Hometown: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
High school: Higher 23 Senior Secondary School, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Undergraduate college: University of Minnesota
Undergraduate degree: Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry (August 2011)
Anticipated medical school and start date: University of Minnesota Medical School (August 2012)
Academic and/or professional goals: Become a neurosurgeon.
Inspiration for pursuing a career in medicine: “I had the opportunity to understand the role of medicine in human life at an early age. I grew up in a country where there are only 2,000 practicing physicians for 85 million people. As a result, patients have to wait in line for several hours to get treatment. I have witnessed close family members, friends, and other relatives suffer and die from treatable illnesses. The first time I felt the joy of becoming a physician was after I witnessed a couple rushed into the ER after being injured in a car accident. I observed the struggle and passion of the doctors to save the lives of the couple. Even though they couldn’t save the wife, due to the severity of her injury, I have always been reminded of their relentless effort and calmness in saving the husband. As I grew up, I saw many more similar situations and my passion for medicine grew. I also have a strong admiration for the anatomy and physiology of the human body and would love to learn and understand in detail how the body functions.”
The impact of Minnesota’s Future Doctors: “Minnesota’s Future Doctors means a lot to me. Without the workshops, advice, and financial and professional support I would not have achieved the progress I made in preparing for medical school. I am very thankful for the help I received from the Future Doctors program. Dr. Jo Peterson is more than a mentor for me. I consider her a close family member.”
