One African American pillar who has profoundly impacted my life, character, and career aspirations is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I often listen to the incomparable “I Have a Dream” speech delivered by Dr. King during the March on Washington in 1963. I can imagine how it must have felt to stand there, in a sea of people of different backgrounds, all there for a common cause. On that warm day in August, there must have been a permeating atmosphere of unity. I can envision the tone of the times, the despair over injustice, overtaken by the hope and belief that things would improve. My first exposure to this landmark speech was in elementary school, when I recited a portion of it. Reflecting on that time, I can remember being stirred up by his passion, his faith, his hope. His determination to change the social climate of our nation led to so many of the freedoms that I enjoy today. As a future physician, I will strive to break down disparities in healthcare. Dr. King once poignantly said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” I fully agree, and believe that attaining an education at an HBCU will provide an opportunity for me to research ways to mitigate inequality in healthcare. Dr. King has inspired me to impact others for good and advocate for the marginalized of our world. I aspire to become an orthopedic physician scientist and champion health equity for minorities, the elderly, disabled, and underserved populations. I will strive to break down the barriers of medical mistrust which hinders the black community from having equitable representation in clinical research studies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fact that African Americans and Latinos have poorer health outcomes than whites. Recent data has also revealed that black babies are more likely to die when delivered by non-black doctors as opposed to black ones. In addition, studies have shown that patients are more likely to follow the advice of their physician if they come from similar backgrounds. There is a shortage of black male physicians, and I plan to change that narrative. I will also mentor other young black men so that they know their dreams are achievable if they are willing to put forth the necessary effort and work. I whole-heartedly believe that my future career as an orthopedic physician scientist will provide me an opportunity to build upon the legacy Dr. King left with us and to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration that he's ever had. Gaining a higher education through the Kenyada Me’Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams.

As a future physician, I will strive to break down disparities in healthcare. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once poignantly said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” I fully agree, and believe that attaining an education at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, one of the nation’s top HBCU’s, will provide an opportunity for me to research ways to mitigate inequality in healthcare. One of the most exciting experiences I anticipate as a future Aggie, is the personal growth and development that will undoubtedly come with attending an HBCU. For me it’s the intangible qualities that can’t be written on your degree certificate but are forever etched into your being. Qualities such as self-discovery and affirming my identity as a black man in America are priceless. NC A&T can equip me with the tools to succeed in a predominantly non-black field such as medicine. I plan to impact my campus community by collaborating with other Aggies and becoming actively involved in organizations such as the Pre-Professional Scholars Program, the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, and the Mentoring Minority Males into Medicine Program. I am especially excited about serving as a role model and mentor for black high school students who are interested in STEM through the Medical Bridge Program. Mentorship is essential for our youth, to let them know that their dreams are attainable. I can envision myself standing shoulder to shoulder with my fellow Aggies in serving others, engaging with our community, and forging lifelong friendships. This is an experience that can only be obtained at an HBCU. Our forefathers fought to establish the educational foundation that HBCUs thrive on- the richness of our history, the legacy left by our fearless ancestors, and the strength of our heritage.

On a frigid winter day, a few friends and I headed to a local church in order to serve fresh fruits and vegetables to the less fortunate of our community with an organization called Angelic Touch Food Ministry in PG County, Maryland. Over the years, my life has been enriched by the experience of assembling and transporting food items into bags, while pondering how each individual might receive them. On this particular day, I had the privilege of meeting a gentleman who entered the pantry in hopes of securing sustenance for his household. As I handed him a bag, I could see what appeared to be shame in his face. As I smiled and greeted him, I hoped to convey that there was no need for him to be ashamed. I wanted him to know that I understood that he was doing the best he could for his family. I tried to imagine what it must have felt like, as a man, a father, and a husband, to have to depend on food banks in order to provide nourishment for his family. This encounter, as brief as it was, gave me a better understanding of the common thread that connects each of us, our vulnerability and our humanity. Offering this man nutritious food for himself as well as his loved ones, in a way that he could maintain his dignity, gave me a sense of gratitude and joy. Since that day, I have been fortunate to be able to take action against the devastating problem of food insecurity and homelessness within our community by volunteering for organizations such as Martha’s Table, in SE Washington DC, Catholic Charities Food Delivery in Temple Hills, Maryland, and the Sasha Bruce/Philip Reid Youth Shelter, in DC. Another activity I have been involved in that has greatly contributed to my personal growth and development as a servant leader is serving in the Children's ministry at my church as a one-to-one assistant for Ezra, a boy with Down syndrome, who has a big personality. Working with Ezra has humbled me and increased my desire to help others with physical and/or developmental challenges. The experience of creating an inclusive environment for Ezra fueled my passion for advocating for the marginalized of our world. I have also been actively involved in the arts over the years, serving as lead percussionist for orchestra, and performing in many concerts with choir and theater at my co-op. These activities a long with being on the JV basketball team at my school and collaborating with my peers on the debate team, have made me more well rounded and shown me that I thrive when working within teams. Serving as student council representative for the class of 2023 taught me how to be a servant leader and advocate for the wellness of my classmates. My exposure to numerous STEM activities over the years have contributed to my perspectives and goals and helped shaped who I am. My experiences at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research introduced me to the fascinating field of orthopedics and inspired me to become a physician scientist, to research ways to prevent, treat, and cure diseases. This desire was solidified during my recent NIH summer research internship at the USDA. I especially enjoyed collaborating with my team to find safe and effective solutions to sanitize packaged produce to prevent national outbreaks of food-borne illness such as salmonella. I aspire to obtain an M.D.-Ph.D. degree because it will allow me to make discoveries through research that will empower me to better care for elderly, disabled, and underserved populations.

I aspire to become an orthopedic surgeon and research scientist because I whole-heartedly believe that this career will provide me an opportunity to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration that he's ever had. Gaining a higher education can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams. As a future physician and research scientist, I will strive to break down disparities in healthcare and champion health equity. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once poignantly said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” I fully agree, and believe that obtaining an M.D.-Ph.D. degree will allow me to make discoveries through research that will empower me to better care for elderly, disabled, and underserved populations. Pursuing a Ph.D. will equip me with the tools to be able to search for the underlying cause of diseases which could lead to the development of ways to prevent, treat, and even cure illnesses. This will enable me to expand beyond the confined bounds of helping my individual patients, and to conduct ground-breaking research that can affect the lives of people on a much broader scale. This potential to impact communities globally and mitigate health disparities will make the long and rigorous road to becoming a research physician rewarding and well worth it. My lived experiences, including helping my mom with my little brother who is nonverbal and autistic, learning ASL to communicate with my deaf aunts, and serving my community have motivated me to advocate and care for vulnerable populations. I have enjoyed serving my community through local food pantries, delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to those suffering from food insecurity. My passion for science and medicine was cultivated during various summer research internships, including a recent one with NIH. As a future physician of color, I plan to provide the highest quality of care, which our people deserve. Studies have shown that people of color are more likely to adhere to their physician’s advice if they share similar backgrounds. Perhaps this is because it easier for them to trust doctors they can relate to. Therefore, achieving diversity in biomedical fields can actually reduce health disparities and lead to better health outcomes for our society as a whole. Biomedical research must be inclusive and have adequate representation of underrepresented groups in order for results to be applied to all patient populations. Unfortunately but understandably, some people of color have a mistrust of medical research because of inhumane acts that were done in the past. I will strive to break down these barriers through educating and encouraging minority participation in clinical studies. As our nation becomes more diverse, our medical fields should reflect that diversity. One significant way to implement diversity in science and medicine is through mentorship. To facilitate an inclusive environment, students of diverse backgrounds need to be exposed to leaders in science and medicine that look like them. As a future physician scientist, I am determined to mentor other minorities so they might be assured that their dreams are very achievable if they are willing to put forth the necessary effort and work.

It was 2 a.m. I was startled from a deep sleep by intense screeching and wailing. My heart was pounding. The sounds were strangely familiar but were both terrifying and disorienting. Once I got my bearings together, my 12-year-old exhausted mind was able to identify the unsettling noise. My seven-year-old nonverbal brother with autism had been easily triggered over the past few weeks and was now having a fit of rage which included scratching and biting. During this period autism seemed to transform the little brother I knew into a violent person. That night was the first of many that I would go to his room and try to relieve my mom or grandmother so they could rest. As I attempted to wipe his tear-filled, flushed face, I caught a glimpse of my baby brother and sensed that he was inconsolable because he felt completely overwhelmed. “Go back to bed, Chris. Get some sleep,” my mother whispered wearily. But I felt compelled to stay up with him. I needed to do it, no matter how many times she implored. I am the oldest of four children, and the oldest male in my house. Reflecting on those days, I now believe those experiences, though emotionally and physically draining at the time, sparked a passion within me to make a meaningful impact on those in need. I vividly remember sitting outside his room one night around 4 a.m., school in a few hours, and being lost in thought about myself and the world around me. I became profoundly aware of emotions and felt motivations I had never experienced before. I came to the realization that I wanted to help the people around me, I wanted to make their lives easier, I wanted to be better for my loved ones. Over the years, I have assisted my mom by babysitting my little brother, especially during the pandemic, because she is an essential worker and single mom. With every step my brother makes toward becoming more independent, I celebrate his progress. As I would sit in his weekly therapy sessions, it struck me that all it takes is one voice, one servant-leader, one compassionate heart, to inspire little changes that add up to significant consequences that improve the lives of many. I learned that through the joy, the disappointment, the heartache, the relief, and the hope, that we've endured through much, to come out on the other side not only stronger, but with more benevolence toward our fellow man. It’s amazing how someone with zero words actually taught me to be more humane, more empathetic. My desire to advocate for individuals with differing abilities eventually transcended my relationship with my brother and led me to aspire to become a physician. The countless hours I spent trying to calm him strengthened me with the fortitude and patience necessary to pursue my ultimate career goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I whole-heartedly believe that this career will propel me to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration he's ever had. Gaining a higher education through this scholarship can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams.

It was 2 a.m. I was startled from a deep sleep by intense screeching and wailing. My heart was pounding. The sounds were strangely familiar but were both terrifying and disorienting. Once I got my bearings together, my 12-year-old exhausted mind was able to identify the unsettling noise. My seven-year-old nonverbal brother with autism had been easily triggered over the past few weeks and was now having a fit of rage which included scratching and biting. During this period autism seemed to transform the little brother I knew into a violent person. That night was the first of many that I would go to his room and try to relieve my mom or grandmother so they could rest. As I attempted to wipe his tear-filled, flushed face, I caught a glimpse of my baby brother and sensed that he was inconsolable because he felt completely overwhelmed. “Go back to bed, Chris. Get some sleep,” my mother whispered wearily. But I felt compelled to stay up with him. I needed to do it, no matter how many times she implored. I am the oldest of four children, and the oldest male in my house. Reflecting on those days, I now believe those experiences, though emotionally and physically draining at the time, sparked a passion within me to make a meaningful impact on those in need. I vividly remember sitting outside his room one night around 4 a.m., school in a few hours, and being lost in thought about myself and the world around me. I became profoundly aware of emotions and felt motivations I had never experienced before. I came to the realization that I wanted to help the people around me, I wanted to make their lives easier, I wanted to be better for my loved ones. Over the years, I have assisted my mom by babysitting my little brother, especially during the pandemic, because she is an essential worker. With every step my brother makes toward becoming more independent, I celebrate his progress. As I would sit in his weekly therapy sessions, it struck me that all it takes is one voice, one servant-leader, one compassionate heart, to inspire little changes that add up to significant consequences that improve the lives of many. I learned that through the joy, the disappointment, the heartache, the relief, and the hope, that we've endured through much, to come out on the other side not only stronger, but with more benevolence toward our fellow man. It’s amazing how someone with zero words actually taught me to be more humane, more empathetic. My desire to advocate for individuals with mental and physical disabilities eventually transcended my relationship with my brother and led me to aspire to become a physician. The countless hours I spent trying to calm him strengthened me with the fortitude and patience necessary to pursue my ultimate career goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I whole-heartedly believe that this career will propel me to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration he's ever had. Gaining a higher education through this scholarship can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams.

It was 2 a.m. I was startled from a deep sleep by intense screeching and wailing. My heart was pounding. The sounds were strangely familiar but were both terrifying and disorienting. Once I got my bearings together, my 12-year-old exhausted mind was able to identify the unsettling noise. My seven-year-old nonverbal brother with autism had been easily triggered over the past few weeks and was now having a fit of rage which included scratching and biting. During this period autism seemed to transform the little brother I knew into a violent person. That night was the first of many that I would go to his room and try to relieve my mom or grandmother so they could rest. As I attempted to wipe his tear-filled, flushed face, I caught a glimpse of my baby brother and sensed that he was inconsolable because he felt completely overwhelmed. “Go back to bed, Chris. Get some sleep,” my mother whispered wearily. But I felt compelled to stay up with him. I needed to do it, no matter how many times she implored. I am the oldest of four children, and the oldest male in my house. Reflecting on those days, I now believe those experiences, though emotionally and physically draining at the time, sparked a passion within me to make a meaningful impact on those in need. I vividly remember sitting outside his room one night around 4 a.m., school in a few hours, and being lost in thought about myself and the world around me. I became profoundly aware of emotions and felt motivations I had never experienced before. I came to the realization that I wanted to help the people around me, I wanted to make their lives easier, I wanted to be better for my loved ones. Over the years, I have assisted my mom by babysitting my little brother, especially during the pandemic, because she is an essential worker and single mom. With every step my brother makes toward becoming more independent, I celebrate his progress. As I would sit in his weekly therapy sessions, it struck me that all it takes is one voice, one servant-leader, one compassionate heart, to inspire little changes that add up to significant consequences that improve the lives of many. I learned that through the joy, the disappointment, the heartache, the relief, and the hope, that we've endured through much, to come out on the other side not only stronger, but with more benevolence toward our fellow man. It’s amazing how someone with zero words actually taught me to be more humane, more empathetic. My desire to advocate for individuals with differing abilities eventually transcended my relationship with my brother and led me to aspire to become a physician. The countless hours I spent trying to calm him strengthened me with the fortitude and patience necessary to pursue my ultimate career goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. I whole-heartedly believe that this career will propel me to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration he's ever had. Gaining a higher education through this scholarship can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams.

Biomedical research is both intriguing and gratifying to me because it allows me to go on a quest with others to discover scientific truths that have the potential to find tangible solutions to real world problems. My recent NIH internship profoundly impacted me and solidified my desire to incorporate scientific research as a part of my ultimate career goal, which is to become an orthopedic physician scientist. I especially enjoyed the investigative process and collaborating with an organized team led by an environmental microbiologist in a lab at the USDA. My mentor, co-workers, and I worked to find safe and effective solutions to sanitize packaged produce in order to prevent national outbreaks of food-borne illness caused by microorganisms such as Listeria, Salmonella, and fungi. Knowing that the results of our study could prevent food-borne outbreaks and potentially save lives made every day a privilege as well as an adventure; even when performing the simplest of tasks like preparing petri dishes. As the youngest person in the lab, which primarily consisted of undergraduate students of various backgrounds, it was reinforced to me that I thrive when working within teams. I was very dedicated to this project and didn’t mind staying well past my scheduled hours at times. I was honored to have the opportunity to present my abstract and findings to my Stanford University cohort and NIH mentors and peers. I aspire to obtain an M.D.-Ph.D. degree because it will allow me to make discoveries through research that will empower me to better care for elderly, disabled, and underserved populations. Collaborating with a team of researchers will enable me to expand beyond the confined bounds of helping my individual patients, and to conduct ground-breaking research that can affect the lives of people on a much broader scale. This potential to impact communities globally and mitigate health disparities will make the long and rigorous road to becoming a research physician rewarding and well worth it. Ensuring that groups that have been historically underrepresented in medicine have access to a high-quality education in these fields should be prioritized for multiple reasons. Creating a diverse workforce of healthcare professionals is crucial to maintaining an equitable and ethically sound society. The medical field will be enriched by drawing from the experiences and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life. Studies have shown that certain populations are more likely to adhere to their physician’s advice if they share similar backgrounds. Perhaps this is because it easier for them to trust doctors they can relate to. Therefore, achieving diversity in biomedical fields can actually reduce health disparities and lead to better health outcomes for our society as a whole. Biomedical research must be inclusive and have adequate representation of underrepresented groups in order for results to be applied to all patient populations. Unfortunately but understandably, some minorities have a mistrust of medical research because of inhumane acts that were done in the past. I will strive to break down these barriers through educating and encouraging minority participation in clinical studies. As our nation becomes more diverse, our healthcare fields should reflect that diversity. Another significant way to implement diversity in science and medicine is through mentorship. To facilitate an inclusive environment, students of diverse backgrounds need to be exposed to leaders in science and medicine that look like them. As a future physician scientist, I am determined to mentor other minorities so they might be assured that their dreams are very achievable if they are willing to put forth the necessary effort and work.

I aspire to become an orthopedic surgeon and research scientist because I whole-heartedly believe that this career will provide me an opportunity to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration that he's ever had. Gaining a higher education can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams. As a future physician and research scientist, I will strive to break down disparities in healthcare and champion health equity. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once poignantly said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane.” I fully agree, and believe that obtaining an M.D.-Ph.D. degree will allow me to make discoveries through research that will empower me to better care for elderly, disabled, and underserved populations. Pursuing a Ph.D. will equip me with the tools to be able to search for the underlying cause of diseases which could lead to the development of ways to prevent, treat, and even cure illnesses. This will enable me to expand beyond the confined bounds of helping my individual patients, and to conduct ground-breaking research that can affect the lives of people on a much broader scale. This potential to impact communities globally and mitigate health disparities will make the long and rigorous road to becoming a research physician rewarding and well worth it. Ensuring that groups that have been historically underrepresented in medicine have access to a high-quality education in these fields should be prioritized for multiple reasons. Creating a diverse workforce of healthcare professionals is crucial to maintaining an equitable and ethically sound society. The next generation of leaders in medicine should reflect the same percentage they represent in the general population. The medical field will be enriched by drawing from the experiences and contributions of individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life. Studies have shown that people of color are more likely to adhere to their physician’s advice if they share similar backgrounds. Perhaps this is because it easier for them to trust doctors they can relate to. Therefore, achieving diversity in biomedical fields can actually reduce health disparities and lead to better health outcomes for our society as a whole. Biomedical research must be inclusive and have adequate representation of underrepresented groups in order for results to be applied to all patient populations. Unfortunately but understandably, some people of color have a mistrust of medical research because of inhumane acts that were done in the past. I will strive to break down these barriers through educating and encouraging minority participation in clinical studies. As our nation becomes more diverse, our STEM fields should reflect that diversity. Another significant way to implement diversity in science and medicine is through mentorship. To facilitate an inclusive environment, students of diverse backgrounds need to be exposed to leaders in science and medicine that look like them. As a future physician scientist, I am determined to mentor other minorities so they might be assured that their dreams are very achievable if they are willing to put forth the necessary effort and work.

It was 2 am. I was startled from a deep sleep by intense screeching and wailing. My heart was pounding. The sounds were strangely familiar but were both terrifying and disorienting. Once I got my bearings together, my 12-year-old exhausted mind was able to identify the unsettling noise. My seven-year-old brother with autism had been easily triggered over the past few weeks and was now having a fit of rage which included scratching and biting. For as long as I could remember, he had been a cheerful child, even though he is nonverbal. However, during this period, autism seemed to transform the little brother I knew into a violent person. That night was the first of many that I would go to his room and try to relieve my mom or grandmother so they could rest. As I attempted to wipe his tear-filled, flushed face, I caught a glimpse of my baby brother and sensed that he was inconsolable because he felt completely overwhelmed. “Go back to bed, Chris. Get some sleep,” my mother whispered wearily. But I felt compelled to stay up with him. I needed to do it, no matter how many times she implored. I am the oldest of four children, and the oldest male in my house. Reflecting on those days, I now believe those experiences, though emotionally and physically draining at the time, sparked a passion within me to make a meaningful impact on those in need. I vividly remember sitting outside his room one night around 4 A.M., school in a few hours, and being lost in thought about myself and the world around me. Unfortunately, I had been a somewhat selfish child. However, on that night I became profoundly aware of emotions and felt motivations I had never experienced beforehand. I came to the realization that I wanted to help the people around me, I wanted to make their lives easier, I wanted to be better for my loved ones. I began to learn patience and how to be long suffering. Over the years, I have assisted my mom by babysitting my little brother, especially during the pandemic, because she is an essential worker. With every step my brother makes toward becoming more independent, I celebrate his progress. As I would sit in his weekly speech and occupational therapy sessions, it struck me that all it takes is one voice, one servant-leader, one compassionate heart, to inspire little changes that add up to significant consequences that improve the lives of many. My desire to help uplift and advocate for individuals with differing abilities eventually transcended my relationship with my brother and led me to aspire to become a physician. The countless hours I spent trying to calm him, strengthened me with the fortitude and patience necessary to pursue my ultimate career goal, which is to become an orthopedic surgeon. I whole-heartedly believe that this career will provide me an opportunity to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration that he's ever had. Gaining a higher education can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams.

My desire to help uplift and advocate for individuals with differing abilities and the elderly stems from caring for my younger brother who is nonverbal and has autism. My relationship with him led me to aspire to become a physician. The countless hours I spent trying to calm him, strengthened me with the fortitude and patience necessary to pursue my ultimate career goal, which is to become an orthopedic surgeon. I whole-heartedly believe that this career will provide me an opportunity to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration that he's ever had. Gaining a higher education can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams. In addition, as a future physician, I will strive to break down disparities in healthcare. I believe that obtaining an MD-PhD degree would allow me to make discoveries through research that would help me to better care for underserved patient populations.

My desire to help uplift and advocate for individuals with differing abilities and the elderly stems from caring for my younger brother who is nonverbal and has autism. My relationship with him led me to aspire to become a physician. The countless hours I spent trying to calm him, strengthened me with the fortitude and patience necessary to pursue my ultimate career goal, which is to become an orthopedic surgeon. I whole-heartedly believe that this career will provide me an opportunity to make a difference. A difference in the life of the 60-year-old postal worker with chronic knee pain who is struggling to continue to work until he meets retirement age. A difference for the single mom who broke her ankle and needs to get back on her feet as quickly as possible so that she can keep food on her children's table. A difference for a young athlete whose torn ACL threatens to destroy every dream and aspiration that he's ever had. Gaining a higher education can empower me to give people their lives back, so they can continue to chase their hopes and dreams. In addition, as a future physician, I will strive to break down disparities in healthcare. I believe that obtaining an MD-PhD degree would allow me to make discoveries through research that would help me to better care for underserved patient populations.