Meet the New M.D./M.P.H. Student Ambassadors
The new student ambassadors were selected by the Miller School of Medicine's Office of Admissions for the 2020-2021 academic year. The ambassadors are eager to virtually speak with prospective M.D./M.P.H. candidates and to participate in open house activities. Learn more about the new M.D./M.P.H. ambassadors below.
Minji Kim
What does being an M.D./M.P.H. Student Ambassador mean to you?
Being a student ambassador for the MD/MPH track has given me the opportunity to share what I love about this program and this school! I personally chose UMMSM because I felt so welcomed by the students and the faculty when I was interviewing. It is quite a privilege to do the same for the prospective students. There have been several first year students who I recognized from interviews and tours, and it makes me very proud of our Student Ambassador team.
What can you offer potential candidates who are interested in the M.D./M.P.H. program?
The application process is extremely stressful for everyone — you are not alone! My best advice would be to reflect on what type of physician you want to become and how you seek to contribute to the society. The MPH track has taught me to view health from a birds-eye perspective — how will you use this unique perspective during your path to becoming a physician? Lastly, when choosing schools to apply to or to attend, talk to as many students as possible. That is where you’ll be living & learning for the next 4 years. You want to be where you can balance your work and personal life and can be your best self.
What have you learned since being in the program that you wish someone would have told you?
The MD/MPH track has taught me that you can create your own path and the type of a physician you want to become. As the first person in my family to attend school in the US and to become a physician, I thought the only types of physicians were pediatrician, OB-GYN, and surgeons. I have realized that not only are there countless types of physicians, but there are also countless ways you can contribute — whether it is with firefighters, incarcerated individuals, cruises, and the list goes on!
Where are you originally from? How is life in Miami and how was it adapting to a new city?
I was born in Seoul, South Korea but moved to Maryland, U.S when I was 7 years old. After a week of living in Miami, I told my parents that I felt like I moved to a different country. I am still adjusting to the lack of Korean food in Miami, but I do love the weather and the culture. I cannot emphasize enough how great it is to go to the beach or the pool after exams.
Please provide your full name, year in the program, and your field of interest thus far.
Minji Kim, MD/MPH Class of 2023, interest in health among incarcerated individuals
Alexander Gordon
What does being an M.D./M.P.H. Student Ambassador mean to you?
Being an M.D./M.P.H. Ambassador means that I can assist bright minded students in gaining entrance into a program that will craft them into future medical leaders! I have the privilege in making what seems like a daunting and unpredictable application season seem more straightforward by highlighting what type students the Department of Public Health Sciences is looking for and how students can present themselves the best way they can. Reminding myself where I was just 1 year ago drives me to mitigate the anxiety of applicants may have and help set them up for success.
What can you offer potential candidates who are interested in the M.D./M.P.H. program?
One key point of advice I can offer potential candidates (hopefully future students) is that you must illustrate clearly why your previous experience has driven you to want to pursue a M.P.H. degree. That experience can be from multiple things such as volunteering, past jobs, past classes, etc. This reason should not be lukewarm so that the admissions committee has no doubt that you are serious about impacting public health in some manner. So before applying, closely look at your resume/experience and brainstorm how you may pull out solid reasons for a pursuing a M.P.H and what you will do with the degree.
What have you learned since being in the program that you wish someone would have told you?
By being in the M.D./M.P.H. program, you obviously are getting a second degree so on a base level you will have more work. Do a review of your organization skills and planning before starting the program, this will serve you well when M.P.H. exams or assignments are due around M.D. assessments so that you will able to decrease your workload and stress when things get busy. I wish I was pushed a little more to do a honest review of my skills in this area so I had to learn on the go. Still, as your Admissions Ambassadors we are here to help you!
Where are you originally from? How is life in Miami and how was it adapting to a new city?
I was raised in a city called Bowie in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Life in Miami is a lot of fun, being so close to the water with great views, food, entertainment and activities has made medical school a lot more enjoyable! I can’t imagine too many other places in the country that would be better to get your medical education in. I did not know a lot of Spanish coming into the city so that was a little bit of a hurdle but I would say I am learning how to navigate that slowly!
Please provide your full name, year in the program, and your field of interest thus far.
Alexander Gordon, second year, ophthalmology
Jordan Mandell
What does being an M.D./M.P.H. Student Ambassador mean to you?
Being an M.D./M.P.H. student ambassador means that I am lucky enough to help both brilliant applicants and underclassmen with the processes of applying and beginning medical school! It is extremely meaningful to me to ease any anxieties about either process and to give honest, accessible information to students who have worked so hard for this for so long. Mentorship gives me such a great sense of belonging and I love mentoring students and receiving advice from the incredible M.D./M.P.H. M3’s.
What can you offer potential candidates who are interested in the M.D./M.P.H. program?
I love to remind my classmates and others about how intertwined medicine and public health are and how impactful practicing medicine through a public health lens can be. Of course physicians have great impact on their patients, but studying public health and practicing medicine with public health ideas in mind gives you the opportunity to influence those outside of your future patients too. I additionally hope to offer some peace of mind and reassurance to those feeling uncertain or nervous about the application cycle or the intricacies of a dual degree program.
What have you learned since being in the program that you wish someone would have told you?
As corny as it sounds, two things I learned that I still have to master are to always believe in myself and trust that I am doing my best. It is important to remember you deserve every opportunity you are presented with and you should never compare yourself to those around you because everyone is incredible and that can be daunting.
Where are you originally from? How is life in Miami and how was it adapting to a new city?
I am originally from Brooklyn, NY but I grew up in Marlboro, NJ. I actually went to UM for undergrad so I am pretty familiar with Miami! Adapting back to South Florida after a year away during my gap year was very seamless. Miami has my heart and I am in love with the culture, people, and city I am surrounded by everyday!
Please provide your full name, year in the program, and your field of interest thus far.
Jordan Mandell MS-2 Ophthalmology or another surgical subspecialty!
Samuel Hinkes
What does being an M.D./M.P.H. Student Ambassador mean to you?
Being an MD/MPH Student Ambassador means representing the diversity, ambition, and authenticity of the students from our program. What made me excited to join this institution was the feeling I got when I spoke to the students. They felt balanced in their lives and extremely passionate about their work. They fully embodied a growth mindset while demonstrating love and support of their peers. Being on the other side, I love sharing this same energy with prospective students. Welcoming students to medical school humbles me and makes me proud to be where I am.
What can you offer potential candidates who are interested in the M.D./M.P.H. program?
I hope to offer some solace. This is an extraordinarily challenging time to apply to medical school. It’s very competitive and the general climate is very uncertain. In light of this, I seek to offer some hope and light into what can be. Applying to medical school fills you with such a sense of purpose and introspection into who you really are. Because of that, I hope to encourage students to stay in touch with who that is so that they can confidently select a program that fits them best.
What have you learned since being in the program that you wish someone would have told you?
Imposter syndrome is real. I always felt (and still sometimes do) like I didn’t size up to my peers. I had serious doubts about why I deserved to be in my seat on day 1 of medical school. Working through that insecurity was a challenge for nearly a year. Honestly, a group of type A students will always find ways to compare themselves to one another. Truth is, no one is doing it perfectly. What helped me get through that time was standing confidently in what I cared about and surrounding myself with other student leaders who saw my potential. That being said, I would tell prospective students that who they are is enough. Own it!
Where are you originally from? How is life in Miami and how was it adapting to a new city?
I’m originally from Coral Springs, FL and went to school at the University of Florida. Although I’ve been a Floridian my whole life, city life was new to me. I was worried that I would not be able to keep up with the pace or lifestyle. Truth is, there’s a place for me here, too. I’m drawn to cultural spaces, the outdoors, and the nightlife. Although Miami offered that on a different scale than I was used to, that doesn’t mean I had to succumb to cultural pressures to be someone I wasn’t. I can still find spaces to be myself, be calm, or be excited! I love Miami, being near my family again, and enjoying the opportunities this city has to offer. I really don’t think I could live like this anywhere else.
Please provide your full name, year in the program, and your field of interest thus far.
Samuel Hinkes (but I go by Sam). MS2. OB/GYN
Zakariya Hassouneh
What does being an M.D./M.P.H. Student Ambassador mean to you?
To me being an M.D./M.P.H. student ambassador means showing the true values that UM aims to create. A environment based on diversity, partnership, and advocacy. I remember my experience when I first interviewed at UM, and how the admissions committee made me feel so at home. I am a student ambassador because I want to give other applicants the feeling of inclusivity that was given to me.
What can you offer potential candidates who are interested in the M.D./M.P.H. program?
I originally did not apply to MD/MPH and only applied to MD. It was not until the day of my interview that Dr. Kupin told me all the great points about the MPH program that convinced me to apply. I have a less traditional perspective that offers a different insight for applying to the program. I have a career goal of using my MPH for refugee work in Syria, Palestine, and other war torn countries. I got my motivation from learning about the white helmets working in Syria. This is not the typical goal of someone getting an MPH, but I feel it is appealing to some who want to use their skills for work outside the US in less funded areas. I can offer additional insight into international work, and how to get onboard as well as what to expect.
What have you learned since being in the program that you wish someone would have told you?
Since I’ve joined the program I’ve learned the value of computer proficiency and how much data analysis plays a role in an MPH. At first I didn’t know how much learning SAS or SPSS would further my work, but since learning how to use the programs I’ve been able to get involved in so many additional activities and research.
Where are you originally from? How is life in Miami and how was it adapting to a new city?
I'm originally from Palestine and live there for a couple years, after that I moved back to Orlando and have lived there up until I went to college. Miami life was an adjustment, but I have loved living in a big city with so much to do. The biggest adjustment was probably the noise that never stopped, but now I’ve become a much deeper sleeper. Prior to COVID, my friends and I were out exploring Miami and everything to do anytime we had a free moment. Everything from the water, to Wynwood art, or local culture and diversity, has made me appreciate living in such a unique city of diversity.
Please provide your full name, year in the program, and your field of interest thus far.
Zakariya Hassouneh, MS-2 MD/MPH, emergency medicine/trauma
