Hello and Happy New Year Entering Class of 2020!

As newly accepted students navigating your way into medical school, we understand that, oftentimes, the most beneficial information you can receive will come from those who have most recently been in your shoes. Therefore, many of the Vital Sign issues will include student-written pieces.

Today, we would like to introduce you to our Vital Signs Contributors: first-year medical students Mary Claire Chumley, MeMe Collier and Abigayle Kraus. 

Mary Claire ChumleyMary Claire Chumley

Where are you from?
Morris, AL

Where did you complete your undergrad?
Auburn University

What made you want to become a physician?
I have been interested in science and health since I was young. I had the opportunity to participate in a sports medicine program while in high school. I learned early on as a student athletic trainer that I enjoyed helping others and using the skills I had learned to make their lives better. A career in medicine affords me the opportunity to continue to develop and use these skills to help others.

What made you choose UABSOM?
I chose UABSOM because I wanted to attend the institution I believed would help me develop into a great physician. I knew that UABSOM was full of experienced faculty and staff who are on the cutting edge of their fields and genuinely seek to train others to be like them. At UABSOM I knew that I would have the opportunity to spend time with real patients early in my medical education and would have opportunities to spend time in the community serving patients. 

What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
The people! From the first day of orientation, I have been part of a learning community and an ICM group, both of which have allowed me to forge friendships that I am already convinced will last a lifetime. In a few short months at UABSOM, I have met students, faculty and staff from many places and unique backgrounds. They never cease to amaze me with their work ethic, compassion and authenticity.  

What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
I think UAB has the unique ability to feel like a large teaching hospital and a small medical school simultaneously. I am able to feel like an individual who is cared for and supported in my education by the faculty and staff of UABSOM. The class feels small and intimate through the use of small groups and extracurricular activities. At the same time, just down the street, I have the opportunity to learn in one of the largest teaching hospitals in the country. A diverse patient population, groundbreaking research, expert faculty and immersive community outreach opportunities are vital parts of a medical education and UAB offers immense opportunities for each. 

What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Enjoy yourself! Do things you enjoy and figure out your hobbies. I think it is important to have an outlet once school picks up, and it will be good to have an activity to which you can turn to relieve stress. Also, try to establish good habits that will help make life easier once school starts. For example, make sure you know where to shop for food in the area, know a few simple meals to make, and make an effort to be active and exercise. When school starts these habits will be easier to maintain! 

What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
Volker Hall Lecture Room E…… just kidding! My favorite Birmingham spot is the top of Vulcan. It is a great place to see the city, and it would be a good spot to visit on one of your first days in Birmingham. It is incredibly humbling to look out at the city where you will spend a crucial chapter of your life studying and learning to become the best physician you can be. I highly recommend going at sunset for an even better view!

What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Medical school students certainly have a lot on their plate and plenty going on. I would say, however, that I am still able to participate in many activities, and I don’t feel that I have to miss out on events and activities just because I am a med student. You certainly have to be selective, organized and efficient, but your life doesn’t have to be put on hold for 4 years!

MeMe Collier

MeMe CollierWhere are you from?
Birmingham, AL

Where did you complete your undergrad?
Auburn University

What made you want to become a physician?
I originally wanted to be an English college professor. In fact, I graduated with a degree in English / concentration in creative writing. I realized freshman year that that path wasn’t for me, and there were a few major influences that steered me towards medicine. My mother and grandmother were both nurses, and I grew up learning from them, spending many nights discussing medical knowledge at the dinner table.
When I was 12, my mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor on her
cerebellum/brainstem. She underwent multiple surgeries, radiation treatments and years of chemotherapy. She survived her tumor for 10 years before sadly passing away in December 2018. Throughout her illness, my mother maintained her kind and loving character, never complaining despite her suffering. She demonstrated an amazing amount of strength and courage, and she served as a comfort and a guide to other patients with cancer. We were fortunate in that her physicians were great doctors, not only due to skill, but also because of their empathy and attentiveness. My mother and her doctors were inspirational to me, and I knew that I wanted to use my experiences of adversity to become the best physician I can be.

What made you choose UABSOM?
There are three major reasons. The first is everything that makes UAB different from other schools (see below). The second is that UABSOM is right here in my hometown. Because of that, I personally know that UAB has a great hospital and medical school. Also, UAB is focused on serving our local area as well as the world at large through research, international medical education, and attentiveness to diversity. Both are important, and that balance can be hard to find. The third reason is that whenever I interacted with UABSOM students, faculty and staff, I felt like everyone wanted to be there and were happy that they had chosen UAB. That just confirmed my desire to attend UABSOM.

What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
UABSOM has so many ways to get involved—volunteering, research, clinical experiences, medical interest groups, extracurricular organizations, social events and so much more. There isn’t just something for everyone; there are probably multiple somethings for everyone.

What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
UAB honestly has it all. It is a teaching hospital, and every physician I’ve met is really excited to take on students. UAB is devoted to patient care, but it also is a huge research institution—we’re one of the top NIH-funded institutions in the country. The school has been established for many years, which means that UAB has a well-known reputation, but faculty are also enthusiastic about getting feedback from students and are willing to make changes if necessary.

What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Just enjoy your summer. I wasn’t a science major, so I was a little worried that I would be at a disadvantage for starting fundamentals. However, I’ve been fine so far, and there’s really no need to try to study any materials before school begins.

What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
I often take Shades Crest Road on my way to and from school. It follows Shades Mountain, and the view the whole way is spectacular. There are also some really cool places on the road to check out, i.e. Wild Roast Café and On a Shoestring Antiques.

What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
Everyone “does medical school” differently. Some people use outside resources for studying during fundamentals. Some just use the notes from lecture. Some people always go to class. Some people never go to class and just watch the videos online. Our schedules are different pretty much every day. You have to figure out what works for you and be willing to adjust as needed. Medical school is definitely doable, but it might take a while to find your stride or rhythm. 

Abigayle KrausAbigayle Kraus

Where are you from?
Birmingham

Where did you complete your undergrad?
Northwestern University. Go cats!

What made you want to become a physician?
I was actually a journalism and economics major in college, but quickly realized I felt most fulfilled when I was volunteering at Lurie’s Children’s Hospital. I began to do pre-med courses and never looked back.

What made you choose UABSOM?
I chose UABSOM because it is a well-respected school in my home state (i.e. amazing education with in-state tuition). In addition, I was already working at UAB eMedicine and wanted to continue with my projects.

What is your favorite thing about the UABSOM?
So far, my favorite thing about UABSOM has been meeting my new classmates and learning from them.

What do you think makes UAB different from other schools?
UAB is different from other schools because of the people! Everyone has been so welcoming, and I have found great mentors to help me achieve my goals.

What’s something you wish you could go back and tell yourself the summer before your 1st year?
Enjoy the process of medical school, and don’t stress out!

What’s your favorite Birmingham spot?
My favorite Birmingham spot has to be Yoga Circle or Yoga Lab.

What’s something about being a medical student that more people don’t realize?
We aren’t always in library. Ask what we do for fun!