Becoming a Doctor, Una Doctora: Path to Medical School with Deondra Montgomery, Neuroscience Graduate and Creator of AfroLatinaMed
08/03/24 • 24 min
In this episode, Deondra Montgomery, a first-generation Mexican-American, neuroscience graduate, current medical student, and creator of AfroLatinaMed on social media, shares her journey and insights into what it takes to become a doctor, una doctora. Learn about her path from undergrad to acceptance, and the powerful moment of representing her Mexican culture at the white coat ceremony. From decision-making and academic requirements to the MCAT, crafting a personal statement, and navigating the costs, you'll gain invaluable insights from her personal experiences and strategic approach.
Deondra shares her thoughtful selection of medical schools that align with her values, particularly those dedicated to serving underserved communities and promoting diversity in medicine. She highlights her current leadership roles with the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), organizations that have provided her with a strong support network.
Her story emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-belief, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Whether you’re aspiring to a medical career or simply curious about the journey, this episode offers a unique and inspiring perspective.
We talk about:
- The Journey: From deciding to pursue medicine to reaching the milestone of the white coat ceremony.
- Insights from Experience: Navigating medical school admissions based on real-life experiences.
- Key Steps: Understanding the admissions process, including decision-making, academic requirements, and application strategies.
- Practical Tips: Tips for writing a personal statement, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for exams.
- Financial Insights: General costs involved and strategies for managing them.
- Community: The importance of building and maintaining a supportive network throughout your journey.
Get ready for an episode full of motivation, insights, and inspiration.
Connect with Deondra:
Instagram: AfroLatinaMed
Connect with me:
Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com
Instagram: @LatinaInAmerica
Other Show: Life 100 Podcast
Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26
Linktree: Latina In America
In this episode, Deondra Montgomery, a first-generation Mexican-American, neuroscience graduate, current medical student, and creator of AfroLatinaMed on social media, shares her journey and insights into what it takes to become a doctor, una doctora. Learn about her path from undergrad to acceptance, and the powerful moment of representing her Mexican culture at the white coat ceremony. From decision-making and academic requirements to the MCAT, crafting a personal statement, and navigating the costs, you'll gain invaluable insights from her personal experiences and strategic approach.
Deondra shares her thoughtful selection of medical schools that align with her values, particularly those dedicated to serving underserved communities and promoting diversity in medicine. She highlights her current leadership roles with the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) and the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), organizations that have provided her with a strong support network.
Her story emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-belief, and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals. Whether you’re aspiring to a medical career or simply curious about the journey, this episode offers a unique and inspiring perspective.
We talk about:
- The Journey: From deciding to pursue medicine to reaching the milestone of the white coat ceremony.
- Insights from Experience: Navigating medical school admissions based on real-life experiences.
- Key Steps: Understanding the admissions process, including decision-making, academic requirements, and application strategies.
- Practical Tips: Tips for writing a personal statement, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for exams.
- Financial Insights: General costs involved and strategies for managing them.
- Community: The importance of building and maintaining a supportive network throughout your journey.
Get ready for an episode full of motivation, insights, and inspiration.
Connect with Deondra:
Instagram: AfroLatinaMed
Connect with me:
Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com
Instagram: @LatinaInAmerica
Other Show: Life 100 Podcast
Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26
Linktree: Latina In America
Previous Episode
From the Lab to the Amazon Jungle: A Journey of Purpose and Resilience with Xiomara Palmezzano, Environmental Scientist & Wildlife Biologist
Let's travel from Los Angeles, CA to the Amazon rainforest with Xiomara Palmezzano, a first-generation Colombian American and environmental scientist. Xiomara's inspiring journey, from reading science books as a child to conducting research in the remote Peruvian Amazon, showcases her love for nature, resilience, and determination. Listen to how she navigated the wonders of the jungle, faced environmental challenges, and studied its diverse ecosystem. From living in the jungle to overcoming injuries in the wilderness, Xiomara shares valuable insights on pursuing your own mission with passion and determination.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Growing up in Los Angeles, California
- How books became her best friend
- Navigating the challenges of applying to college as a first-generation student
- Studying Environmental Science
- Realigning goals during COVID
- Preparing for the Amazon Rainforest
- Reaching Peru and the Amazon station
- Exploring the biodiversity of the Madre de Dios region
- Living and conducting research in the jungle
- Overcoming injuries
- Finding purpose, developing a plan of action, and pursuing your passion
Get ready for an episode full of motivation, insights, and inspiration.
About Xiomara:
Instagram: @xiommara_
Email: [email protected]
Connect with me:
Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com
Instagram: @LatinaInAmerica
Other Show: Life 100 Podcast
Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26
Linktree: Latina In America
*Nature Sounds by ZapSplat
Next Episode
Season Premiere: Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
Join us for the Season Premiere as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2024! In this special bilingual episode, we highlight the vibrant diversity of Hispanic culture and history. We're featuring guests from our last season and showcasing our traditional yearly Spanish celebration. Join our guests in this joyful episode, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic communities on the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. Enjoy!
Hispanic Heritage Month, originally established in 1968 as National Hispanic Heritage Week, was created to honor the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries. In 1988, it was expanded to a month-long celebration, fostering a deeper appreciation of Hispanic and Latino contributions to American culture. Today, it serves as a vibrant platform for cultural festivities, educational programs, and cross-cultural understanding, emphasizing the vital role of Hispanic heritage in shaping the American mosaic.
A big thank you to all the guests from our last season! Your stories, insights, and contributions have made a lasting impact on our listeners, and we're so grateful for your time and dedication. Your voices continue to inspire, and we’re excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 with you! They are:
Adriana Santiago: Nutrition and Fitness
Miriam Sanchez: Non-Traditional Path to Medical School
Dr. Christina Acosta: Running on Science
Maritza Becker: The Art of Relocation
Xiomara Palmezzano: From the Lab to the Amazon Jungle
Deondra Montgomery: Neuroscience Graduate on Becoming a Doctor, Una Doctora
Un agradecimiento especial a quienes participaron en la celebración tradicional en español. ¡Gracias!
Share this episode with your friends and family. You can listen on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to follow us on Instagram @latinainamerica for more updates and content.
Let's connect:
Website: LatinaInAmericaPodcast.com
Instagram: @LatinaInAmerica
Other Show: Life 100 Podcast
Article: Life 100 Podcast featured on OPRAH Magazine (@oprahdaily) #26
Linktree: Latina In America
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