Meet Gregory...
 Class:
2004
Hometown: Naugatuck, Connecticut
Undergrad: University of Connecticut
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
Program: M.D.
The thought of being a doctor never crossed my mind until I was halfway through college. Up to then, my attention was on only what I loved doing: swim, play the trumpet and hang out with
friends. As my junior year drew near, I still was unsure of what I wanted to do. That caused some fright, which lasted until I served as an emergency room volunteer. I fell in love with the
concept of helping sick people, and that became my passion. I devoted more volunteer time both in a hospital and in an ambulance. The more I volunteered, the more I loved medicine.
The pivotal experience came when I received a pre-med research fellowship at the UConn School of Medicine. I was matched up with a general surgeon as my mentor. That summer, he delegated to
me a research project on the repair of large incisional hernias, which allowed me to observe surgeries. That’s what really gave me clear focus on my career and the goal of getting into medical
school. I worked hard academically while continuing to excel in music and swimming. Hanging out with friends suddenly took on minor priority. Instead, I stayed involved as a researcher and
volunteer at the hospital. When the time came to apply to medical school, I had no doubt UConn was where I wanted to be.
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“When the time came to apply to medical school, I had no doubt UConn was where I wanted to be.”
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I found every day motivating, challenging and fulfilling. The curriculum was state-of-the art and the early hands-on experiences, especially at local hospitals and offices, fueled my desire
to be a physician. These apprenticeships are a key strength of UConn’s program. They give students abundant clinical exposure and, more importantly, begin to develop professionalism and
interpersonal skills.
But the shining stars of the UConn program are its staff and faculty, who motivated and pushed me most. These doctors, nurses and administrators make UConn a first-rate medical school. I
can’t imagine a more dedicated team that instills professional and intellectual growth. Thanks mostly to their commitment, ability and willingness to teach, I’m now a general surgical resident
at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
I’m thrilled over my career choice. I love what I do and I’m indebted to the UConn School of Medicine for preparing me to treat the sick so that every day I can be the answer to a patient’s
prayer. |
