my name:  Jorge Castillo

 

 

 

who am i?

I am a second year medical student at PSM. I am originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico but grew up in south Florida. I attended the University of Miami for a bachelors degree in Chemistry and graduated in 2012. After graduating I moved back to PR to live with my grandparents and then decided to stay for medical school and moved to Ponce. 

 

 

I am currently back in Puerto Rico after spending a month in Florida.

During my time in Florida I worked as a translator at a volunteer clinic in Stuart, FL and when I wasn’t working I was shadowing a plastic surgeon. 

For me, the most intriguing aspect of medicine is the interaction between the physician and patient. I find that in order to be able to provide a high quality of care, there needs to be a strong relationship and bond formed between the two parties. I wanted to do something that would allow me to participate in this relationship so I contacted a local clinic and was able to volunteer as a translator. This allowed me to be in the room during examinations and help make sure that both the doctor and patient were on the same page with symptoms, treatment, and recovery. On days that I was not at the clinic, I shadowed a plastic surgeon in his OR.

As stated above, I enjoy being able to form relationships with different people. Helping others is a great feeling and I believe there is no greater good than being able to improve someone’s quality of life.

Regardless of whether you’re in high school, undergad, or med school, you can find clinics and volunteer. Volunteering gives you a unique insight into what practicing medicine is about and it is a way for you as an individual to make sure you want to become a physician.  

The most important thing to me is being able to take care of the people that I care about. Becoming a physician is something that will allow me to do so. Every morning I wake up and I remind myself that I am not only studying for me, but for my friends and family and that one day they could be relying on my understanding of this information to save their life. 

After completing the first year of medical I believe that I have redefined what it means to work hard. Putting in hours or studying everyday regardless of whether the exam is a few days away or 2 weeks away is not something that most people are used to. Sitting down everyday of the week and studying for hours with your friends requires a dedication and mental toughness that I believe that all of us in our medical class found throughout the year.

After medical school I believe that I will have a profound appreciation for everything we’ve accomplished. Countless people strive to get into medical school and unfortunately are not giving the opportunity to attend. 

I would like to wish all future MS1s good luck. You’ve decided on pursuing a noble profession that requires time and dedication. Always remember that you can get through it and no matter how defeated you feel, keep your head down and make it to the end. 

why am I part of Legacy LITTLE heroes?

 

I want to be able to help students with the transition of becoming a medical student. I was fortunate enough to have several different second year students willing to spend the time and explain to me how things worked once you reached medical school. Having this knowledge and guidance helped ease the conversion from a college environment into the rigorous medical school lifestyle.  

 

 

what am I doing this summer?

 

how did I come across what I'm doing?

 

what fascinates me about what I'm doing?

 

is there something here that younger students could do?

 

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

 

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

 

how do I think I will grow after this experience?

 

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