One of the best kept secrets in Caribbean Medical Schools | Trinity School of Medicine | academics

Regional Director of Admissions, Elise Froistad recently caught up with Trinity student, Vincent Shieh, for this student spotlight:

No one knows what lies ahead once one starts med school. The hope is to have picked the right school in order to learn, be successful and hopefully enjoy the journey. Vincent chose Trinity for a reason and has had an experience that he likely did not imagine when he sat at his White Coat ceremony. Here’s more about his journey.

Abdulai Bangura is a third year student at Trinity School of Medicine and the first Caribbean medical student to be selected as an Orthopedic Surgery Research Fellow at the University of Maryland where he is currently serving.

Abdulai stayed true to caring nature and his desire to serve others and followed his passion to become a doctor all the way down to the Caribbean. He was motivated to pursue medicine after he overcame a health complication that threatened life as he knew it during high school. The physician and experience “was so impactful that I was inspired to do the same for others.” Abdulai had the “why” part of pursuing medicine, but unfortunately, his grades during his undergraduate years prevented his acceptance into traditional US-based medical schools.   Determined to achieve his goal, he started investigating Caribbean schools and found Trinity. He saw Trinity was growing quickly and had the desired accreditation. The school peaked Abdulai’s interests, stating, “I gathered that the faculty was heavily invested in the growth of the school. I am glad to be a part of this growth. Trinity has continued to exceed their benchmarks… If I could go back in time, I’d choose Trinity again.”

This article has been updated to provide the greatest relevance & timeliness for our readers. It was originally published June 2020.

Getting into medical school is a challenge in and of itself. Once you're in, how do you successfully stay afloat? Is there a wrong method of studying? How can you avoid burning yourself out? What are some of the best study practices? Will you ever have any free time?

We've compiled a list of the top seven things that can either make or break any medical student:

1. Don't skimp on sleep.
2. Avoid cramming.
3. Learn from the best in a small environment.
4. Get to know your faculty.
5. Make time for mental and physical wellness.
6. Learn to manage your finances wisely.
7. Keep in touch with your family and friends back home.
8. Make new friends at school.
9. Get involved with your medical school community.
10. Find a mentor and be a mentor.

Let's go through the most important tips.

There’s no doubt that each medical student has their own story. For Heather Dill, growing up in an unorthodox setting helped mold her ideas and views as a young child. Overcoming obstacles and moving around hurdles, have built an amazing set of character strengths for this future medical doctor.

Heather’s story reflects how Trinity seeks the right fit of diverse and extraordinary medical students to become a part of it’s top accredited medical school.

Here's How to Prepare Yourself

Admissions Advice from Regional Director of Admissions, Lisa Miller

The entire medical school admissions process can be cumbersome, challenging, and at times, stressful; this is a critical and crucial part of the admissions process. Depending on the school, some of the admissions steps will vary, so make sure you follow each medical school's instructions. Generally speaking, each school will want you to upload your entire application packet, this too can be done several ways, all depending upon the school. Knowing how to make a lasting impression during your medical school admissions interview can make a significant difference in being put through to the next round, ultimately playing a critical part in determining who gets an invitation, and who does not. Directors of Admissions have an abundant amount of insight, knowledge, and drive, to peel back the layers of academic success, giving you invaluable experience through the admissions interview.

Raised in a Latin American household, Sara Maria Jensen broke molds. She showed the world her unwillingness to take no for an answer from an early age. It's this steadfast determination that will continue to serve Sara Maria well as a future physician, and as she gears up to begin her 4th year as a medical student at Trinity School of Medicine. Trinity students exhibit a level of drive and commitment that can’t be ignored. Recently, Sara Maria became the top choice for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), serving as the organization's Reproductive Health Fellow. This distinguished role allows Jensen to share her passion and raise awareness for women's reproductive health.

Are you considering medical school? Do you know what area of medicine you'd like to call your specialty? Do you have a few specialties in mind, and don't know how to decide which one is "the one"?. Perhaps, you know your calling is to become a doctor, but you have no idea what area of medicine you'd like to specialize in. If you're in any of these categories, or somewhere in between, you're not alone, and Trinity is here to help.

Update: October 29, 2020

With all of the things that make you uniquely you, the same is true about each medical school. While researching medical schools, you'll want to find one that fits all of your needs. We have compiled a list of most asked questions, with answers, to narrow down your choices. 

Applying to medical schools is often a stressful time in a would-be doctor's life. After all, it can feel like your whole future hangs in the balance, and as though you have no control over the outcome. The good news is that you do have some control over the results until you submit your final documents.