Research Assistant (2012-2013)

"I worked at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) as a research assistant for a year and a half while I was applying to medical school. From day one, everyone at the center was helpful and encouraging to me as a new employee and a future medical student. Dr. Dennis Durbin, Dr. Mark Zonfrillo, and Dr. Flaura Winston were particularly instrumental in mentoring me on my path to becoming a doctor. The other members of the teen driving study I worked with, Dr. Jessica Mirman, Dr. Allison Curry, and the many research coordinators, were a dynamic and energetic team such as I have never encountered in any other job. 

Additionally, there were many other like-minded individuals in the Center who all helped and supported each other on the difficult road to medicine. I was accepted to the majority of medical schools to which I applied, and I credit CIRP and my experience with various aspects of research there as one of the main factors for my success. I will be going to Jefferson Medical College in July 2013 and perhaps doing a dual MD/MPH program. The passions and interests of the doctors and researchers at CIRP helped reveal new aspects of community service that have inspired me to make a difference in Philadelphia."