Hobbies and interests
Art
Music
Reading
Academic
I read books daily
US CITIZENSHIP
US Citizen
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
No
Serena Kim
1x
Finalist1x
WinnerSerena Kim
1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Serena Kim is a second-year medical student at Baylor College of Medicine with a strong background in research, leadership, service, and patient advocacy. She graduated from Rice University with a B.A. in Psychology and minors in Biochemistry & Cell Biology, earning a 3.98 GPA and a 521 MCAT score.
Her work bridges medicine, research, and community engagement. Serena has contributed to translational and clinical research at institutions including MD Anderson Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine, with projects focused on breast cancer therapeutics, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord stimulation, opioid safety, and gender disparities in pain medicine. She has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and presented research nationally at conferences including AACR, KAMA, APAMSA, and ASN Kidney Week.
Beyond research, Serena is deeply committed to community outreach and humanistic medicine. She volunteers through programs including Kidney Koaches at Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor’s Longitudinal Community Care Practice, and Rusk Academy health fairs, where she develops accessible health education initiatives for underserved populations. As a bilingual Korean-English speaker, she is passionate about reducing healthcare disparities and improving communication for patients facing language barriers.
Serena hopes to continue integrating clinical medicine, research, mentorship, and advocacy to improve patient care and advance health equity. She is interested in specialising in pediatric oncology or pain management.
Education
Baylor College of Medicine
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Medicine
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Medicine
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
PSYC 480 Grader Communicated with students regarding grading and course expectations while assisting faculty with exam development and course administration.
Rice University2022 – 20231 yearPSYC 202 Teaching Assistant Graded assignments and exams, developed midterm questions, and provided individualized academic support and course guidance to students.
Rice University2021 – 20232 yearsCHEM 212 Grader Supported the instructional team through exam grading, course logistics, and assessment coordination for undergraduate organic chemistry students.
Rice University2022 – 2022Head Fellow: Provided individualized tutoring in psychology, organic chemistry, and Korean while mentoring students on effective study strategies and leading exam review sessions.
Brown College Academic Fellow2021 – 20232 yearsMedical Assistant
NuAdvance Orthopedics and Hand Center2022 – 20231 year
Sports
Cross-Country Running
Intramural2008 – 20157 years
Research
Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine — Selected Research Contributor2026 – PresentMedicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center — Student Researcher / Co-Author2024 – PresentChemistry
University of Texas at Dallas — Welch Summer Scholar / Research Assistant2018 – 2018Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine — Research Assistant2020 – 2022Medicine
MD Anderson Cancer Center — Full-Time Research Assistant/ Co-author2022 – Present
Arts
Freelancer
Visual Arts* Handmade bags created from repurposed secondhand clothing * Handmade jewelry and wearable art pieces * Upcycled fashion and accessory designs2015 – PresentHouston Youth Symphony; Texas Regional Orchestra
Music* Orchestral concert performances * Regional ensemble performances * Youth symphony concerts and seasonal showcases2015 – 2023
Public services
Volunteering
Project Sunshine — Secretary, Volunteer: Coordinated volunteer communication, organized fundraisers, and prepared STEM activity kits supporting hospitalized children and pediatric patients.2020 – 2023Advocacy
Rice Student Volunteer Program — Co-chair: Led large-scale community service initiatives, volunteer coordination, and outreach events serving underserved children and families in Houston.2021 – 2023Volunteering
Houston Methodist Hospital — Patient Transporter; Patient Care Volunteer: Assisted with patient transport, discharge logistics, and patient support while providing companionship and contributing over 300 volunteer hours in a hospital setting.2019 – 2023Volunteering
BrainSTEM — Volunteer: Created STEM educational materials and mentored underprivileged middle school students through individualized science fair preparation and support.2020 – 2021Advocacy
Rice Alliance for Mental Health Awareness — President, College Representative: Led campus mental health initiatives, wellness events, and advocacy programming aimed at reducing stigma and supporting student well-being.2019 – 2023Volunteering
Disability Resource Center at Rice University — Support educational accessibility and academic success for students with disabilities by providing organized, high-quality course notes and learning resources for challenging science courses including physics and organic chemistry.2019 – 2023Volunteering
Rice Music MDs — President, Music Volunteer: Performed live music for hospitalized patients and coordinated healthcare music volunteer opportunities to promote comfort, connection, and emotional well-being.2019 – 2023Volunteering
Baylor Art and Music in Patient Care — Performer: Performed live music for patients and community members to promote emotional well-being and humanistic connection through the arts.2024 – PresentVolunteering
Rusk Academy — Volunteer; Booth Leader: Developed interactive community health education activities focused on preventative care, health literacy, and youth engagement in healthcare.2024 – PresentPublic Service (Politics)
Houston Health Department — Volunteer: Participated in longitudinal community health initiatives addressing healthcare access, health education, and social determinants of health.2024 – PresentVolunteering
Texas Children’s Hospital — Volunteer; Site Ambassador: Provided mentorship and companionship to pediatric dialysis patients while supporting program development and patient experience initiatives.2024 – 2026