ůůֱ Blog - Education, Research, Patient Care, Community

Exploring the Path of Family Medicine: A Student's Journey

Embarking on a career in family medicine is a transformative experience for many medical students, and for Keana Murray, a fourth-year medical student and current Student Government Association (SGA) President at ůůֱ School of Medicine (ůůֱ), that journey has been deeply personal. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Keana’s passion for providing health care to underrepresented communities has driven her academic and professional choices, culminating in her decision to focus on family medicine. Read More

From grief to purpose: Juan Gomez's path to healing and mentorship

Juan Gomez, a graduate of the Master of Science in Medical Sciences (ůůֱS) Degree Program and former President of the Graduate Education in Biomedical Sciences (GEBS) Student Government Association, is no stranger to ůůֱ School of Medicine. Now an MD-1 student at 38 years old, as Gomez prepares for Convocation , he has found himself in a unique position to mentor his classmates. “I value being a mentor to help people kind of have the idea of becoming a physician, or any profession. I want to help others know what their path could be. [...] That’s something that I’ve always been passionate about because it’s something I didn’t have,” Gomez explains. Read More

From Patient Advocate to Future Doctor: Monepha England-Rasheed's Mission to Ensure Access for All

Often, we hear the familiar story of patients delaying or avoiding doctor visits because they can’t afford the high cost of medical care. ůůֱ School of Medicine MD-1 student Monepha England-Rasheed aims to change that narrative by offering her services pro-bono to those who feel uncomfortable seeking care due to financial limitations. With her experience as a Patient Access Representative at Grady Memorial Hospital, England-Rasheed understands the critical importance of bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and patients. Read More

Empowering Through Trust: How MD-1 Student Nirvana Durbal's Experience Shapes Her Medical Aspirations

At ůůֱ School of Medicine, Convocation is a time of recognition and celebration for the incoming class of learners and marks the kickoff to a new academic year. For first-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) students, receiving their short white coat serves as a constant symbol of a critical part of medical education; a standard of professionalism and trust they must earn from patients. For MD-1 student Nirvana Durbal, the importance of doctor-patient trust is at the heart of her aspirations to become a physician. Durbal experienced firsthand how crucial this trust is while serving as a caretaker for her late grandmother. Read More

Overcoming Lupus and Pursuing a Dream: The Inspiring Journey of Janya Sims

Janya Sims, a third-year medical student at ůůֱ School of Medicine, has faced more challenges than most her age. Diagnosed with Lupus at 12, she quickly learned the meaning of resilience as she navigated a life-altering condition. Her early symptoms, including fatigue and joint pain, led to a diagnosis that forever changed her family's life. Read More

A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy in Family Medicine

Dr. Anya Bazzell, MD, MPH, MS, was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after witnessing her family's struggles with navigating the healthcare system. Growing up in a multigenerational household, she felt a deep sense of responsibility to help others in her community access the care they needed. This early experience fueled her determination to become a physician who could make a positive impact on underserved populations. Read More