Contributing Writer
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Samantha is a third year MD PhD student at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. In 2013, she graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a Bachelor of Science in animal science. She enjoys reading, racing marathons, and drinking coffee in her free time. After graduating medical school, Samantha would like to pursue a career in Internal Medicine.
Although I’ve spent only a mere two and a half years as a student in this world of medical education, it’s readily apparent that I fit into very few of the “typical medical student” patterns. I’m part of a small cohort of dual degree students. I’m nontraditional, having never considered becoming a physician until after I graduated from college in 2013. And I am a disabled woman.
Given that we are in a profession that aims to prevent harm, treat ailments and promote healthy living, the concept of an ideal body seems to be embedded in our work. The problem with the idea of normalcy, however, is that it is an ill-defined and very subjective idea that varies among each individual.
Rebecca Garden, in her article “Disability and narrative: new directions for medicine and the medical humanities” wrote that “rather than coping with or overcoming their impairment, many disabled people see their impairments as integral to their lives.” This message regarding new directions in medicine for working with people with disabilities may sometimes be overlooked despite its importance. I would like to share a personal story that illustrates this point. I’ve been short all my life–but not short enough …
Contributing Writer Emeritus
Albany Medical College
Mae Huo completed her undergraduate education at University of California, Berkeley majoring in neurobiology and minoring in dance performances. She then spent a year and a half working at Children's Hospital in Oakland in Infection Control and Patient Safety. Her next position as a consultant at STAT Revenue was cut short after only a few months due to her acceptance to Albany Medical College as a part of the Class of 2016.
