Dear Class of 2023,
Congratulations on your acceptance to UABSOM. I would like to introduce myself since we are still seven months away from meeting you all at orientation. My name is Isabella Mak, a current first year medical student. I am the student writer for this admissions cycle’s Vital Signs.
I grew up in Hong Kong, then moved to Dothan, AL to complete high school. As a traditional student, I completed my bachelor’s degree in neuroscience at UAB, with career goals to teach, to help patients in achieving their best quality-of-life, and to be an advocate in public health issues such as mental health and environmental health.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first semester, grew professionally, and met people from all walks of life. For example, I participated in the poverty simulation, got to know our classmates from the age range of 21 year-old to 44 year-old, hung out at Railroad Park and coffee breaks with my Oparil Learning Community members. I am assigned to Birmingham campus for 3rd and 4th year rotations, but we will discuss different campus preferences in the next Vital Signs.
A lot of students, including me, thought that I may have to give up my interests and hobbies when we study so much in medical school. But hobbies are very important to keep you well-rounded and to de-stress. There are plenty of opportunities to show off your talents at the Best Medicine Show, to help your team to win the annual Learning Community Olympic with your athletic skills, to donate art work at the Art Auction for a good cause, to perform musical instruments in the hospital through the Art in Medicine program, competing in essay and poetry contests, utilizing your language skills at the free clinic, making videos and practicing mindfulness through special topic classes. These are just a few examples!
I love how UAB School of Medicine is very service-oriented, with a culture that fosters wellness and relationships. If you have not make a decision which medical school to attend yet, I hope you will enjoy UAB School of Medicine as much as I do.
Isabella Mak
Class of 2022
Imak@uab.edu