Every physician’s journey begins with a profound “why” — a driving sense of purpose behind years of rigorous training and dedication to the field of medicine. For many medical residents, this purpose is shaped by personal experiences, a desire to heal, or a commitment to serve underserved populations.
Below, two medical students share the “why” that defines their career path and fuels their pursuit of excellence in patient care.
Lauren Cox, MS2
Medical University of South Carolina
Director of Development, CARES Medical Clinic
My sense of purpose has greatly evolved over the course of my medical journey. My first sources of inspiration were my parents — an emergency physician and an orthodontist who left each shift having had some impact on their patients’ lives. I admired their independence, intelligence, and skill sets, and felt inspired in my academic and extracurricular pursuits to follow in their steps.
As I grew older, these feelings of admiration and ambition did not subside, but were combined with a deep-rooted sense of gratification when I was able to provide support to others in a time of need or insecurity — whether that involved administering emergent medical care to beachgoers as an ocean-rescue lifeguard or offering vaccinations to underserved communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, as a second-year medical student, I am immersed in an environment that encourages the pursuit of knowledge in addition to establishing deeper connections with the community we serve.
In the times of mental and physical taxation in this current chapter, I feel privileged that I am able to hold a position as Director of Development of the CARES Clinic at MUSC — a position that reminds me of the goal I am striving for.
The CARES Clinic provides free healthcare to the uninsured population of Charleston, and every interaction I have with my team or patients inspires me to continue learning and improving my skills so that I can become the best physician I can be for my future patients.
Jeremy Franklin, MS4
Medical University of South Carolina
Family Medicine Resident Applicant
As a future physician I believe that being able to serve as a role model for others will give me the greatest sense of purpose.
I can recall from when I was younger that there were not many physicians who looked like me or came from a similar background as I did. In large part, this disparity was the primary factor that made me choose a career in medicine. It has been found that patients are more likely to take the advice of a provider when they look like them or have similar or shared experiences. Various past events and humble beginnings have helped to shape my outlook on what matters most when it comes to health care.
Patients want providers who will listen to their concerns and appreciate the fact that they are being vulnerable and open. A lack of access to healthcare is one of the driving forces behind the vast inequalities that many communities face.
I know that I will be able to use the many learned lessons and my own perspective to ensure that those from marginalized communities are able to achieve good health outcomes.
