UNSOM Prospective Applicants: Opportunities for Minority Students: Student Profile
Carla Ellis
Carla had grown up dreaming of treating animal patients as a veterinarian. Once in college, she began to get more information on medicine from medical students and had a great experience shadowing a psychiatrist, which led to a change of heart. Carla is now in residency, training in pathology, at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.
"I've found what I've dreamed of. I don't care how rough it is, this is what I want. I'm so happy to have the opportunity to do this, to become a physician," Carla says.
Health care isn't new for Carla. Her mom was a speech pathologist for the Clark County School District. "My mom's love of children and education has always been an influence for me," according to Carla. She says her experiences during college helped confirm that medicine was the right choice. "Once I experienced that, I couldn't see myself doing anything else. I'm lucky that way," she says.
Carla, like most medical students, has had her share of challenges along her pathway to medicine. When she was preparing for the MCAT, her mom suddenly passed away. Carla was called upon to help her younger sister, as well as take care of everything for her mom. "What I went through with my mom, I want patients treated like they are my own family. It was so unfortunate, but taught me so much about seeing medicine from the patient and family member's perspective."
Carla thinks the most important thing for prospective students to remember is that medicine is a life-long commitment to years of education and to remaining dedicated to helping others. Carla's helping of others has continued into medical school. She is the president of the UNSOM chapter of Student National Medical Association and responsible for revitalizing the student group. She is also the president of the American Medical Women's Association and vice president of the American Medical Student Association. Carla also serves as a member of the Student Development Committee. Besides the student organizations, Carla has continued to nurture her interest in research by working on a project in the laboratory of Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery, William Zamboni, M.D. Carla's long list of involvement helps keep her motivated for school. "I'll always be like this, even into my career."
Nevada was Carla's first choice for medical school so she could be close to her family. Her younger sister is now in college at University of California, Berkeley and they see each other as often as possible. "I've been really happy with my choice for medical school," Carla says. "The professors and administrators are such a great help and so easy to talk to. I really appreciate the class size and individual attention each of us gets."
