When an injury redirected his dream of playing professional basketball, Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) student Francis Edosomwan changed his focus to premed during undergrad at East Carolina University. He will now head back to his alma mater in July as an internal medicine resident.
“I get to go back to where I started to help others,” Francis said, adding that his journey to RUSM worked out exactly as it was meant to be. “It all felt right, and I got unbelievable support.” After earning his undergraduate degree in public health studies, Francis spent a year working at a private clinic in rural North Carolina that served underserved populations. “My dad immigrated from Nigeria and worked in an underserved community and that inspired me to do the same.” Francis hopes to assist the underserved again, later in his residency.
“I’ve done a lot of soul searching,” Francis reflected about his experiences. “I had to humble myself early in med school because I realized I didn’t know it all and that it wasn’t the same as undergrad. I went through a lot of life lessons to prepare for success by associating myself with high achievers to learn what I needed to get where I needed to go. I’m going to do the same in residency.”
Connecting Others
At RUSM, Francis created the Ross Study Accountability Group on social media to connect classmates who were preparing for tests like the United States Medical Licensing Examination® Step exams. “I wanted to create a platform where people could message someone and build a connection,” a project he hopes will be continued after he graduates later this month.
The oldest of five children, Francis is reveling in the fact that he matched. “I keep reminding myself that I made it, that I am meant to be a doctor. I am going to grow while earning respect and honor from my attendings and patients. These people are investing in me and I’m going to be the best doctor I can be.”
To future graduates, the novice chef advises, “Ross Med will give you the opportunity, but you have to make the most of it through hard work and humility. Don’t try to figure it all out yourself or do it alone. Ask for help early on and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to get what you want.”
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