At the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that values the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and interests that our students bring to our school each year. As you make your final decisions, we believe it is important that you get the opportunity to hear from current med students who committed to UAB Heersink from out-of-state. Here are a few of their stories:
Renee Abernathy
Tell us about your hometown & why you chose to pursue medicine.
I grew up in Springfield, IL and really loved the community and size. I would describe Springfield as a rural city, meaning it has city elements but it is mostly a spread out rural community. I specifically grew up outside of city limits, surrounded by farming fields. I decided to pursue medicine because I enjoy learning and a career in medicine will always involve learning! Additionally, I wanted a career where I could positively impact people daily and medicine provided a unique opportunity to meet and help a variety of people.
Why did you choose to attend UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
I chose UAB because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone by living in a different region and experiencing other US cultures! Also, UAB is an amazing medical school with an amazing curriculum and multiple opportunities. With the multiple campuses, I am able to experience another new city in Alabama! The work that the faculty does to ensure we have access to any field of medicine is unmatched!
What has your med school experience been like so far?
So far my medical school experience has been great, but it is accompanied with a lot of hard work. UAB does an excellent job ensuring we have resources and people to help with the workload. My classmates are amazing people and we lean on each other every day!
How has the adjustment to Birmingham been? Any advice for future out-of-state students?
I have completely adjusted to Birmingham and really enjoy it! Birmingham has so much variety to offer in every aspect of life! There are great restaurants, parks, hiking trails, shops, and people. Birmingham offers city living, but also just 5 minutes away you can experience a smaller city/town. It is really the best of both worlds. Before moving to Birmingham, I was worried I would not like living in the city/downtown because it is quite different from how I grew up but I have grown to enjoy it! I am walking distance to anything I need and school. Also, there is so much to do and discover downtown from farmers markets, breweries, and coffee shops!
What was something about living in Birmingham that surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Birmingham was how small it actually feels. This is a great little city full of amazing and kind people!
What advice would you give yourself regarding the move itself?
I think my biggest advice to future students is to determine what type of scene you want to live in! Downtown is great because you are close and don’t have to drive anywhere if you don’t want to. However, there is traffic and noise (but you do get used to it)! You could live about 10-15 minutes away from campus and find a nice quiet neighborhood or apartment complex; however, you would have to commute! Overall, prioritize what is important for you and your living situation because you want to be comfortable and happy in your home! Additionally, give yourself plenty of time to move in and settle into your new home. I moved in 2 weeks before school started so I could explore Birmingham and feel comfortable in my new apartment! Some more moving advice: do online research before coming to look at apartments or houses and create a list of the places you want to see. There are so many apartments and houses available, it can be overwhelming at first, so I highly suggest looking before getting to Birmingham and making that list! Make sure to call and make an appointment if you want to go inside and look around!
How did you find housing as an out of state student?
I simply Googled apartments in Birmingham and compiled a list of downtown apartments and some apartments outside of the city. Then, I came down to Birmingham at the beginning of summer and looked at a variety of places on my list during the weekend. I also suggest hiring a moving company, it is worth the cost to have 0 stress with moving big furniture yourself.
Erin Tarnoff
Tell us about your hometown and why you chose to pursue medicine.
I am originally from Los Angeles, California but went to college at the University of Montana. I studied forensic anthropology and planned to pursue a PhD but changed my mind once I worked with more forensic pathologists.
Why did you choose to attend UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
UAB was always high on my list because I wanted to attend a medical school affiliated with a large academic medical center. As I completed med school interviews, my UAB interview remained my favorite. All the students and faculty seemed very kind and down to earth. Between my positive interview experience and diverse patient population with a range of pathologies I knew UAB would be a great fit.
What has your med school experience been like so far?
I had a few years between graduating college and starting medical school. While medical school is difficult, you have more ownership of your time than you do working a 9-5. The relative control over my schedule has made it easier than expected to meld my social life/hobbies with the rigors of medical school.
How has the adjustment to Birmingham been? Any advice for future out-of-state students?
If you can, try to arrive a week or two before school starts. You’re going to be a medical student, but you are also going to live here. Explore some local coffee shops and go on a day trip or two—it’ll make the city start to feel more familiar by the time classes start.
What was your impression of Birmingham before you came? Has it changed since then, and if so, how?
I had fond memories of visiting family in Birmingham as a kid, but never thought I would live here. When I visited for second-look weekend, I was blown away by how much I liked it. There is a creative pulse to Birmingham which I really appreciate. If you get a chance, I recommend seeing the metal work artists in action at Sloss Furnace.
What was something about living in Birmingham that surprised you?
So much great hiking! I did not expect to be in such close proximity to beautiful nature, but we are just a short drive away from tons of amazing bluffs, waterfalls, etc.
What advice would you give yourself regarding the move itself?
Don’t rush the road trip to get here. I used it as an excuse to visit some national parks and friends along the way. I think it helps make the move less stressful.
How did you find housing as an out of state student?
I found my apartment through word of mouth—but I know other people found roommates/apartment suggestions through the medical school.
Chidimma Anunobi
Tell us about your hometown and why you chose to pursue medicine.
I moved around a lot in my earlier child years, but currently, my family resides in Conyers, GA which is in the outskirts of Atlanta. It is a pretty quiet and comfortable city that is home to quaint streets, delightful restaurants, entertainment and festivals while still being just a few moments from the capital of GA.
My motivation to pursue medicine is very intricate. It stems from a variety of factors that have intertwined into the passion that lies within me today. As early as 4th grade, I developed a love for math and science that has followed me throughout the years. My motivation to become a doctor has also been driven largely by the values, beliefs, and principles instilled in me by both my family and faith. Combined, these two major contributors drive my motivation and passion for medicine. The idea of being able to be a part of a profession that is focused on helping others regardless of the circumstance, gain advanced scientific understanding of a variety of diseases, and aid people in facilitating a happier and healthier life for themselves resonates with me, and I could not imagine a more fulfilling career.
Why did you choose to attend UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
To be honest, I initially applied to UAB on a whim and in hopes to fulfill my goal of going to medical school. It was not until I received my secondary application that I started to learn how great of a medical school it was. When I got my acceptance, alongside a few others, I really had to compare the schools and really investigate which school would prepare me with the resources, education, and community that would curate me into the best physician I would possibly be. UAB is a world-recognized institution and that stood out to me. After attending second look and learning about the various initiatives they have, interacting with the faculty and students, touring the facilities, and observing how accessible the opportunities were to students, I knew I had to commit and attend UABHSOM.
What has your med school experience been like so far?
I would say it has been amazing thus far! I really believe that UABHSOM does an amazing job picking the incoming class and creating a welcoming atmosphere. I haven’t had any major complaints, but I appreciate how receptive professors and administration are to feedback for areas of improvement.
How has the adjustment to Birmingham been? Any advice for future out-of-state students?
I moved from Metro Atlanta, so initially when I moved to Birmingham it was a big adjustment for me. It is a slower place, but it has made me seek out things that I like to do versus repetitively doing the same things and activities I was used to. My main piece of advice is to be open to try new things. You never know what relationships, hobbies, or interests may be sparked. Also, do not get so stuck on comparing it to where you came from. Enjoy the new area and the fresh start.
What was your impression of Birmingham before you came? Has it changed since then, and if so, how?
I had the very stereotypical country Alabama impression of Birmingham, but I was a little off. It is more modern and urban than I thought it was, but nonetheless I still think it has a slight southern and country feel.
What was something about living in Birmingham that surprised you?
There are actually some pretty good eateries in Birmingham. I had the worst luck the first few weeks, but I have definitely found some good restaurants, bars, and bakeries.
What advice would you give yourself regarding the move itself?
Give yourself grace. You are moving to a new state. It may seem hard at first but think of it as a journey in which you will learn more about yourself, gain a sense of responsibility, and an opportunity to mature and form new dynamic and meaningful relationships.
How did you find housing as an out of state student?
I found housing from a newsletter that was sent out to me from the monthly emails. During my second look, I toured a few of them and from there sort of looked at which one would be the best fit for me. I also reached out to some of the students I met and got their opinion on some of the housing options. It was a pretty smooth process for me, in my opinion.
Taylor Hollis
Tell us about your hometown & why you chose to pursue medicine.
I am from Newark, California! Northern Cali…BAY AREA!!!! I have so many reasons why I chose to pursue medicine, so this is a loaded question. But, in short, I chose to pursue medicine because I have kept in mind the complexity of intersectionality and how that affects healthcare, the historically marginalized communities that fall victim to social determinants of health and the upbringing of my parents. I want to become the physician who my parents needed through their healthcare challenges and who my community needs now.
Why did you choose to attend UAB Heersink School of Medicine?
I previously worked with physicians from UAB while conducting research at Stanford School of Medicine. They were super passionate about racial justice. I knew UAB was a top institution and I really wanted to be at a school that serves a predominantly Black and Latinx population. Additionally, there is so much history in Alabama. I thought about the civil rights movement in Alabama and how I could make major moves here when it comes to community-driven research. I also really wanted to serve in the Southern Black Belt. Lastly, Alabama ranks very low all around when it comes to health according to many public health resources. I want to be where there is need.
What has your med school experience been like so far?
It has been very challenging. Medical school in general, not just at UAB, challenges you mentally, emotionally, and physically. I can genuinely say that this is the hardest thing I have done in my life. However, I am happy and privileged to be here. You slowly find your way, how you study, your people, things you like to do for fun or self-care, and you learn so much about yourself.
How has the adjustment to Birmingham been? Any advice for future out-of-state students?
Coming from a liberal state and a place that has so much to do, it’s been hard. Moving to a very different state while in medical school is challenging because you have a small amount of time to explore. I think Birmingham is slowly growing on me because we have more time during organ modules to do regular things. Also, it's completely normal that I am missing my family and a bit homesick. My advice is, give Birmingham a fair shot! If you don’t, you’ll be miserable so…go explore, eat, and party (because the bars are great!).
What was your impression of Birmingham before you came? Has it changed since then, and if so, how?
I wasn’t sure what Birmingham would be like. Everyone from California was like “You’re moving to ALABAMA?!” So, I had this idea that I would hate the South. I was shocked during second look! Birmingham is developing but also downtown is all UAB. You feel like you are a part of a huge medical community instantly when you arrive. When people find out you’re at UAB, it’s a huge deal. Great school, city, and amazing doctors come from here!
What was something about living in Birmingham that surprised you?
Something that surprised me about Birmingham is how close you are to a lot of other states. If you need a mini vacation or just want to travel within the US, I mean it’s convenient! I already was able to go to New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte!
What advice would you give yourself regarding the move itself?
Housing can be pricey, but it’s worth your sanity! At some point you may or may not be going to lecture. I quickly realized I did not like the apartment I was in (I was trying to save some money) and now I am moving to a place that is more expensive, but I am so excited for it! You want a place that is convenient for your walk or drive and a place that you can go home and be excited to be there! Protect your peace! Mental health is everything!
How did you find housing as an out of state student?
UAB is really good at sending first years sheets on housing nearby. On the incoming Facebook page, there will be posts from students who are renting homes or looking for roommates. They also create an excel spreadsheet that has all the first years who are looking for a roommate. That’s how I found my current roommate!