Major Key: Aspire to Inspire

//“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies . . . Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die . . . It doesn't matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away.”   -Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451//

My mother moved to England from Ghana at the age of about 17. She then traveled the world (for a few years, since she currently on 29 and 3/4) and eventually moved to the United States just a few years before I was born.  Growing up with an amazing intelligent and well-traveled mother afforded me a different world view.  I saw the world as a first generation Ghanaian-American who was brought up in a fully Ghanaian household.  My culture was not American, my food growing up was not American and my relationship to African-Americans was often difficult to cultivate due to this difference in perspective. I have grown and learned and forged many relationships with many different people from many different backgrounds, but I cherish the mindset I learned from my mother.  That is the beauty of passing on knowledge, experiences, thoughts, culture, etc from generation to generation.  My mother helped me navigate this world...and she taught me not to be selfish in my knowledge, but to help my fellow brother or sister.  She engrained in me the drive to pass things along, to help others, to pave a way, to be thankful to those who came before me, to share the wealth...to aspire to inspire.

I am a dark-skinned, Ghanaian-American, assertive, strong-minded and intelligent FEMALE Medical Doctor in a Caucasian, male-dominated field. I experience things that many of my colleagues never even think of. My dream is that the medical field becomes more diverse and fully saturated with minorities!

What advice do you have for girls that aspire to be a “ Black Woman, White Coat?”

First and foremost, never let anyone tell you that you cannot achieve your dreams. Anything that you aspire to do or be, you can do it! The road to attaining your goals may not be easy, it may have great triumphs and failures, but you should always remember that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and people will be put in your path to help you...sometimes when you least expect it.

My advice is to follow your dreams. Do well in school. Be prepared to always be your best, because unfortunately, a lot of people are waiting for you to make a mistake. Seek help when you need it! Having the skill of knowing when to ask for help is invaluable. Find a mentor who has recently been through what you are planning to go through (my email is on my contact page!!). Sometimes just hearing stories of success can be the greatest boost in confidence. Lastly, NEVER GIVE UP.

What do you hope to accomplish while practicing?

I recognize that practicing medicine means that I have a lifetime of learning ahead of me. I hope to continue to become a well-rounded, competent, and compassionate physician.  I want to make a positive impact in the lives of my patients and in my community.  I want to give back to my community and help others attain their goals, through mentoring. I want to inspire and motivate young people, especially young African-Americans, to work hard for their dreams and to help them realize that you can really do anything if you put your mind to it and ask for help when you need it...and I want to help with this process in any way that I can. I have made it this far and will continue to reach greater heights...and I want that for everyone.  If I can do it, you can too!

-Dr.Z

The Journey: College Major and Extracurriculars

//"Work hard for what you want because it won't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive." -Unknown//

Sometimes college is the last step in your educational journey...and sometimes it isn't.  In my journey, college was just the middle.  After 4 years at Bowdoin College, I went on to a 5-year MD/MPH journey at UAMS followed by my current Family Medicine residency...and I still am not totally sure my educational road is done.  Regardless of if college is your end or your middle, it is important to have fun and make the most of your college experience while simultaneously preparing your "resume" so that the sky is your limit.  One way to achieve this is to be very mindful when choosing your college major and extracurricular activities.

What was my major in college and why did you choose it?

I was blessed to know from a very young age that I wanted to be a doctor, but that is totally not the norm.  Most of the people I know didn't know exactly what they wanted to be when they grew up.  I went to an awesome liberal arts college that allowed us to explore our interests for 1-2 years before officially proclaiming our major.  I am not very familiar with the process in large universities or state schools, but I think it is essential that a budding mind be allowed to explore their interests throughout their college experience, but especially at the beginning with no restriction.  Once you begin to determined where you want you life to go, pick a major that marries you interests and your future.  If that means picking a minor as well, do it! Be that sponge, and soak up this time. 

I personally majored in Biochemistry in college.  I started college wanting to major in Biochemistry and minor in Mathematics, but I realized I was doing a bit too much and decided just to major in Biochemistry.  I loved Chemistry and I needed extra Biology courses to fulfill the medical school requirements, therefore, Biochemistry was the best major for me. (see how I married by interests and my future with this choice!!)
 

What activities and clubs were you a part of in college?

 

When it comes to extracurricular activities, I DID THEM ALL! I did what interested me, I tried new things and I padded my resume with extracurricular activities that would set me up as a great candidate for medical school.  I've always been that student that does too much, so I was a part of a lot of clubs and activities in college.  I had a work-study job working in the library probably two times a week.  I was the secretary and treasurer of the Latin American student Association (knowing NO Spanish and being a first generation Ghanaian-American, but some of my best friends were Latin-American so I was all for supporting them).  My best friend, Fatoumatta, and I co-founded the African-Alliance club on campus. I was on the committee that organized all blood drives that occurred on campus and became the Chair of the Committee my Junior and Senior years.  I was a member of the African-American Association on campus.  I was a Senior Interview for the Admissions Office.  I performed in a extracurricular wind ensemble AND learned how to play the Mbira, and Zimbabwean instrument, and performed with my friends for the entire college. Like I said, I did THE MOST in college...but I loved every second of it, regret none of it and learned so much.  

 

I bet I am missing something and did even more in college...but the bottom line is that I made the most of my 4 years in Maine while setting myself up as a great candidate for medical school.  

 

*The same mentality can apply to high school.  I was 1st chair clarinet, captain of flagline and a cheerleader my senior year while taking a ridiculous amount of AP classes.  I was tired, but I enjoyed it and when interviewed for college, I showed that I was interested in education and could handle a heavy work load and be disciplined enough to do well while simultaneously doing may extracurricular activities.  I interview students for Bowdoin yearly as an alumna, and this is a quality we look for in all of our applicants.*

 

 

Allow Me To Introduce Myself : My Name is ZOOOOO, Z to the O, E

Dr. Z is a first generation Ghanaian-American currently a resident physician in Arkansas. She is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and a product of a mixed public and private school education. I am a strong supporter of public schools, having attended Fulbright Elementary, Fuller Middle School and graduated from Wilbur D. Mills University Studies High School, Class of 2006. 

I then traveled to Maine and obtained my B.A. in Biochemistry from Bowdoin College, the #6 liberal arts institution in the country. 

I then went on to obtain my Medical Doctorate and Masters in Public Health concurrently at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in 2015 and 2016. 

I am interested in Women's Health, preventive medicine, public health and mentoring. I spend as much time as I can, as a resident, mentoring and volunteering. 

I also enjoy taking care of my mental health with massages and relaxation days which are OH-SO-NECESSARY in residency.  I have a mean forehand and love playing tennis and golf when I can.  If I'm not relaxing or playing tennis, you can probably find me at a lake with a cooler and friends....or cooking at home for friends or enjoying a new restaurant.  Enjoying life is a huge priority for me* 

I am currently a 1st year Family Medicine resident. 

This blog, #stethoscopescurlsandmedicalpearls at DrZsPearls.blogspot.com, is in its early stages and provides a forum for advice and questions!!! Ask anything, and if I don't know the answer, I probably need to and will find someone who does!  It also is just a great outlet for me.  Residency is hard.  The hours are long and I am learning so much! If this blog can provide an ounce of information to anyone, motivate someone to go for their goals or just give you a good recipe, restaurant or hair tip...I will be happy!

The Journey: The Infamous Residency Match

// “Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face.” – Carol Moseley-Braun //

You go through the stressful process of getting into medical school and you think you have jumped your biggest hurdle....ha! Well, actually, for some people this may be true - but for most, you have just jumped the first hurdle. After medical school classes, Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS, you now have to go through the process of finding a job you love that equally loves you. This process is called - THE MATCH.

The MATCH process is pretty much the Hogwarts Sorting Hat process in real life. There is a science and algorithm behind it...but explaining it and really understanding how it works is kind of mysterious.

How did you make your rank list?

Making your MATCH rank list is a science and requires finesse (Does anyone really understand this science-NO. Does anyone really have all the finesse-NO).  I say that because you want the audience to be in your favor, yet you don't have any control over what happens once you submit your list.  How the MATCH works is, you first make a list of places that you would like to apply to.  You pay to apply to these places and if they like you application, they offer you an interview.  So you go and interview and then you go back home and you rank all the places where you interviewed from 1 to whatever number while those places are also simultaneously ranking you out of the people that they have interviewed.  You wait for months, the longest and most nerve-wracking months ever, for the Match Day when you determine if your rank matches with the rank of the institutions that you have interviewed.  To be honest the process is not very clear, but that is how it's done.  And on that special day in March everyone opens up their letters to determine where they will be for the next 3 to 7 years of their life.  Now doesn't that sound stressful!!

Why did you chose the Family Medicine specialty? Were you conflicted with any
other specialites?

The MATCH is all about increasing your odds of getting a job!  To do this, I applied for multiple specialties.  I loved OB/GYN, I liked Pediatrics, and Family Medicine would allow me to do pretty much everything I've ever wanted to do.  As a result, I applied to all 3.  On that lovely day in March, I had matched to my Number 1 ranked Family Medicine program. 

How did you feel when you matched at UAMS?

The MATCH process, to be completely honest, is scary and you wait so long after interviews to find out where you matched that you just are happy you have a job once Match Day rolls around.  I applied to OB/GYN, Pediatrics and Family Medicine programs.  I have loved Obstetrics since my OB/GYN rotation in 3rd year of medical school, but I also want to have a family and be present in their lives. I can honestly say that I matched where I am meant to be, and I am so happy and grateful to be a resident in my program.  Family Medicine will allow me to have continuity of care (which I love) and I can also throw Obstetrics in my practice with a more flexible schedule.

The Journey: Where to Apply (College AND Medical School advice)

// “I will not have my life narrowed down. I will not bow down to somebody else’s whim or to someone else’s ignorance. ” – bell hooks //

You have completed or are in your final years of high school or college. You have taken your SAT or ACT or MCAT and have your score. You have cultivated your resume--you know what you look like on paper. Now, how do you determine who to give this information to??

I found it beneficial (for college and medical school and residency, actually), to be strategic when deciding where to apply. The interweb is at your fingertips...USE IT! If you know how you look on paper, it makes sense to be proactive and research what the schools you are interested in are looking for. Here are some helpful websites that list the average entry exam scores for college and medical school.

Average ACT/SAT scores for College

Average GPA and MCAT scores for Medical School - general

GPA and MCAT score grid by ethnicity

Where did you go to medical school?

I went to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas (my hometown) where I received my Medical Doctorate and my Masters of Public Health, concurrently.

Why did you decide to go to the University of Arkansas for medical school?

Have you ever heard of in-state tuition???? If not, look it up.  The difference in price for medical schools across the country is absolutely crazy.  I just really didn't see any point going to school out of state and paying a lot of extra money when I had a great Medical School in my hometown that was a "reasonable" (heavy on the quotation marks, because paying for education to me is hardly ever reasonable) price.  Also, being close to home and having the support of family was a great blessing during Medical School.  Medical School is a "breeze" for a small percentage of people; for most, it will be hard work.  Having friends and family for support really helped me get through Medical School.

What other medical schools did you consider?

I applied to Howard University, Meharry Medical College and Ohio State University. My "road to getting into Medical School" was a bit different from a lot of other people because I honestly just wasn't planning on applying to Medical School during the time that I did. If you have a foreign parent, specifically a West African parent, you will completely understand how I applied to Medical School at the last minute because I was told to. (HAHA)  About 2 weeks before the deadline for Medical School applications, my mother walked into my bedroom and asked me "How are applications going? One of the Doctors I work with said his son already put in his application and has an interview date".  My response was "Why, mom?  I'm not applying this year! I am planning on applying next year".  Her response was "No, YOU ARE APPLYING THIS YEAR"...and that was pretty much the end of that conversation.  So I had about 2 weeks to get my application together, get my letters of recommendation from Maine and schedule my interview.  Period!  I had a lot to do in a little bit of time.  So in the end, I applied to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Howard University, Meharry Medical College and Ohio State University.  I happened to get accepted to you UAMS prior to my interviews at the other Medical Schools, so I canceled my other interviews and was more than happy to stay in Arkansas with in-state tuition.

The Journey: My Road To Medical School

// “If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive. ” – Audre Lorde //

As with ALL of these posts, this is my perspective and my journey.  I was blessed to know what that I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up around the age of 7.  With that in mind, my mother (and myself) tailored my entire school career to eventually getting into medical school.  This is not the case for everyone.  That being said, here are some tips that got me to where I am now.  Hope my journey and experiences are able to help!

How did you prepare for medical school? MCAT score? GPA? How did you make yourself competitive?

After graduating from college, I ended up taking a year off.  I know myself and I just wanted the year to enjoy life and decompress.  I took my MCAT about 6 months after graduating college.  I took the Kaplan prep course on campus while I was in college, but it was really hard to focus on my studies and really study for the MCAT, so I really just used the materials and studied for the test on my own after graduation.  Fortunately, I only had to take the MCAT once and I had the rest of the year to enjoy myself.  I made a 29 on the MCAT and I graduated with a GPA of 3.75 (NOTE: This was in 2010, so the expectation for scores and the entire MCAT exam has changed.  Don't use my scores as a benchmark for you).  I believe I was a competitive applicant because I was an African-American Female applying in the South with reasonable scores.  That is not to say that as an African-American I had to do less to get into school, I just know that a lot of schools were "trying" to increase diversity, so I fit the bill.  It also helps to have a good medical school interview.  Some people are born with the gift of eloquence in interviews, and some people aren't...and that's no problem. If you struggle in an area, you just have to work harder.  Practice your interview skills if you have to. Take extra courses or repeat courses to increase you GPA. Retake the MCAT if you have to.  In the end, you just have to do what you have to do to make your application packet as strong as you can.

What are some tips you can give us to prepare for the MCAT?

When preparing for the MCAT, I really think you just have to be focused.  Make a schedule.  Follow your schedule.  Find a prep program that caters to your strengths AND your weaknesses.  Not all prep programs are made equally!  Some are great for those who already have a great foundation and others are great for those who need help creating a foundation.  Take the time to figure out what you need from a program and determine what program you use based off of that.

PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. Practice as many questions as you can in preparation for the exam.  On exam day, you need to be prepared to find the question as quickly as possible, find the BEST answer and finish all of the questions in the allotted time.  DON'T LEAVE ANY QUESTIONS BLANK. You do not lose points for a wrong answer, so it is better to guess in a time-crunch and have a chance at getting a correct answer than it is to not have an answer at all. 

The Journey: Getting to College

// “Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey //

What factors did you look for when choosing a college for undergrad? How did you decide to attend Bowdoin?

Wow, it feels like choosing a college for undergrad was so long ago.  I attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.  When trying to choose an undergraduate program, I knew that I wanted a liberal arts institution and I knew that I wanted to leave Arkansas.  I was a member of a great program in Little Rock called Arkansas Commitment, led by Dr. Thomas Eppley, that helped with the process of finding great colleges out-of-state and navigating the application, acceptance and negotiation of scholarship process. 

Arkansas Commitment

I always knew I wanted to become a doctor, so I was looking for a school that was strong in the math and sciences, with a small to medium-sized feel where I felt like I would be more than just a number and really get attention from my professors, and most importantly I wanted to go to an institution where I felt happy and comfortable on the campus.  I think we underestimate how important it is to visit colleges and really think about how you feel living there for 4 years of your life. 
(NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU VISIT THE COLLEGES YOU GET ACCEPTED TO BEFORE YOU MAKE A DECISION IF YOU CAN! Many colleges have programs where you can experience campus life for a weekend...DO IT!)  

I applied to 16 colleges and was accepted to Harvard University, Yale University, Vassar College, Vanderbilt University, Pomona College, Middlebury College, Washington University, Davidson College, Macalester College... okay I was accepted to all the schools that I applied to, but Bowdoin was the school that I felt the most comfortable and at-home on the campus. My four years at Bowdoin were the best 4 years of my life, to date!

Speedy Cold Recovery: 101

// “I think there are things for all of us to do as long as we’re here and we’re healthy.” – Gwendolyn Brooks //

Now, when it comes to being a doctor, I can prescribe medications ALL DAY! But personally, I am just a holistic first-generation Ghanaian-American who sniffs oils and drinks special drinks daily. 

When I was a little girl, I would get a cold and my mom would make me Lite Soup (its very similar to an American broth based soup with chicken).  She would make the soup so spicy that I would sit on the floor eating it with a large glass of ice-cold water and a loaf of bread next to me.  My nose would run as I was eating and if my lips didn't require ice cubes to be applied to them because they felt like they had burned off, then the soup wasn't hot enough.  
As an intern, cooking is something I have little to no time for.  So instead, I have concocted a holistic regimen that has me over my colds in 24-36 hours. Now, everyone is different...but this method has worked consistently for me. 

1. As soon as I start feeling the tickle in my throat, I start eating Ricola. Besides being Coco Chanels' favorite snack (my puppy), they are great for soothing the throat!

walgreens.com

2. I live for the Olbas Oil inhaler!!!! I sniff this stuff like 20 times a day...especially before walking into a patients' room who I just feel might have something to spread.  I have been using Olbas Oil for years. Initially, we had to have it shipped from Ghana to the US.  Then it made its way to the UK...so our shipping fees were lessened. But now, you can get it in the US at certain Natural Food Stores. 

walgreens.com

3. I drink the same concoction EVERY MORNING!!!! I boil water and pour it over a couple of lemon slices and a bit of fresh cut ginger. When I have a sore throat, I just add a little honey to the mix.  This drink just makes me feel better and gives me energy for the day (I am that doctor who never drinks coffee or energy drinks). It also seems to ward off my colds, and if I do get a cold, I get over it pretty quickly.

So this is my little regimen! Hope it helps, my holistic homies*

In The Know: Medical School Requirements

//  “Take responsibility for yourself because no one’s going to take responsibility for you. I’m not a victim. I grow from this and I learn.” – Tyra Banks //


I am a firm believer that if you put your mind to anything, you can make it happen.  All you need is hard work, persistence, willingness to learn, willingness to ask for help and the gumption to find the information you need.  I can't help with all of those things, although I wish I could, but I can provide a little bit of information and share my experiences. 

COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS

The most current requirements are a minimum of 1 year of:


1. Physics with lab
2. General chemistry OR Inorganic chemistry with lab
3. General biology
4. Organic chemistry with lab
5. Calculus
6. English
7. Sociology
8. Psychology

GPA and MCAT scores

To give a specific GPA for medical school is unrealistic.  GPA and MCAT scores are bread and butter - in that these are the only standardized ways to compare applicants- but the medical school admission process at certain institutions focuses on the whole picture that is the applicant, and not just the scores.  A GPA of 3.5 or greater is solid.  When looking at MCAT scores, these actually are school dependent.  I spent a lot of time researching the medical schools I was interested in and finding out their average GPA and MCAT scores for accepted students, so I could gauge myself and determine the schools it was worth my money to apply to (remember, you are paying to apply).

The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) collects and organizes a lot of this great information.  Check this out:

GOLDEN STATS

EXTRAS

Research prior to medical school IS NOT a requirement, but it doesn't hurt.  Showing that you are interested and passionate about something to the point where you spend your "free time" exploring it is a PLUS (and something medical student interviewers are looking for -- I know-- I interviewed for medical school and interviewed students as well).

Shadowing physicians is also NOT a requirement, but can be extremely beneficial.  It allows you to see behind the "glamour" of being a physician and discover the day-to-day work required and expectations.  Eventually, I want to be able to have an internship that allows students to shadow me...but in the mean time, find a Doctor you know or even one you don't know, and shadow them.  

If you are from Central Arkansas and have a high school student interested in preparing themselves as much as possible for college and beyond, look into Arkansas Commitment. This program can really put you on the path to greatness - with the test prep and guidance provided by the program on top of the connections! Connections are so important, and boy is this program connected. For more info, check this out: 

Arkansas Commitment

The Journey: What Medical School Was Like (Q&A)

Here are just a few of the questions I have been asked about the journey through medical school* As time goes on and I get more questions, I will add to the section.  Also, If you have any questions, email them! 

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” – Lena Horne

Take us through your journey in medical school. What was the hardest part?

Now this is a hard question. To start, the overall structure of Medical School is that the first 2 years are spent in the classroom.  At my institution, the plan was for us to learn normal anatomy, physiology, cell biology, microbiology and pathology in the first year. Then we learn how everything can go wrong in the second year. Then we apply what we have learned and continue with hands-on learning in our 3rd and 4th years. They say Medical School is like drinking water out of a fire hydrant....and that is pretty accurate. There is so much information to learn and you just never feel caught up..and any moment that you do feel caught up, you remember that you aren't. That is the cycle until the middle of 4th year when you feel a sense of extreme freedom as you just wait to find out where you MATCH for residency. I can't really pin-point a "hardest" part. Standardized exams are NOT my favorite thing in the world, so Step 1 and Step 2 were hard for me.

You received your MPH (Masters in Public Health) while in medical school? What was the process like?

I honestly believe that if you can make it through Medical School, getting your Masters is a small feat in comparison. My institution was great in that I did not have to pay for my Masters because I was already in the Medical program, but just because I didn't have to pay with money doesn't mean I didn't pay with time. A lot of my friends had a lot more free time in medical school because they didn't have extra classes that I had to go to, but I really think that all Medical Students should take some public health courses.  By doing so, I believe you become a better physician.  You look at the health of your patients' from a different and wider perspective.

How did you feel when you finally got to do rotations? What was your favorite one? Least favorite?

I was so excited when it came to doing an actual rotation.  The 1st and 2nd year of Medical School were full of class work, and by the 3rd year, I was just so ready to get out of the classroom.  The best part of getting to start rotations is that you have actual patient contact, and you begin to see the disease processes that you spent 2 years in a classroom learning in real life!  I really liked all of my rotations, so I found it a bit difficult to settle on one particular specialty.  My 1st rotation was pediatrics, and I just loved the kids.  My 2nd rotation was surgery, and I just loved being in the operating room.  My 3rd rotation was OB/GYN, and I just loved delivering babies and going to the nursery and holding the babies. Do you see the trend??  Yes, that's my personality...I fell in love with everything.  I think my absolute favorite rotation was OB/GYN, and my least favorite rotation was probably Internal Medicine.