Paolo G. Jorge, Md '13
Interventional Pain medicine ● MAYO CLINIC
While attending University of California at Irvine with plans to become a teacher or doctor, Dr. Paolo Jorge worked at the front desk of a pain clinic. Little did he know his part-time job would solidify his decision to pursue a career in medicine.
The exposure to patient care and doctors at the pain clinic prompted Dr. Jorge to continue his biological sciences major with the goal of attending medical school after graduation. When he wasn’t accepted to the select U.S.-based medical schools he applied to, he attended a Ross University of Medicine School admissions seminar in Los Angeles. He was immediately impressed with Ross University of Medicine School’s step scores, match rates and overall program offering. Two weeks later he interviewed at Ross University of Medicine School and two months later his journey at Ross University of Medicine School began with the Medical Education Readiness Program (MERP) in August.
“Transitioning from a large undergrad program with class sizes of upwards of 400 students, I needed to learn how to study the right way. In MERP, I was surrounded with peers and accomplished faculty that wanted me to succeed, motivated me and supported my goals. MERP gave me a step up when I officially started medical school because I had acquired a strong foundation in basic sciences and proper learning tools and techniques,” says Dr. Jorge.
A pivotal moment in Dr. Jorge’s medical education was in his fourth year electives in a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) rotation at the Mayo Clinic. As a doctor-in-training and medical student, he recalls being treated like a true member of the team with a responsibility to pull his own weight. In that experience, he caught a glimpse of what his life would be like as a practicing doctor.
Dr. Jorge adds his advice to current Ross University of Medicine School students, “do rotations in every specialty you are considering. Once you know what specialty you want to pursue, form relationships, prove yourself and stand out so you get meaningful letters of recommendation.”
And for Dr. Jorge, his journey of practicing medicine has come full circle. He has since returned to Mayo Clinic in pain medicine, securing his first choice fellowship program. Prior to that, he spent four years at his first choice residency program in Loma Linda University in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
In his fourth year of residency, he was nominated as Chief Resident. In this role, he managed a class of 15 residents and learned how to be a leader, a liaison, and a voice for the residents. The experience also reminded him of his initial passion for teaching. Throughout his career, he plans to continue in an academic role, teaching residents, fellows and students.
Dr. Jorge continues, “Ross University of Medicine School gave me the tools to succeed and instilled a strong work ethic in me. I learned to work as hard as possible to achieve my dream of becoming a competent and caring doctor. I’m incredibly grateful to Ross University of Medicine School for helping me make my dream become my reality.”