my name:  Kathleen Kopel

 

 

 

who am i?

 

I'm a second year MD student at Ponce Health Sciences University

 

 

why am I part of Legacy LITTLE heroes?

 

Because I believe in helping the next generation learn more about medical school and medicine in general

 

where am I from? where am I currently? what am I doing this summer?

 

I live in Ponce but I am from Colorado originally. Right now it is amazing to see my true intellectual capacity, medical school shows you just how much you are capable of.

 

This summer I did a rotation with Oregon Health Sciences University in ophthalmology and spent the rest of the time relaxing and reconnecting with family.

 

 

is there something here that younger students could do?

 

I think research to the extent it can be incorporated before medical school is valuable, it is challenging to do once you get started and a necessary part of a complete C.V. when applying to residency.

 

 

how did I come across what I'm doing?

 

I was always passionate about volunteer work growing up but after spending a semester in the Dominican Republic I realized that medical based volunteer work provided the most meaning to me. I believe firmly in public health and more bureaucratic enterprises, but for me personally, I need to be doing hands on medical work to feel a sense of reward and meaning.

 

 

what inspires me every day in what I'm doing?

 

Being able to help others in a meaningful and concrete way. 

 

 

how have I grown so far after my first year of medical school?

 

Medical school has helped me become more confident in myself and explore what my mind is truly capable of. It has helped me become a fundamentally balanced and goal oriented individual. 

 

 

how do I think I will grow after this experience?

 

I think I will be stronger and more confident.