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Click here to view my acting résumé. Click here to view my curriculum vitae. Click here to connect with me on LinkedIn. Click here to learn more about me! Photo Credits: Harrison Wright (Graduation Cap Picture) |
Calli T. NguyenI am currently a graduate student in Baylor College of Medicine's (BCM) Biomedical Sciences and Health Equity (BSHEq)program. I graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where I earned a Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences and Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies. With the Interdisciplinary Studies major, I minored in Kinesiology (Health Sciences), Psychology, and Business Administration. During my time at LSU, the rigorous curriculum, research, and leadership opportunities have strengthened my foundation in the sciences and ability to act independently as well as within a team setting. The extracurricular activities and various service opportunities have effectively prepared me to interact with and care for people from a multitude of backgrounds throughout the community. Upon completion of BCM's post-baccalaureate program, I plan to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric cardiologist.
As a first-generation college student and minority, I grew up in a low-income household of Vietnamese immigrants in Harvey, Louisiana. I witnessed first-hand a variety of struggles in which my family and I had to overcome including financial burdens and lack of accessible healthcare. At the age of 10 years old, my grandmother had a cardiothoracic surgical procedure done. This experience impacted my family greatly and it was my first interaction with the world of medicine and healthcare, which I instantly grew to love and have passion for. When I graduated from Academy of Our Lady High School in 2018, I knew I wanted to continue this strong mindset with medicine and healthcare. After graduation, I decided to pursue a Biological Sciences degree at Louisiana State University. In my sophomore year, I realized that I wanted to expand my horizons with my education and learn about the human body in a more holistic approach. Therefore, I decided to pursue a double minor in Kinesiology (Health Sciences) and Psychology. My desire to continue learning grew more at the end of my junior year when I watched a video from American rapper, Cardi B, giving a motivational speech at the beauty industry trade show, Beautycon. Cardi B encouraged all college students to take a business class, regardless of what you are studying, to gain the skills in becoming your own boss or managing a business. The financial and management skills cultivated through the LSU business curriculum are also vital in understanding alternative perspectives in healthcare and people to improve their quality of life. That Summer before my senior year, I enrolled in business classes to pursue a business administration minor. At this point, I was very happy with my decisions as I knew it would prepare me well for medical school and my future career. During my last semester as an LSU undergraduate, I gained a new perspective for medicine and healthcare. Merely two days after Valentine's Day, my grandmother passed away from post-operation complications as a result of her second cardiothoracic surgery. I had often believed death was similar to how it is portrayed on screen, but watching my grandmother's heart rate and blood pressure continuously drop on the hospital monitors was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences I have had. I will always remember that last breath she took as I held her hand while sobbing, saying one final goodbye to my best friend. Sixteen days after my grandmother's funeral, my uncle left our family as a result of depression and drug addiction. As a woman in STEM pursuing medicine, I have often heard an important characteristic for success in this field is persevering in the face of adversity and turmoil. I had only a fair understanding of that trait, but it has deeply transformed as a result of the deaths of my grandmother and uncle. I took the pain and grief from their passing and implement it as fuel for my passion, determination, and refusal to stop my attempts at becoming a successful physician. Serving as a mentor to students and my peers, partaking in different experiences to enhance my skills and talents as a student scientist, as well as working with people inside and outside the clinical setting reinforced my pursuit of opportunities to gain knowledge in healthcare, leadership, and while representing my community. My family's struggles and losses continue to support me in my passion and perseverance for a better and more transformed lifestyle in medicine. |