Contributing Writer
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine
I stepped foot on the island, unaware of what the next 39 days will hold. I recounted the advice I sought out prior to this adventure. “Remember to not step on anyone’s toes.” “Don’t be a burden. Be proactive.” “Read the room.” I wandered about my new home, using a map to guide me to my assigned tribe. I stepped foot into camp; a windowless room filled with scattered computers, rolling chairs, and an overfilling …
My understanding of the reality of pursuing a career as a physician was shattered when I started my third year of medical school. When I entered the double doors of the hospital, I was no longer the main character of my day. Instead, my attending’s patients became the highest priority and feedback transitioned to how I could improve to better serve them.
During my three weeks working in the pediatric dialysis unit and the post-kidney transplant unit, I noticed a troublesome trend. The whiter and younger pediatric patients were resting comfortably in the post-transplant unit with their new surgically placed kidney being meticulously taken care of. The darker and older pediatric patients spent countless, mindless hours attached to a dialysis machine with little hope for a new kidney after years of being on the waitlist.
Contributing Writer
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Lien is a third-year medical student at University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami, FL class of 2024. In 2019, she graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Biology. She enjoys watching true crime documentaries, designing gel nails, and salsa dancing in her free time. After graduating medical school, Lien would like to pursue a career in pediatrics.
