Ep20 | MS4 Perspective: Neurology

In this 4th year medical student (MS4) specialty episode, we investigate the field of Neurology. Our specialty series with 4th year medical students consists of three parts. Part I consists of a discussion about the field. Here, we will learn about the reasons why our guests have decided to a pursue a career in this specialty, likes/dislikes about the field, and common stereotypes surrounding the field. Part II explores what it takes to match into the field. Our discussions in this section include ways in which medical students can become a competitive applicant for this specialty, tips for rotations in this specialty, advice on structuring your curriculum, and ways to evaluate which residency programs to apply to. Part III is the general advice section. Here, our 4th year students will reveal the secrets to success for each year of medical school, as well as advice for pre-med students, gap year students, excelling on board exams, and more.

Our guests in this episode, Jennifer Novak and Harjot Hansra, completed their medical education at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. Jennifer graduated from the University of California Irvine with a degree in economics and psychology. Although she had a passion for neuroscience, Jennifer studied for the LSAT before realizing that medicine was her true calling. She then completed a post-baccalaureate pre-med program at San Francisco State, and applied to medical school the year after. Harjot’s interest in medicine began at a young age—some of her earliest memories consist of going to the library with her parents and flipping through pictures in cartoon anatomy books. Her interest persisted throughout high school and college, and she eventually graduated with a degree in neuroscience from the University of Southern California. Today, both Jennifer and Harjot are in their first year of Neurology residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona respectively.

For advice, tips, and a glimpse into the lives of medical students pursuing a career in Neurology, follow along!

Episode produced by: Alek Druck

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