· Developing a professional mentor relationship: 5 points

 

This year and this past summer I was able to connect through my internship with Dr. David Smith, who is a renowned cardiologist in Charlotte, NC. During the entirety of the summer, we were able to meet about my research project, preparation for post-graduation plans, and taking advantage of opportunities around me. After explaining my previous research from the year prior about stroke care and treatment in South Africa, he gained an interest in global health in Africa which led to this year we have worked on extending published research together and through his connections to physicians in west and east Africa to conduct a study of Social Determinants and their impact on Black Africans in stroke treatment and rehabilitation. 

I am very thankful to Dr. Smith because I believe his mentorship has definitely propelled me as an intellect and how to approach research. In addition to being a cardiologist and seeing patients daily, he has also involved himself in many research projects and additional medical opportunities. I believe one of the biggest things I have learned from him is to take advantage of every opportunity around me. He influenced me to switch back to medicine from my interest in being a physical therapist originally and I can only thank him for that. I am excited to continue my mentor relationship with him and am excited to see how it evolves has I continue on my medical journey. 

- Ashe' Kelsey