As a biology major on the premed track, I have been looking for an opportunity to gain hospital experience. It is especially difficult being the only medical-pursuing person in my family. Wabash has been pivotal in my own growth and exposure, and for that I am grateful to the college and the donors that keep these opportunities running. Started by Dr. Sean Blackwell ’89 in honor of Dr. Larry Gilstrap, the Gilstrap program aims to provide that experience, enveloping students in medicine early. When I first got to Houston and the medical center, I was nervous, the buildings were huge, and the hallways were a labyrinth. Next thing I know I find myself in a 6-hour hysterectomy turned complicated by excessive
scar tissue using a noninvasive daVinci robot. Man was I in for a treat if this was my first day.
Over the course of the next several weeks I had the chance to rotate through different Obstetrics/Gynecology specialties. Ranging from Labor and Delivery to the Fetal
Center and Oncology. I got to see the bedside manner of dozens of different doctors and see how they all make their patients feel cared. On top of that it gave me the chance to test my own knowledge and dispel some myths I previously had about the reproductive system. All the while building friendships and connections with the nicest people I have ever met. I
have learned many lessons while here, but my biggest takeaway would be to remember why I am deciding to go down this career path. It can hard to see the patients you are helping at the end of the tunnel when you are in the classroom for so long.
I want to thank Dr. Blackwell and Jill Rogers for organizing this internship. The GHI internships are fundamental for all premeds. I also want to thank Dr. Ashimi for being there for us when issues arose. I thank God for the experience and all the people that welcomed us. The residents work hard, and they deserve many thanks.
