Hello guys! I’m sure you’re surprised to see another post this week. Although I’m gearing up for the big day (ERAS submission aka residency application day – September 15th), I have a little bit more time on my hands. I’m back in my public health classes and I’m balancing that with some of the less time-intensive clinical rotations!

As many of you already know, I tend to share a bit of my life as a medical student on Instagram. One of my favorite fellow medical student bloggers / Instagrammers, Melina Rae, tagged me to introduce myself. Given the recent influx of followers on Instagram and readers on the blog, I can’t think of any better timing to reintroduce myself.

Here we go!

Who are you and where do you study?
My name is Ajibike and I study at Tulane School of Medicine. I’m in the four year MD/MPH program with a focus on tropical medicine!

When did you start studying medicine or pre-med courses? 
I started my premedical courses my freshman year at Princeton (2010). Although I was on the fence about majoring in the sciences or the humanities, I ultimated decided on a concentration in molecular biology with a certificate in global health and health policy. The premedical courses were built into my major which was very convenient. I went through through to medical school and so I started August 2014.

What made you choose the medical field?
I’m going to share this in an upcoming post!

How did you come up with your blog name/username?
To be honest, I couldn’t think of another name that would fit? I really like shoes (particularly heels) although I’ll be honest that I’m generally dressed in sneakers and workout attire.

How would you describe your blog?
I started this blog at the start of medical school application season. At that time, it served as a space for me to chronicle my journey. Now, I look at the posts where I expressed my uncertainties about medical school interviews and medical school in general…and I’m astounded by how far I’ve come. This blog has become more public over time. My content has changed accordly. In its current state: I’ve tried to share a slice of my life in addition to advice. The blogs that I read when I was a premedical student were really inspiring and encouraging. I just wanted to share my story for those coming up behind me.

What’s your favorite quote?
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.” – Francis of Assisi.

Best memory in medical school?
Definitely the day that I got the email that I was elected into the Gold Humanism Honor Society! It was really heartening to know that my peers see the qualities estolled by GHHS in me.

What’s one course you struggled with?
Anatomy! I’ve talked about that many times on this blog. It was my first course in medical school and also

What’s your favorite book?  Easy question – Anna Karenina.

What do you do in your free time?
I was an athlete in high school and I learned at that time how important it is to stay active. Lifting and cardio are definitely activities that fill my free time. I also enjoy reading great books and watching terrible (aka reality) television.

What do you want to major or specialize in?
Pediatrics!

Who do you look up to?
Another really easy question: my parents.

How do you study (productively)?
I make reasonable to-do lists for the day to set the theme of my study session. I’m able to study with people or alone…at home or in a library/coffee shop. I switch up locations if I find myself becoming less productive. I study best in the morning and so I switched up my sleep schedule. I start studying at 4:30 AM with an hour break to workout at my gym. I’m in bed by 8:30 PM.

How do you stay motivated in medical school?
It is so easy to forget why you made the decision to pursue a career in medicine. As interested as I am in the basic sciences, I found it challenging to keep my future patients in mind when I was memorizing biochemical pathways. I found that when I kept the big picture in mind, that it was easier to stay motivated.

What are your best tips for future medical students?
Don’t let medicine define you. Make sure to keep up with some of your interests/passions!