Her Story
About Kelsey
My journey into medicine started at a very young age. When I was younger, I used to play with a solar system toy that my mother bought me, and I developed a love for science. I told my dad I wanted to be an astronaut, but he didn't want me to go to space, so he suggested I become a doctor instead. He showed me a brain surgery video when I was about 6 years old, and I found it really interesting. From there, I just took to science and loved it. Now I'm a junior at Syracuse University studying biology and synergies, working toward my goal of becoming a doctor. I'm being mentored by Dr. Pascal La Fortuna from Brooklyn, who has been helping me along the way with my pre-med journey, telling me what to apply for, what positions to go after, what jobs to go after, and giving me the rundown of how to become a future doctor. I'm currently volunteering at the Salvation Army Daycare and at Krause Hospital to gain clinical experience, and I'm a member of the Black Pre-Med Society here at Syracuse. After I graduate in 2027, I plan to take a gap year to get more clinical hours, shadowing hours, work, and study for the MCAT, all in Brooklyn, New York. I'm hoping to get into medical school for the 2028 cycle and start med school in July of 2028.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kelsey
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice would be that you never get used to the pressure, you just have to learn to embrace it. And then, expectations aren't a burden, they're more of a privilege, because you could always have it worse, you know? You could always not be living your dream. Nobody would expect anything out of you at all, and that's worse than having hard work to do. I've had hardships academically all my life, so you really just have to sit there and get through it. You can't stop. That's basically it. You just have to look at the end of the tunnel and just keep pushing towards it.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value ethics and hard work. Because I want to be a doctor, I feel like to be a good doctor, you have to value social morality and also be a hard worker to get far. Outside of my career path, I love to devote any extra time to my family whenever I have the chance, since I'm not in the city with them. Anytime I get to see them or just speak to them, that's what I like to do. My hobbies include painting and pottery. I've been painting since I was young, but recently I've gone to painting more since my freshman year of college.
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