Duke School of Medicine
“Prior to the post-bac program, I was a civil engineering undergraduate at North Carolina State University. It was there that I became interested in research, teaching, and mentorship. Though I transitioned from engineering to medicine, each of these remains an important part of my professional life.”
Finding Mentors
“The thing about the Hopkins Postbac Program which I most appreciated was the opportunity build relationships with phenomenal mentors. Through the Medical Tutorial program, shadowing, and volunteering I met physicians who served as role models and supported me as I honed my interests in medicine.
My advice to other post-bac students is to prioritize relationships. For me, they’ve been the cornerstone of wellness and being able to sustainably pursue the things that I am passionate about. Prioritize a program where you’re confident that the faculty and advisors will be deeply invested in your goals. For me, Hopkins was that place. Alex, Megan, and Libby have always been wonderful to me and remain in my corner, even now. They have a ton of experience helping career changers to navigate the medical school application process and are committed to enabling your success. ”
Medical Tutorial
“I completed a vascular neurology Medical Tutorial. This was my first exposure to clinical research, which continues to be an important part of my career goals. The tutorial program also connected me with a mentor who supported me throughout the medical school application process and continues to encourage me in my career goals.
My mentor in pediatric surgery at the Children’s Center was Dr. Eric Jelin. He introduced me to clinical research in pediatric surgery, allowed me to regularly join him for hospital rounds in the NICU, and even was the first surgeon to teach me how to “scrub in” to an OR, hold instruments, etc. His OR was the first time I was “at the table and scrubbed in” for a case. His professionalism, demeanor, and impact continue to inspire my career goals.”
Volunteering and Medical School
“During my time in Baltimore, I became increasingly interested in teaching and health equity. This led me to spend my bridge years teaching high school mathematics with Teach for America in Kinston, NC. In this role I focused on STEM mentorship and empowering student-leaders to have a positive impact on their community. These experiences continue to inform my career trajectory as I pursue a career in academic general surgery.
After medical school, I will be pursuing residency training in “general surgery.” In addition to working as a practicing surgeon in the OR, teaching and research are important aspects of my career goals. Right now, my strongest specific interests for “surgical expertise” are pediatric and cardiac surgery. Both of these would require me to complete an additional fellowship after my general surgery training.”
Steven Thornton graduated from North Carolina State University where he studied civil engineering. At Johns Hopkins he completed a medical tutorial in vascular neurology and explored his interest in pediatric surgery with mentors at the Bloomberg Children’s Center. He then spent two years teaching high school mathematics in eastern North Carolina prior to enrolling at the Duke University School of Medicine.