction occur I saved all interactions for our lunch time and after work -We were able to work efficiently throughout the course of the day and help the physicians but were still able to catch up in the appropriate setting

Dr. Philipp has taught me QU: What is your most memorable shadowing experience?

-Showed me the emotional side of medicine: believed it was most important to gain this exposure before entering the field -This was the reason he had me follow the same patients with chronic illnesses over 1 year: wanted me to form bonds and gain perspective into living with/treating chronic illnesses -showed me a side of medicine which is so often neglected in media and other outlets: as a physician you will not always be able to cure diseases with a simple prescription medication -sometimes you will encounter patients that have conditions for which there is no known cure -showed me that these times require an even stronger ability to empathize with patients on a personal and human level -Although difficult to see these patients' conditions deteriorate after forming a bond with them I'm thankful he exposed me to this side of medicine-- i feel it has truly enhanced my ability to empathize with patients // prepared me more sufficiently for my future career -Reminded me that being a physician is a career revolving around HUMAN INTERACTION -He brought in JAMA article: Piece of My Mind which discussed personal emotional stories, physician burnout, and other topics often neglected in common literature surrounding medicine

Describe a time when you struggled and how you handled the situation What is one of your greatest accomplishments? Biggest failure?

-Struggled to reach the level of academic success that I had come to demand of myself and knew would be required in my future profession in first year at UCSB -instead of giving up on my dream to enter the medical field I changed my mindset toward my studies -more efficient time manager, made necessary sacrifices in social life, dedicated longer hours at library, formed strategies to help me balance multiple responsibilities especially when I started working as a restaurant server -Dedication is reflected in my academic improvement over last two years at UCSB -achieved dean's lost for 4 consecutive quarters and graduated with honors ***important accomplishment because it displayed my self-motivation, resilience, and drive for continuous improvement-- traits very important to me

How do you feel about euthanasia or medically assisted suicide?

-The patient is required to make two verbal requests at least 15 days apart and one written request that is signed, dated and witnessed by two adults, as well as provide proof of California residency. -I know this is a controversial issue and rightfully so, both sides can make very valid arguments -I tend to side with being for medically assisted suicide -I believe we have the criteria in place to ensure it can be practiced ethically without violating basic human rights -I do not believe humans should decide if another person should have to suffer with a terminal illness for any longer than they have to -ultimately, we cannot understand the suffering and pain that comes with a terminal illness, and as such we should respect the patient's wishes opposition: goes against the "physician as a healer", against hippocratic oath, respect for human life-- however, I personally believe that ending extreme suffering can also be viewed as respect for human life

What is the most dangerous/reckless thing you have ever done?

-To be honest with you I'm not a very reckless person -My nickname in college from my best friends was Dan the Man and that was because I was the one that would schedule our cleaning days and making weekly grocery trips unlike some of my other friends -However, when I was younger in my teen years I was definitely a little more reckless/compulsive -My parents bought my brother and I air-soft guns when I was about 13. As teenage brothers do of course we would have battles in my front yard -my parents always warned us to wear full masks when playing with them, -One day we played bunker battles and I took off my mask as a decoy -my brother was too smart for that -shot me and I blinked right at the exact moment the BB hit my eye ball -left a big welt and I had to try to keep my left eye open the entire dinner to keep my parents from seeing and taking our airsoft guns away -Learned: don't mess around when it comes to your health and safety... very easily could have lost sight forever in that eye

What would you do if medical school does not meet your expectations?

-To me, being in a medical institution in the U.S. which has some of the--if not the best medical training in the world is a privilege and honor -I feel blessed just to be sitting here in this interview and I know that feeling will only grow once I am in school -I've learned over the years that life--and all of life's opportunities--are only as much as you make of them -So regardless of if I don't particularly agree with the curriculum, or I don't enjoy the facilities, or I find some of the courses I take to be wasting my time... I'm going to approach medical school with the mindset that I will get as much as I put into it -I honestly believe that no matter what school I attend whether it was ranked #1 or #1000, if I put in more work than those around me and work harder than those at other schools then I will still be a great physician -I will always maintain a drive for continuous improvement and an attitude that I can make the most out of my situation

Weaknesses OUWB/ QU: What is something you would change about yourself right now?

-Too critical on self: stems from desire to be the best/ focus on building on positives and see failures as areas to improve -impatient at times: otaco training-- working on it as a team leader (improve teaching skills) -public speaking: work on it by increasing exposure/ ex. Spanish presentation -overly competitive

OUWB: What kind of specialty do you want to go into/ what field of medicine are you interested in? Would you be interested in private practice? What speciality if you had to choose now?

-Well I've been fortunate to scribe for and shadow 2 family physicians and my experience with them has been extremely positive -I'm really excited by the wide range of patients these physicians are able to diagnose and treat -They see patients ranging in many medical conditions, ages, and backgrounds -I could see myself in this field because I want diversity in my future profession -I think being a family physician would provide me that and would equip me to treat many different medical conditions and a variety of patients -Also, I think what makes Family medicine so unique and special is the deep bond you're able to form with each and every one of your patients -Ex: Dr. Nichols, 46 years, he has treated some of his patients for over 35 years -Needless to say he cares for and is loved by all his patients and that shows in his visits with them as they catch up on non-medical related topics -That's the same type of relationship I hope to have with my patients

How does your family (or you) feel about you moving far from home?

-Well to be honest I've never had to move far away from home -I moved for UCSB but it was only about 2 hours from home -So of course my parents will be sad to see me go -But with that being said they have never been anything other than supportive -They know this is my dream and are thrilled to see me so close to achieving it -My family will always be the most important aspect of my life -I have always kept them highly involved in my activities--good news/bad, whenever I am stressed -Don't plan on changing this in medical school -I plan on keeping them involved in my life and I expect them to do the same -That way I can still bring them along with me on my medical school journey

WU: Tell us about this bad quarter at UCSB

-Well, I admit that one of the biggest challenges I've faced in my pursuit of medicine was the first year or so at UCSB in which I struggled to reach the level of academic success that I had come to demand of myself -I struggled to adjust to the higher level of difficulty and fast pace of college level courses, especially switching to the quarter system at UCSB -That was reflected in my lower GPA in my first year at UCSB and esp. that quarter -I completely admit and understand now though that those grades were a result of lack of preparation-- simply was not prepared for the increased pace and level of difficulty and was not putting in the time necessary to achieve success... NOT a result of inability -Halfway through my Sophomore year I started to gain an understanding of the level of commitment and time that would be required for me to achieve the grades and scores I hoped for -I changed my mindset towards my studies, dedicated more time in the library, prioritized my responsibilities, and made necessary sacrifices in my social life to improve my grades -Ultimately I believe that commitment is reflected in my last two years at UCSB-- dean's list x4 and graduated with honor's -hard work, resilience, drive for improvement -I'm now confident that if and when I am faced with more difficult courses and the rigors that come along with medical schools I'll use those same traits and skills to overcome them and succeed in my goals

QU: What is the best gift you have ever given someone and why?

-Well, I think the best gift I have given someone was actually a gift that would be distributed to multiple people -while working at OC Rescue mission I was able to experience firsthand the benefit of donations and charity -I was inspired by the altruistic spirits I encountered at the shelter that I decided to organize my own food drive -Over six weeks I actively searched for donations-- even started my own facebook event page -I collected donated goods from members of my parish, family, and friends -I opened my home to donations and would travel to houses on the weekend to pick up food from those that could not deliver -by the end of the trip I raised 180 lbs of food for the Mission -I think this was the best "gift" I have ever given anyone because the food was going to those less fortunate members of my community that truly needed it most and I believe that is what made it so special

Why Rush?

-While research medical schools, Rush consistently jumped out to me as a university that aligned well with my personal views and personal goals for the future. -First of all from a location standpoint, Chicago meets all my desires for a future home and beyond. Specifically as it applies to diversity, that is something I've grown accustomed to not only from my own family background of immigration but also by growing up in the unique area of Southern California. I think diversity is so important for a physician because they encounter so many different perspectives and identities in that role. And the only way to adequately prepare yourself is to immerse yourself in a variety of cultures and settings. Living in Chicago and learning at a school that emphasizes diversity and community so heavily is something that is important to my future. - Also, as the third largest metropolitan city in America, this will provide invaluable professional opportunities when it comes time for residencies and clinical rotations because I'll have direct access to the Medical District and some of the nation's leading hospitals. - From a non location standpoint, I believe Rush demonstrates a genuine desire to produce well rounded physicians. I think that is reflected in the curriculum which encourages patient exposure immediately after beginning medical school. If there is one thing I've learned, in all my clinical roles, there is no substitute for experience. - Additionally, Rush University provides professors that are also established and practicing physicians. They they will be able to connect what we learn in the classroom to the real world and clinical settings, which is practical, useful, and unique. For all those reasons and more, I believe I would be extremely fortunate to attend this university.

Tell me about being a Restaurant Server during college

-Worked as a server and cashier at a local bar and grill Mexican restaurant in Isla Vista -I was not only a restaurant server but also a bartender, cashier, host, and translater for the Spanish speaking kitchen staff -Although it was a hectic position at times I truly enjoyed my time in that role -I think it is one of the most important activities of my college career in enhancing my personal development -because working long shifts during peak hours and karaoke nights while also balancing academic and social life during busy exam weeks really increased my ability to manage my time and stress levels -I developed some efficient time management strategies and I know those will help me immensely in my future responsibilities as a physician/husband/father

What have you done during your college years that has been most helpful in your personal development? ALSO: what strategies for managing time/stress?

-Working as Restaurant server and still being able to improve academically and manage social/family life has been most essential in my personal development THROUGH COLLEGE -it showed me a lot about what it means to balance multiple responsibilities -I know in my future as a medical student and as a physician/dad/husband/etc. I will encounter times when I feel overwhelmed with various tasks and responsibilities -As a restaurant server during college I felt this same stress during peak hours and exam weeks -I found all of these responsibilities forced me to become more organized, disciplined, and encouraged me to develop efficient time management strategies -I learned the importance of future planning: nowadays I try to plan my month to the best of my ability ahead of time, and stick to deadlines -With more disciplined planning the responsibilities seem much more manageable because they are all assigned a specific time to complete and that relieves stress enabling me to function more efficiently -Also, family/social support -stress relieving activities

Cardiac Monitoring Unit

-assist alongside nurses and patient-care assistants and carry out a variety of tasks in order to enhance patient satisfaction in any way that I can -I provided timely responses to patient call lights -put on Get-Well Network videos which discusses any upcoming heart procedures the patient may be undergoing as well as diet and lifestyle changes they may need to adopt -deliver food trays to patients -continuously monitor the unit and notify the nurses of any pertinent patient activity -possibly most important role is to maintain a positive attitude around patients -many of them are in a uniquely frustrating or disappointing situation -It is my job to demonstrate compassion and show genuine concern for their conditions -sometimes all this requires is a friendly ear as they voice their concerns-- showed me how impactful this could be

OUWB: After you leave the room, I am going to type up a recommendation to the committee. What should I absolutely include about you? QU: tell me something about you, NOT on your application, that you would like me to present to the admissions committee?

-background of immigration -didn't understand/appreciate the impact that has had on shaping my character when I was younger -success of parents--> instilled in me the principle that anything is possible with hard work, resilience, dedication, and a drive for continuous improvement -qualities are staple components of my character -emulate them in all the activities I pursue -I know that these traits make up my personality and my character I hope that you and the members fo OUWB community will be able to see that for yourselves in these upcoming years

OUWB: important qualities of physician + example RU: What makes a good physician?

-compassion- ability to listen, understand, and show genuine concern for misfortunes of others -Try to emulate this quality every day as a scribe while interacting with patients -Try to show them that although I may not be able to relate to their exact situation I do genuinely care about their wellbeing -Specific example: ALS and NurOwn study frustrated and depressed with condition read about a stem cell treatment that showed promise -I took down information, independently researched, presented findings to patient Patient was surprised but visibly relieved and thankful -I know at very least I improved his day because I listened to his frustrations and showed that I cared -Reminder: sometimes all a patient wants is for a warm and empathetic human being... physician is about HUMAN INTERACTION

OC Rescue Story WU: Describe a person who is very different than you and how they influenced you. WU: What experiences require you to be culturally sensitive?

-encounter individuals from all backgrounds: ex-gang members former drug abusers -ex: Chris--> warehouse manager and ex gang member -tattoos all over his body, he might be someone you'd want to avoid if you ran into them on the street -but once you get to know him and hear his story-- how he decided to turn his life around after having his first son-- and now happily earns a living by giving back to his community ***showed me that everyone is deserving of compassion and respect and reinforced the principle to withhold judgment ***also increased my desire to serve because I see the dramatic change he was able to make after being inspired by the altruism he encountered at the shelter-- makes me excited to make service to others to staple of my entire career AND SCRIBING because encounter patients with their own personal views on vaccines/certain treatments that go against their personal views or religion and we need to respect these decisions while still delivering the highest quality care possible

What would you do if you were treating an elderly patient who did not want to take a flu shot? Would you convince him/her to get it or not and why? Would you refuse treatment to a patient who refused to be vaccinated?

-encounter this all the time as a scribe -I would approach it as I've seen Dr. Nichols do many times -I would let them know that it is my job to act in their best interest and that this requires counseling on all possible options -I would try to give legitimate stats regarding flu vaccinations and prevention of contracting the illness -encourage them to reconsider -But ultimately, I would respect the patient's decision-- it is their body, their health, and they are the ones that will be most directly affected so we must honor and respect their choice

Tell me about OC Rescue

-first heard of the Mission from my aunt who volunteered there -peaked my interest and I decided to visit to see what it was all about -I was really impressed with the organization because they were unique to other homeless shelters that I have visited in the past -This organization is not only focused on providing food and shelter for the individuals but they genuinely cared about rehabilitating their residents so they can learn how to function independently -I was so impressed that I decided to become a weekly kitchen volunteer where I work alongside residents of the shelter as we prepare daily meals and sort donated goods -Working with ppl from all backgrounds (ex-gang and drug) and seeing how they are still able to make a difference in their communities despite their troubled pasts really reinforced to me that everyone is deserving of compassion and respect irrespective of their backgrounds -I've definitely developed a more inclusive and open-minded mentality which I know is going to help me relate to my future classmates and patients better which is important because I know I will encounter a lot of diversity in both of these settings ***AND the fulfillment I achieve from serving my community and having a positive impact on society has increased my desire to serve others as a future physician

Team Leader has taught me WU: Talk about leadership roles? WU: Tell me about a time you had great responsibility.

-helped me improve some key leadership qualities: improved ability to COMMUNICATE with members of a team (constantly requires me to update members on policy changes, scheduling, and developments in the program) -diffuse tension or stressful situations (ex: volunTEEN that was incooperative) -delegate duties fairly and take into account the perspective of all members of my team-- The position has many different tasks that need to be completed per shift, some more fun than others, it is my responsibility to make sure all members are getting fair treatment -patience: required to teach volunTEENs and new volunteers when training them on relevant duties (some take longer than others to grasp instructions-- work on teaching skills) -Increased my ability to strategize and use creativity to increase efficiency and development of program (ex: through monthly meetings with other team leaders and supervisor we've been able to expand the support services program to encompass all three hospital buildings instead of just the main building)

Spanish for Spanish Speakers

-in my various clinical positions I was able to see firsthand how valuable it is to be bilingual and especially spanish-speaking in the medical profession with the growing Latino population of our country -I took the course in order to improve my second language -I currently can comprehend almost everything in spanish but when I try to speak that is when i have some difficulty at times -I know that my issues with speaking largely stems from confidence in my spanish speaking ability -The Spanish for Spanish speakers course helped me improve my confidence by forcing me to speak the language at all times during the 16 week course -My spanish improved greatly from the course and I am still working on improving this skill by working for a Spanish speaking physician and visiting my grandma once a week

OUWB: What part about medicine most attracted you to the field?

-initially it was the novelty of the field which I picked up from my parent's stories -especially mom's: every day was different and learn something new -Nowadays, I think the most exciting part of medicine is the emotional and spiritual fulfillment achieved from directly enhancing a patient's day, health, life -Something my Dad would tell me about his and my Mom's jobs was that they felt it gave them emotional and spiritual satisfaction -I've experienced that fulfillment in my clinical roles, especially as a scribe where I'm able to help the physician deliver high quality care and contribute to patient satisfaction in any way that I can -I'm excited to build upon that fulfillment as a physician

Health Scholar

-meaningful experience because it was my first true exposure to direct patient care -very hands on -trained 3 days in direct patient contact -applied these skills alongside nurses and physicians in a variety of units and gained broad exposure to hospital setting -from bathing, cleaning, feeding, transporting/discharging -changed batteries on tele units to preparing rooms for new moms -ultimately solidified my ambition to pursue the medical field because I was able to experience rewarding nature of a life in medicine in being to help patients and improve their care in even seemingly small ways -even if that was just chatting with them and listening to them as they voiced their frustration over their situations

QU: what do you think about malpractice insurance?

-necessary -protects both physician and patient -times when physician gets blamed for things out of his/her control -other times when the physician really is at fault and patient needs a why of being compensated

OUWB: What do you feel are the negative or restrictive aspects of medicine from a professional standpoint? WU: Negative factor about medicine and why do you still pursue medicine knowing this?

-negative: obviously just as with any profession there are highs and lows with being a physician/working in medicine -emotionally exhausting -not only because you will always encounter difficult patients/ difficult medical conditions -Also because it is psychologically exhausting/ stressful to be responsible for the health and well-being of so many individuals -when you don't meet your own or your patient's expectations this can be uniquely disappointing -Restrictive: as a scribe I've learned that there are many Federal/Governmental regulations that physicians must deal with-- this can be frustrating because it is not what most ppl imagine when they decide to work in health care -Restrictive: Also many insurance regulations and coding/billing procedures that physicians must follow and often impedes their ability to care for their patients in the manner they hope to *also: physician burnout -Of course these can all be seen as negative/restrictive aspects of health care but at the end of the day I believe the lows are outweighed by the significant highs you experience as a physician -Seeing the improved lab results of a patient based on medication and lifestyle changes you prescribed -recognizing an improved mood/functionality of patients you were able to treat and counsel over many months-->years -difficult, if not impossible, to experience these same positives in other professions

Why medicine?

-never aha or single moment in time -gradual process -parents--novelty of stories -demanding nature-- asked dad -emotional and spiritual fulfillment -took many clinical/volunteer/and even today as a scribe -it is rewarding to visibly see patient's improvement in anxiety and reduction in stress levels -I want to continue to experience as future physician

Besides verbal what are other types of communication?

-physical: touch-- a simple pat on the shoulder ***saw scribing and shadowing especially with patients with chronic illnesses in nursing home; they really appreciated those gestures because it personalized their care -body language: whether that is standing up straight, strong eye contact, a simple smile -physical gestures: handshakes, waves, shrugs, etc

QU: what was your happiest and saddest moment?

-saddest moment: finding out my Mom's cancer had recurred -first time was shocking and difficult because the situation was so new to my family and I we did not know exactly what we were going to have to go through and how difficult it would be -The second time was absolutely devastating because we knew what to expect but only this time the chemotherapy would be stronger and she would need a stem cell transplant -happiest time: hearing that the stem cell treatment was successful, seeing my Mom gradually get her health and happiness back, and seeing her today stronger than ever makes me extremely happy -the entire process taught me never take anything for granted in life and to make the most out of every opportunity -enjoy life to the fullest -it truly has changed my mindset into a more positive outlook

Strengths Strengths and how they are applicable to you? How would your friends describe you?

-self-motivated: no outside source needed/ gym -personable: overcome differences/ find commonalities/ OC Rescue -Trustworthy/dependable: high priority tasks restaurant-- do the right thing even when no one is watching -Approachable (friends describe): any time friends/family are going through hard times they know they can come to me/gone through a lot of adversity myself/ talking helps through -good listener/fast learner: something that helps me while scribing because I have to record relevant details at a fast pace and also get trained with new physicians that all have their own tendencies and I need to be able to learn these and adapt quickly

Animal Study

-some of the most fun at UCSB because so hands on -research for Dr. Szu-- neurobiology of addiction which is exciting in itself -got into groups of 3 and each received own Sprague Dawley rat and monitored rat for baseline behavioral measures (stereotopy/locomotion) -then surgically implanted cannula to inject microportions of amphetamines into localized receptors of the rats brain and certain receptors -by isolating receptors and comparing to baseline and controls we determined which receptors were responsible for amphet-induced locomotion ***learned: patience in obtianing results over long period ***forming scientific conclusions based on findings ***presenting that conclusion in a concise and direct fashion ***enhanced my appreciation for the necessity and difficulty of animal research

What do you do for fun? What do you do in your spare time? What are you hobbies?

-sports: watch and play -weight lift 5 times a week--> stress relief and teaches me self-motivation and discipline -outdoors person: camp/hike/surf -social: watch movies/ go downtown with friends

Describe yourself What do I need to know about you that's not in your application?

-start with family background- big part of who I am -immigration: mom/dad -when younger- didn't realize impact of family Hx -compared to parents I had privileged life -older: came to realize my background given me -key personal qualities -success of parents engrained: determination, hard-work, discipline, drive for continuous improvement -key components of character- emulate always -nowadays, appreciate history-- i attribute much of my personal success to these qualities

WU: What are you alternative plans if you don't get into med school this year?

-this is my dream -I'm certain of that fact -If I was not fortunate to get accepted into medical school that would not deter me -I would talk to appropriate ppl: schools interviewed me, admissions, committees, counselors -see where I could improve my application -try again -best plan B is another approach at plan A

OUWB: What 3 books would you bring to an island or what is the last non medicine book you read? QU: What are you currently reading?

1. Courage 2. Bible 3. Family album 4. Air- photography book cousin (artist) showed me... contemporary photos of city life --> bring me back to home

List 3 important issues in healthcare

1. Disparity due to cost 2. Opioid crisis 3. Physician burnout 4. Physician drug abuse 5. Med school depression

What different feelings and issues might you experience with a terminally ill patient, as opposed to other patients? What do you think will be the hardest part of being a doctor?

1. Feelings: sadness, anger, frustration at their situation and knowing there is little you can do to cure them -experienced many of those some emotions shadowing Dr. Philipp-- couldn't Rx meds and cure there diseases -these situations require a strong ability to empathize, display genuine concern for the patients and family members -try to remain as positive as possible while being respectful -and make the last days, weeks, months as meaningful and as comfortable as possible in any way you can ***feels like you are helpless at times--like there is nothing you can do for them, which can be very difficult ***still can have a meaningful impact on their lives in other ways--> by having this positive impact these times will be easier to cope with 2. Issues: going along with this idea of respect is the issue of patients possibly denying to receive certain types of treatment because it would impact their quality of life -though physicians should counsel patients on all options it is important to respect their wishes and protect their right to choose what they feel is best for them especially in the final stages of their lives to make their time as comfortable as possible

3 qualities of a physician What makes a good physician? WU: what separates a good physician from a great physician?

1. Knowledgeable -not only stems from medical education and personal desire to research and keep up to date with the dynamic field of medicine but also experience -ex: Dr. Nichols-- want to have that same experience and knowledge as physician 2. Empathetic/compassionate- relate to patients on a personal and human level and show them you care not only as patient but as a friend -Dr. Nicholes: breaks news in concise/direct/ but SENSITIVE way-- letting the patient know he is there for them along the difficult journey that may lie ahead 3. confident/decisive: stems not only from knowedge/experience -also from preparation -ex: Dr. Nicholes never enters room without reviewing chart -wants to enter room and deliver accurate/efficient assessment 4. an ability to understand and appreciate diversity -encounter a lot of different identities, perspectives, and cultures -need to be able to relate to these patients from all backgrounds and understand their unique situational/environmental/psychological factors that play a large role in their health

What is the most significant problem facing doctors in medicine today?

1. Physician burnout -experience as a scribe (increasing regulations, too much focus on EMR, decreased efficiency and productivity, high volume of patients, many tasks not properly compensated) -as a society: need to reduce the burden on physicians and remember that the highest priority should be placed on the health of the patient and the care they receive-- less emphasis on billing and insurance/federal regulations -As an individual: remember why you went into healthcare -->celebrate the times in your profession that you are able to make a difference in your patient's lives and let these moment feed your drive to continue providing the highest Q of care --> remember to take time for yourself because your own health also matters -->make sure you have a strong support system 2. Too much time on EMR -Due to too much emphasis and pressure on physicians from insurance and government to code patient visits accurately; I think we are moving in the right direction -Ex: I know we are trying to standardize the process so notes can become accessible to another physician even if they are in a different group ... ALSO simplify the coding and billing process -Scribes help -need to correct this issue because it contributes to physician burnout and reduces quality of care 3. Diminished patient-physician relationship -society promotes technology over physical contact -also due to high stress and multiple burdens the physician has to deal with including insurance/federal regulations and because they are required to keep their EMR so updated -solution: remember that physical contact has meaningful impact -social setting is different from healthcare setting-> patients still want personalized care -also: need physicians with open minded/inclusive perspectives because our country is so diverse with so many identities and backgrounds and view// we need physicians that can withhold judgment and treat all patients equally with the same compassion and respect they deserve 4. Opioid crisis

QU: Name one recent discovery within science that has majorly impacted human health? What is one significant medical innovation that has occurred in the past 5 years?

1. Reproductive genetics -saw on 60 minutes episode called "breeding out disease" -incredible and also controversial -the process is called preimplantation genetic diagnosis and requires in vitro fertilization and genetically testing each one of these embryos for genetic diseases -basically you can pre-screen embryos and determine which ones carry certain genetic diseases and you can essentially eliminate 100's of genetic diseases from Huntington's to Alzheimers to breast cancer by screening them out -It is an amazing discovery and much research still needs to be done but it will definitely have a major impact on human health and will bring with it multiple ethical issues -Whenever there is research on embryos this will be controversial--I think it has tremendous potential to change the world and human health but it also brings a number of potentially dangerous consequences 2. CRSPR Technology (genetic editing) -using enzymes to cut defective or harmful genetic mutations and replace these pieces of DNA with properly functioning strands -it has the potential to cure 100's-1000's of diseases -it will also potentially be very controversial -only be accessible to the wealthy as it will be very expensive -Research involves embryos which is very controversial -cannot receive proper informed consent from these embryos and the future generations that will be affected

Tell me about Team Leader

1. Started as normal support services volunteer: Weekly 4 hour shift where I have a team of 6 members and together we complete tasks for every department in the hospital -transporting/escorting/discharging -delivering lab specimen/food trays. gifts to patient rooms -Doing everything within our power to increase efficiency of daily operations and enhance patient satisfaction 2. such a positive experience that I applied for Team leader: -same tasks as before but in addition I am in charge of supervising my 7 member team -Collaborate with other team leaders and the volunteer coordinator at monthly meetings where we discuss individual team concerns, scheduling issues, policy changes and new program developments -train new volunteers -Also brainstorm and create strategies to increase the development of the program-- have seen tremendous growth of the program (ex: volunTEEN) -Mentor volunTEENs and teach them how to carry out daily tasks and introduce them to the medical field-- all part of a larger effort to expand the program and increase awareness in the community regarding the volunteer opportunities at Long Beach Memorial -evolved my leadership. teamwork, and communication skills

Scribing lessons learned What was your most important experience and why?

1. Technical: -efficiently document patient visits -ethically and respectfully navigate EMR -improve listening skills as I record relevant sx and order tests/ proper assessments -how to pick relevant details of patient's HPI and come up with logical conclusions because I am constantly coming up with my own assessments and seeing if they match Dr. Nichols 2. More broad -compassionately interact with patients-- sit with them awaiting lab results/ accompany Dr. Nichols as he breaks difficult news -work efficiently as integral member of healthcare team -gain exposure to both positive and negatives of being a physician which uniquely prepares me for my future duties

4 people invite to dinner and what would you talk about?

1. Tia Llone (family)- update on life/thank her for what she has done for me/ remind her she is a big part of who I am 2. Michael Jordan- Aside from being a bball fan I'd want to pick his brain and try to gain a better understanding of how he stayed so motivated to get better despite being one of the best to ever play the game... what drove him to keep improving his craft (+ what did he eat the summer he grew six inches) 3. MLK Jr.- to thank him for being one of the most influential figures in the fight for equality/ and ask him what he thinks about the current state of our country regarding racial and gender equality (impressed with how far we've come? or disappointed we still have much further to go?) 4. Jesus: I'm a catholic. I would want to know what his plan for me and plan for humanity is. I'd want advice on how I can live/what path I should take to live life to most align with his teachings 5. Beethoven- I'd want to hear him play moonlight sonata live. And I'd ask him where he got his musical inspiration from/ how he was so ahead of his times

Role of the physician

1. diagnose and treat -order diagnostic tests -record relevant symptoms and history -submit referrals -review results -come up with assessment and treatment plan ***unique to other medical fields and is the most important role 2. act in patient's best interest and provide high quality care at all times -psych/emotional counseling- listening to your patients' frustrations and being able to provide the much needed support through adverse times -health prevention counseling- vaccines/diet/lifestyle ***all are acting in your patients' best interest and work toward improving their health 3. Social role -advance health of not only your patient but community and society to the best of your ability -using your unique knowledge and skill sets -upholding your patients' basic human rights and not violating ethical values

What excites you about medicine in general? What will keep you interested in medicine 20 years from now? WU: What's to say you will come to this school and leave medical field in 10 years?

1. novelty of the field -learned from parents stories -every day learn something new (career of lifelong learning) -every day significantly different than the last -even if you encounter the same medical conditions as the previous day your day will be different because you will encounter different patients (different personalities, backgrounds, etc.) + DYNAMIC NATURE OF FIELD--always new tech and pharm developments 2. PEOPLE profession which is another appealing aspect 3. allows me to combine my LOVE FOR SCIENCE and my passion for PROBLEM SOLVING 4. the FULFILLING NATURE: emotionally and spiritually of medicine -stems from the ability to serve others as a career -Scribe: less anxious/less stressed example -want to continue experiencing this fulfillment as I serve and better the lives of my future patients -Never lack in JOB SATISFACTION as a physician

compassion

=sympathy for another's suffering -I try to emulate this trait every day as a scribe as I encounter patients in a variety of stressful/difficult settings -Always try to show that I am genuinely concerned and care about their situations -One particular example: shadowing Dr. Philipp for 1 year following patients with chronic illnesses -one patient who was quadriplegic due to severe ALS was growing increasingly frustrated and depressed over his condition -at one of the visits he spoke about a new stem cell treatment that he was reading about which showed positive results -I took it upon myself to take down this information and conduct independent research -found that the treatment was in clinical stages and was conducting clinical trials nearby at UC Irvine -I collected the relevant information and brought this to the patient at the next visit -I could tell he was shocked but genuinely grateful for my actions -Regardless of whether he would end up in the study, I knew I at least improved his day just by listening to him -sometimes all a patient wants is a compassionate ear and a human being to talk to and share their pain/frustrations with

QU: What kind of experiences have you had working with sick people? Have these experiences taught you anything that you didn't know beforehand? OUWB specific: how will you deal/cope with seeing sick people

Main 3: 1. Dr. Philipp- chronic illnesses -followed patients with chronic and compounded illnesses for a 1 year period -saw some of their patients deteriorate over time and we even lost one of our patients during that year -that was difficult but... -learned: being a physician is not always about curing medical condition with Rx meds... because there are some conditions out there that simply cannot be cured yet -- sometimes being a physician is just about improving one's current quality of life and accompanying them in their times of struggle, and being there for them in their final stages of life -reminded me being a physician is a career revolving around HUMAN INTERACTION, which requires an ability to listen to, respond, and genuinely care for your patients on a personal and human level -How i'll cope: I understand it is difficult to see your patient's conditions deteriorate over time but what I learned from Dr. Philipp and shadowing patients with chronic and compounded illness over that year period is that even though you may not be able to cure these individuals, you can still have meaningful and positive impacts on their lives in smaller ways. -changing bed sheets, adjusting their catheter, even just speaking to your patient in a non-medical but personal way can make their lives more meaningful and comfortable

OUWB: When were you most stressed about something in your life and how did you overcome it?

Mom's cancer: -Extremely stressful time for all of my family -One time was bad enough but when the cancer recurred that was extremely devastating -This time the chemo would be stronger and the the hospital stays longer and she'd need a stem cell transplant -I think what was able to get me through that hard time was: 1. Social support- friends and family members were constantly there for us and would help in any way they could (bring mom food at the hospital, etc. ) 2. positive mindset: I tried to stay positive at all times regardless of how grim situations seemed especially around my Mom because I noticed when her mindset was strong her physical health followed suit -and maintaining that positive mindset was essential for my own personal mental health through those tough times 3. Resilience: no matter how many times we would get bad news or when my Mom was physically weak and emotionally depressed after being discharged it took a strong ability to bounce back, change our mentality and fight for her health-- which is the mentality I adopted when I would train her through exercises as I tried to get her back to the strength and energy she has today

WU: What suggestions do you have for improving health programs for underserved areas?

for one- medical schools need to emphasize recruiting those individuals that are more likely to serve in inner city and underserved areas. I think medical schools should take an even more holistic approach to applications and focus more on community service instead of emphasizing statistics so heavily in terms of access, i think we need to build more clinics in these areas in terms of cost: our country as a whole needs to adopt a more socialized perspective towards healthcare and implement universal affordable health care even if that means cutting back on some other expenditures

health issue in our country today WU: Major problem in healthcare today

opioid crisis- very prevalent issue, I see it often as a scribe patients are clearly addicted to their prescriptions of hydrocodone and the problem ranges from 70/80 year old patients to mid 20s. as a country, we need to address that issue by enhancing research on pain addiction, alternatives to pain medication, and develop more clear criteria as to go about prescribing this medication as physicians, it is our duty to search for any other alternatives before prescribing that medication: Physical therapy, antiinflammatorys, emphasizing rest all can play a major role in reducing the prevalence of the issue

Define success/ 20 years as a physician what kind of success will you experience

success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming- John Wooden After 20 years as a physician I would measure my success in self-satisfaction and patient satisfaction. If I knew that I left every day from my practice knowing that I acted in my patient's best interest, provided high quality care, to the best of my ability then I would call that career a success. I would not need any awards or recognitions or salary bonuses. The satisfaction and respect of my patients is all that I would need.