- When you first came to Clark, did you know that you wanted to study science?
Miranda: Yes, I knew I wanted to go into medicine, and originally wanted to major in biology. But, after taking organic chemistry, I realized that I really enjoy learning chemistry and am more interested in the chemistry side of biology. Biochemistry is the best of both worlds.
- Was there anything in particular that made you decide to go to medical school?
Miranda: I got really interested in high school and volunteered at my local hospital. When I came to Clark, I started volunteering at St. Vincent Hospital. Dr. Thurlow has a connection with Dr. Diaz who is the head of emergency medicine at St. Vincent. If you volunteer at St. Vincent for awhile, Dr. Diaz lets you shadow him and then afterwards, he'll write you a letter of recommendation for medical school. That was really fun and that shadowing experience was actually one of the confirming points in my career where I just said 'this is what I want to do.' Not necessarily in the emergency room, but I just loved every minute of it and knew I was going in the right direction.
That's been really fun because what I want is the interactions, and that's what has pushed me towards the medical route as opposed to the Ph.D. route. Even though I do enjoy research, it's the personal interaction that I want eventually in my career.
- I understand you're co-president of Clark University Emergency Medical Services, a student-run volunteer organization comprised of both EMTs and First Responders.
Miranda: Yes. The fall of 2005 I took a first responder course. It was a four- or five-week course. It only cost $200*, and everyone gets $100 back if you volunteer for at least a semester. After you take the course, you're qualified to do certain basic 1st responder tasks. We take 12-hour shifts. On your shift you take a radio and bag, and do what you would normally. You go to class, you sleep, and when the call comes in to University Police, they radio you and you respond. That's been neat because I've been able to step into the actual care provider role.
*Since this interview the course cost has decreased to $100, with a $50 reimbursement.
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