Summer Internship: Lessons in Medicine, Mentorship, and Purpose

 This past summer, I had the opportunity to work under Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins for the second time, focusing on septic and hemorrhagic shock. The experience was transformative, not only because of the technical skills I developed, but because it deepened my understanding of what it means to pursue medicine with purpose. Dr. Simpkins’ mentorship went far beyond the lab. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, precision, and most importantly, compassion in scientific work. I was even able to attend several jazz jams with him and understand the intersection between the sciences and the arts.

Throughout the internship, I assisted in experiments involving live rats to study the physiological responses to both septic and hemorrhagic shock. I learned to monitor vitals, prepare surgical setups, and analyze data related to neural and systemic outcomes. I was even tasked performing my own surgical procedures on the live rats. It was intense and detail-oriented work that required both patience and adaptability. Each day taught me something new about the body’s fragility and resilience, as well as the importance of ethical responsibility when handling living subjects.

What made the experience especially meaningful was how it tied into my larger goals as an aspiring neurosurgeon. Having previously studied shock at a general level the prior summer, returning to focus on its neurological aspects helped me connect my interests in brain health, trauma, and critical care. Seeing firsthand how systemic crises affect neural function reaffirmed my desire to specialize in a field where milliseconds can define outcomes.

Equally important was realizing the broader impact of this research. Treatments for septic and hemorrhagic shock have the potential to save countless lives, particularly in high-trauma areas that are often predominantly Black communities. Advancing effective and accessible interventions could significantly reduce mortality in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by gun violence and limited emergency care.

Beyond the science, it was deeply empowering to be mentored by a successful Black man at Dr. Simpkins’ level. Representation in medicine matters. Seeing him lead an entire research team with both brilliance and purpose reminded me that my path in medicine isn’t just about discovery, it’s about using that knowledge to heal and uplift my community. I am greatly privileged to have been a sponge in his environment.

Kennedy Chow