This summer, I had the privilege of spending seven weeks at McGovern Medical School as a Gilstrap Summer Student. The Gilstrap Program was created by Wabash alumnus Dr. Sean Blackwell and Dr. Sunbola Ashimi. Throughout this experience, I had the opportunity to shadow physicians in the OB/GYN department at McGovern for a total of 250 hours. Each week, we rotated through a different subspecialty, ranging from Labor and Delivery to private OB/GYN clinics, the Fetal Center, and GYN/ONC. At the Fetal Center, the focus is on high-risk pregnancies.
Each subspecialty had something new to offer. I observed cesarean sections, ectopic pregnancy removals, and hysterectomies. One of my biggest takeaways from this experience was gaining a realistic understanding of what a career in medicine entails. In addition, we worked closely with residents and medical students who generously took time out of their days to teach us about conditions their patients were facing. I shadowed physicians on both clinic-only days and those filled with procedures, which allowed me to explore different styles of medical practice and begin to see where my own passions might lie.
The interactions with physicians were truly invaluable—their advice and insight are things I will carry with me throughout my academic journey. This experience also provided me with the opportunity to witness the challenges that physicians face while treating patients. Some patients were unable to receive the care they needed due to a lack of insurance, while others missed appointments because they lacked reliable transportation. I saw firsthand how financial barriers can cause real physical harm, keeping patients from accessing the highly qualified physicians at the Texas Medical Center in Houston.
This opportunity has solidified my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. I would like to thank Mrs. Jill Rogers, Dr. Eric Wetzel, and the GHI for providing such a life-changing experience.
