my name: Paola Barriera 

 

 

 

who am i?

 

I’m an MS2 student from PHSU. I’m an ailurophile, an avid reader, and a muffin enthusiast.

 

 

where am I? what am I doing this summer?

 

At the moment I’m working at a Dermatopathology lab at the University of Pennsylvania. My work may be defined as bench research. Our goal is to elucidate the mutations in squamous cell carcinoma in situ.

 

how did I come across what I'm doing?

 

I found an application in the internet for a research fellowship position at the Department of Dermatology of the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. Then I e-mailed the specific investigator I wanted to work with based on his interests. It was surprisingly simple.  

 

 

what fascinates me about what I'm doing?

 

The endless knowledge and the opportunity to leave a legacy.

 

is there something here that younger students could do?

 

Definitely research is a MUST for anyone considering medicine as a career. It’s a great opportunity to learn and make valuable acquaintances.   

 

 

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

 

An established set of goals, good friends, family and classmates inspire me everyday. 

 

 

how have I grown so far after my first year of medical school? how do I think I will grow after this experience?

 

My former and present experiences have changed the vision of my future training. I’m extremely eager to explore the opportunities that will make me the most qualified physician I can be. Our immense responsibility requires a larger amount of compromise and education.