Learn this Q & A with the longer term Dr. Rafael Olivieri-Ortiz about his UConn College of Drugs expertise offering him with a welcoming faculty atmosphere, early affected person care publicity, all of the instruments essential to be the most effective doctor, mentorship by the Well being Profession Alternative Program, and his love for radiology.
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Rafael Olivieri-Ortiz, 26, of Puerto Rico, is graduating from UConn College of Drugs on Could 8. After Graduation he’s getting into residency coaching at UConn for inner drugs and College of Texas – Austin for diagnostic radiology.
Q. Why did you select UConn and what drew you to medical faculty?
A. In my undergrad years, I had the chance to shadow totally different fields of medication. Seeing how these medical doctors have been in a position to make use of their abilities to assist sufferers was what drove me into medical faculty. Whereas interviewing for medical faculties, UConn instantly felt like residence; it was a no brainer to come back right here.
Q. Did you might have a favourite professor, class, or a part of the curriculum?
A. Certainly one of my favourite issues concerning the curriculum at UConn is the early publicity to the medical setting. Opposite to conventional faculties, the place you first see sufferers in your third 12 months, you might have the chance and duty to begin seeing sufferers simply a few months into faculty.
Q. What actions have been you concerned in as a medical scholar?
A. I took on a few management roles throughout the faculty, most significantly throughout the scholar physique authorities, the place I used to be treasurer. Moreover, I participated in a variety of totally different analysis initiatives all through my 4 years at UConn.
Q. What’s one factor that stunned you about UConn?
A. One at all times second guesses themselves, concerning how effectively ready you are feeling going into the following step. I used to be very stunned at how effectively I used to be ready at UConn after I went to do electives at different faculties the place I thrived. I’m genuinely pleased and grateful to all of my professors and colleagues who helped me get right here.
Q. Any recommendation for incoming medical college students or these wishing to use to medical faculty?
A. Don’t be afraid to ask for assist. Whether or not it’s to college or to colleagues, right here at UConn we assist one another out. The sense of camaraderie right here is second to none. And at all times keep in mind to set a while apart for your self; it’s an extended street. It’s an extended and troublesome profession, however, if you find yourself given the most effective help and instruments attainable, it makes it manageable. There’s not a extra welcoming place to change into a physician than UConn!
Q. What’s one factor everybody ought to do throughout their time at UConn?
A. Whereas learning is essential, having fun with your time can also be essential. Fortunately, there are a lot of actions to do with your folks across the campus. Get pleasure from your time right here.
Q. What is going to at all times make you consider UConn?
A. At any time when confronted with troublesome conditions just like the COVID pandemic or in a smaller scale, private issues, I at all times felt there was somebody at UConn whom I might attain out. I knew I might be met with empathy and help, serving to information me to achieve my targets and change into a well-rounded doctor.
Q. What medical specialty are you getting into?
A. I’m getting into residency in Diagnostic Radiology. I imagine it’s the coolest specialty on the market and it’ll permit me to partake within the care of a whole lot of sufferers every day.
Q. Who impressed you most to enter drugs and the diagnostic radiology subject?
A. I owe my curiosity for drugs to my mentors in undergrad and my mother who can also be a healthcare supplier. My love for radiology began right here at UConn and, notably, with Dr. Michael Baldwin, who did a lot of the radiology educating and have become my mentor.
Q. What does UConn College of Drugs imply to you?
A. UConn to me is household. The camaraderie current at this faculty made me really feel at residence and welcomed. I knew that I might depend on my colleagues and superiors for assist and steerage.
Q. How has attending medical faculty at UConn ready you to be a future doctor?
A. UConn has offered me all the instruments essential to be the most effective doctor I may be. Finding out right here throughout the pandemic taught me to adapt and be resilient, traits that are paramount on this lengthy profession.
Q. What’s it wish to be a part of UConn, the biggest producer of physicians for Connecticut, and the numerous affect its public service has on the state’s well being, workforce and its individuals?
A. I’m very proud to be a part of the UConn household and to be related to an establishment that works to enhance public well being.
Q. What’s it going to be wish to lastly stroll throughout the stage and get your M.D. this Could?
A. I can already think about the day I get labeled as Dr. Olivieri-Ortiz. It’s positively a lifetime achievement; these lengthy days and nights of sacrifice and learning lastly repay! I’m additionally very excited for what’s to come back, as our journey doesn’t finish right here. Thanks UConn!
UConn Well being’s Graduation is Could 8 at 1:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.
