Embarking on the journey to becoming a physician was more than just a career choice for me; it was a legacy inspired by my father, a seasoned physician himself. Graduating from STA in 1983 marked the beginning of a transformative educational chapter.
STA's mathematics and science classes laid the groundwork for my later pursuit of an electrical/biomedical engineering major at Rutgers College of Engineering. Post-college endeavours led me to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where I immersed myself in internal medicine during residency. Further specializations in hematology and clinical pharmacology at Jefferson Medical College added layers to my medical expertise.
Now, practicing hematology in the Mount Sinai Health System on Manhattan's upper west side, I reflect on the evolving landscape of medicine. Beyond its traditional scientific and healing dimensions, medicine has embraced writing, particularly with the ubiquity of electronic medical records. The importance of clear and concise chart notes cannot be overstated, even though pre-medical students often only require two semesters of college English.
STA, however, uniquely prepared me for the writing demands of my profession. Latin class unraveled the origins of medical terminology, while classes in English, history, and philosophy sharpened my thinking and writing skills. This foundation now manifests in my contributions to Sermo, a platform for physicians where conversations thrive.
Shifting gears, my attention turns to the communicative facets of my career. STA's Theology and Spanish classes proved invaluable, enabling me to engage with patients on matters of faith and communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking individuals.
To current STA students, my advice echoes the essence of my journey: embrace every class wholeheartedly, for each subject at STA is a stepping stone towards your future career. Learn with passion, and let the diverse knowledge you gain shape the trajectory of your professional endeavors.