Overcoming Obstacles

"Everything was pointing towards medicine - I just didn't have a name t o put to it." - Samantha Lujan.

Most of us have a knick of an idea that we’d want to enter medicine at a pretty young age, but some of us may not realize until much later in life. However, don’t fret! If this is the case, you’re not alone, as the speaker from EmpoweringMED’s latest interview “Overcoming Obstacles: Interview and Q&A with Samantha '', is a 3rd-year Chicana, non-traditional medical student. Outside of studying, she jokingly calls herself a 'mad crafter', as she enjoys crocheting, painting and embroidering whenever she can. She finds that such hobbies translate rather well when into suturing techniques in surgery. So let’s buckle up, as we dive further into this inspirational story!

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'Why medicine?' It’s a question many of us pre-med students struggle to find an answer for and the same applied to Samantha. She stated that “it [was] a gradual realization for me.” And while she “didn't think it was a hard decision to make, it [was] hard to believe that [she] could go into medicine.” However, in college, her biology professor helped her realize she should try going into medicine, and that it was possible. This was a result of her large interest in one-on-one patient interactions, and the desire to help navigate, plan and diagnose patients through their health journeys, which is unique to physicians.

As the discussion switched direction to the topic of age, Samantha laughed heartily before declaring that age is just a number.

"One of my interviewers in med school actually asked me 'what if you don't get in this time?' and I said, 'I'll reapply next time.' and they continued to ask 'what if you don't get in next time?' and I continued to say that I will reapply until I get in. I mean, if this is the choice that I've made, if this is the career or lifestyle that I want, then it doesn't matter at what age that I'm getting all of this done. What matters is that I get to treat people, I get to guide them and I don't think it matters what age I will be at that time."

Samantha said that she felt being a non-traditional student didn’t negatively affect her, but rather, benefited her in numerous aspects. However, she did note that compared to other students, she did do less extracurriculars as she mostly just did work and school, and felt she was lacking in that area of her application. When it comes to how being a non-traditional medical student has benefitted her, Samantha recounted how she had a lot more life experiences than some of her peers. "I have a longer story to tell - it isn't just school and undergraduate and that's it." Samantha also mentioned how her age actually results in her feeling that she needs to hold herself to a higher standard, regarding matters such as how low-income families may be affected by certain illnesses. She feels that it’s vital she holds herself responsible to advocate and educate her younger colleagues about such issues. Samantha even offered some advice and insight to the premeds in the audience. She discussed how the content in medical school wasn’t difficult but rather fast-paced, and as a result, she advised the students to try to learn how to effectively manage their time. "Reading through it, retaining it, reading through it, going back again and again, because you want repeated exposure of your material so that way eventually it just sticks in the mind.” She also took the chance to remind everyone that “ if you can get a great score, that’s great. But that just shows that you're competent. I don't think that they [people]'re going to determine whether or not you're going to thrive in medical school just solely based on your scores. There are different aspects of medicine that a lot of people who don't do well on these standardized tests thrive in, like patient encounters.”

Samantha feels that being a first-generation student may have posed more obstacles along the way, as she didn’t have a sense of direction or anyone to inform her / guide her regarding what to expect. She was unaware of the MCAT and pre-med advisors before her friends and professors informed her, something most students who are interested in medicine discover far earlier. However, through the support of her professors and friends, she created her path to medicine.

Despite all the difficulties she's faced, she’s very happy and has no regrets. Samantha decided that she wants to go into internal medicine - especially regarding diabetes - and critical care regarding the lungs (pulmonology) and nephrology. So we hope that you all realize through her amazing interview that regardless of the path you’ve taken and will take, you will get where you want to go. Remember, every experience is unique and there is no one way to do it! We hope this interview with Samantha inspires you and motivates you to continue following your dreams!

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About the Author:

Arani Hiritharan is the Journal Coordinator of EmpoweringMED. She is an incoming Grade 11 IB student from Ontario, Canada. In her spare time, she always trying out a variety of new activities and hobbies, alongside serving her community and being involved in the studytube community. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in neuroscience or psychology.