Name: Chantal Uzoma Hometown: Ypsilanti, Michigan Year in medical school: MS2 Graduation class year: 2027
What inspired you to become a doctor?
I have wanted to become a doctor from a young age. My parents are both nurses and exposed me to medicine and healthcare throughout my childhood, fostering an interest in the topic.
Why did you choose the UTRGV School of Medicine?
I chose the UTRGV School of Medicine because I liked the school’s mission to train physicians to serve underserved patients. The patient population in the Valley is unique, and I believe that completing my medical education at UTRGV would grant me skills that I can apply to patients from other underserved areas and marginalized individuals around the country.
The UTRGV School of Medicine is a practicing academic medical institution. What aspect of Academic Medicine impacts you the most? (Educational, clinical, research, etc.)
I think the educational aspect of Academic Medicine impacts me the most. Like with anything, a physician is only as good as its foundation. The interactions we have and the skills we learn from our mentors and seasoned physicians are indicative of what kind of physicians we will become.
What specialties of medicine or research interest you the most? Why?
I am interested in becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist with a subspecialty in maternal-fetal medicine. I am interested in public health and maternal/child health research. I am passionate about these areas because a lot of work needs to be done in this field, and I believe I can reach many people by doing this work. Also, the current reproductive landscape is rapidly evolving, and physicians are needed to positively push it forward.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you?
My favorite animal is the seahorse because the male counterpart carries and births the offspring.
