During her senior year, Chand begrudgingly signed up for a science class. She was surprised at how immediately she was hooked. “I felt like science was mine,” she admits. “Now I can’t run away from it.” Not that she wants to, especially considering the fact that this summer Chand will be studying pre-medicine at Yale University.
Earlier this spring, Chand was selected to participate in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), an intensive academic program designed to prepare highly motivated students for medical school.
The SMDEP is offered at twelve sites around the country and each site has its own unique features and benefits. The SMDEP at Yale is comprised of five learning offerings: science modules, which expose students to a learning model of science education similar to that of many medical schools; writing and communication class, including development of a personal statement for medical school applications; clinical exposure, in which students shadow a physician at Yale-New Haven Hospital; career planning and guidance; and a special lecture series.
Chand, a Biology/Pre-Med major, found out about the program during a meeting for Pre-Med students hosted by the Office of Career Development and Internships at Mount Saint Vincent. With the support of Elana Fishman, the Mount’s Graduate and Professional School Advisor, Chand filled out the application, which included writing two essays and getting recommendations from two professors. Those professors were Dr. Teresa D’Aversa, Visiting Instructor of Biology and Dr. Pat Grove, Professor of Biology. Chand describes Dr. Grove as an enthusiastic and technologically savvy teacher: “Dr. Grove shows dedication. She uses diverse teaching strategies, everything from podcasts to Powerpoint presentations to online review chats that she herself moderates.” This exposure to high-tech learning will certainly come in handy for Chand this summer, as a portion of the SMDEP is dedicated to biomedicine in the 21st century.
Chand is most excited, however, to shadow a doctor, as she is interested in observing how doctors interact with and care for their patients. “In one of my application essays to this program, I wrote about the importance of the relationship between doctor and patient. That is one thing I am very concerned about—that patients feel comfortable with their doctors.”
Considering Chand’s desired area of medical specialization, she will have to pay particularly close attention to her patients’ comfort. “I want to be a pediatrician,” Chand says. “I get excited whenever there’s a little kid around, and I have a feel for getting along with children.” When all of her medical schooling is over, Chand hopes to open her own children’s clinic.
In addition to the SMDEP specialized curriculum at Yale, Chand will have full access to the university’s academic resources and will experience the diverse social and cultural environment of Yale and New Haven. “I am grateful to the Mount for getting me accustomed to college life,” Chand says, in speaking of preparing for the program. As far as living in a different city, though, Chand does not have that much experience.
While Chand has been to India a few times—“Both my parents were born in New Delhi, so I’ve been to visit relatives”—Chand’s travel experience within the States is limited. “I’ve never left New York State,” she confesses. “I’m a little nervous, but I’m excited to finally be stepping into a medical atmosphere.”
