What advice would you give a prospective med student?

Always remember what brought you to medicine and why you are so passionate about becoming a doctor. It will help you overcome some of the toughest parts of the application process and will teach you to enjoy the journey. Remember to believe in yourself because you will become a great physician.

Why did you choose Long School of Medicine?

I chose the Long SOM because I was attracted to the diverse community living within San Antonio, TX. It is not often that you can find people from such varied cultural backgrounds who you have the opportunity to work with as colleagues and care for as patients. I was intrigued by the importance that the institution places on humanistic and compassionate care. The patient always comes first as a person, not as a medical diagnosis. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to stay active as a student here: research in multiple disciplines, community service through CSL projects, the student run free clinics, and global health work, and leadership positions in interest groups and through mentorship to others. And most importantly, I came here because of the support system that the faculty and staff provide to students. They provide assistance with any academic and nonacademic issues you have and always want you to succeed.

Describe the Long School of Medicine in three words…

Supportive, compassionate, innovative.

The faculty and staff here create a support system for students and want them to succeed. The doctors that teach you are very compassionate people and will help you remember to treat the patient as a human being first rather than a medical diagnosis. The innovations in research, curriculum, service opportunities, and patient care are numerous and help make it a unique institution to be a part of.

What is your favorite playlist, and why?

Cruel Summer, Me!, Daylight, Sparks Fly, Cornelius Street, Back to December, Fifteen (all by Taylor Swift). I love her music, it’s very uplifting.

-Anisha Guda ’21

Photo By: Brandie Jenkins, Senior Photographer