Name: Jessy Feng Hometown: Buffalo Grove, IL Year in Medical School: MS2, Class of 2024 Undergraduate School: Rice University
Do you serve on any student interest groups/organizations/activities? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, I've been involved with the Student Run Clinic (finance chair), Pediatric Interest Group (president), Finance Interest Group (treasurer), and AHEC Scholars Program.
What inspired you to become a doctor? When did you know you wanted to be a doctor?
I was first exposed to healthcare and illness in high school when my grandfather suffered a stroke. Seeing someone, you love change drastically and losing how you used to communicate was difficult. I saw how my parents, uncles, and aunts came together to take care of my grandpa and make difficult medical decisions with the guidance of my grandpa's doctors. This inspired me to become a doctor who provides patient-centered care so I can be an advocate for patients and their families during those hard times.
Why did you choose UTRGV School of Medicine?
I visited the Rio Grande Valley during a service-learning trip in college focused on bilingualism and the path to higher education. I learned so much about bilingualism, community values, and prevalent border health issues. I chose The UTRGV School of Medicine because its location and resources give students the unique ability to get involved with the community to learn about access to healthcare in rural areas, provide culturally sensitive care, and address border health needs. During my interview day, I noticed how friendly and collaborative the students were, which made me confident that I would be well supported at this school. I know the lessons I learn from the community and people here will help me be a better doctor wherever I serve in the future.
What specialties of medicine interest you the most? Why?
Currently, I'm interested in pediatrics because I love working with children and I continuously find myself learning from them and their families. I'm not sure what area of pediatrics I would want to pursue but I've enjoyed shadowing cardiology, emergency, and genetics. I like how you get to make an impact so early in a person's life and it is really a team effort working together with parents and the children to help them be as healthy as possible.
What areas of research interest you the most? Why?
I'm interested in clinical research and quality improvement because it's rewarding to see how the data we collect can guide and change the care we provide to patients for the better. Working on clinical research helps make the evidence-based medicine we learn in pre-clerkships feel more tangible and reminds me that the field of medicine is constantly changing.
How has the UTRGV School of Medicine fostered your interest in pursuing a career in medicine?
The UTRGV School of Medicine has allowed me to engage with patients from all different backgrounds through the student-run clinic, which has taught me about the importance of continuity of care, the impact of transportation on access to healthcare, and the need for increased access to mental healthcare in communities like the “colonias.” I've also met amazing mentors who encourage me to apply for a grant from the Texas Pediatric Society to work on a pediatric border health project so medical students can learn about border health issues by serving at local organizations that work with refugees. Through a combination of volunteer experiences and mentorship, I've fostered an interest in a career in medicine that works to improve social determinants of health.
What are your plans for engaging in research this summer?
I will continue doing research with Dr. Lori Berry, analyzing the effects of trauma center designations on clinical outcomes in pediatric dog bite cases. We are also working on a project looking at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students' specialty choices.
What is one interesting fact others might not know about you that you are willing to share?
I played piano for 10 years and got to play at Carnegie Hall for a recital once when I was in middle school.
