This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, as a part of the Gilstrap Summer Program. During my 7-week internship, I shadowed a variety of different OB/GYN physicians and learned what their responsibilities were. Following these physicians so closely really allowed me to see what my day-to-day life would look like as a future physician.
With 130,000 people coming to the Texas Medical Center (TMC) each day, there was no shortage of patients and scenarios to see. Each week, we saw a new focus within the OB/GYN, and these included Gynecologic Oncology, The Fetal Center (which is the international leader in fetal diagnosis, fetal intervention, and comprehensive fetal care for infants with congenital anomalies or genetic abnormalities), General Obstetrics (days and nights), General Gynecology, and Labor and Delivery.
Going into this internship with zero OB/GYN interaction or knowledge, I was not sure what to expect. Being in the room and connecting with patients was some of the most fulfilling work that I have done in my life. Being next to a Spanish-speaking-only patient during delivery, I was able to calm both the mother and her family’s nerves during the labor process made me feel like continuing on the path of medicine was the right decision for me.
I would like to thank all those who made this summer experience possible. Jill Rogers and Dr. Eric Wetzel from the Wabash Global Health Initiative helped build the relationship with those in Texas and guided me on the expectations and information for this role. Director of Research at the Larry C. Gilstrap, M.D. Center for Perinatal and Women’s Health, Dr. Sunbola Ashimi, PhD, and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at McGovern Medical School, Dr. Sean Blackwell ’89, for providing this opportunity and mentoring us through our time in Texas. I would also like to thank all the physicians I was able to connect with and learn from, along with my fellow Wabash brothers, Precious Ainabor ’26, Ike O’Neill ’27, and Landon Huber ’27, for making this such an unforgettable experience.
