Kiara Takes On Argentina

Greetings,

            My name is Kiara Wallace and I am currently a graduating senior at Howard University, Biology major, and Chemistry minor.  I am aspiring to become a physician.  My path to achieving this goal has been a blessing within itself. All while maintaining a 4.0 GPA the last three semesters, I was a participant in the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) held at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.  SMDEP is a six-week summer medical and dental school academic enrichment program that offers highly motivated rising freshman and sophomore college students intensive and personalized medical and dental school preparation. The summer of my junior year, I was honored to be a part of the Pre Health Scholars Enrichment Program (PHSEP).  PHSEP was a program designed to assist pre-medical scholars in completing our AMCAS application as well as preparation for the MCAT.  It was a four-week intensive program with a selective process of only twenty-five students from schools such as Howard University, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. Following PHSEP, I was given the opportunity to participate in Med-Dent Start. The Med-Dent Start Program was a two week program that gave me the opportunity to shadow in the nursery, and clinical departments of pediatric medicine under some amazing physicians at Howard University’s Hospital. Due to my performance in the Med- Dent Start Program, I was welcomed back to shadow and volunteer in the clinical department of Pediatrics under current medical students and an attending physician.
                                                                                                                 
      I am one month away from my undergraduate studies commencement; there is one thing I whole-heartedly long to encounter.  Having the experience, knowledge, and insight that comes along with studying abroad.  Being a future physician whose desire is to impact the world, it is crucial that I not only familiarize myself with my native country/continent, but with others as well. Although learning never ends, as a graduating senior in college I have had many opportunities to familiarize myself with citizens of the United States of America: being a native of and volunteering in Illinois, attending college and shadowing in Washington DC, and participating in the Summer Medical and Dental Educational Program in New Jersey; During which time, I have worked with underserved communities, experienced language barriers, and cultural differences. I have also come to understand the importance of patient communication and cultural competence in the field of medicine.  I am ready to broaden my horizon and experience South American healthcare through the Atlantis Project. The Atlantis Project is a world-class pre-med and pre-health shadowing internship program in Europe and South America. Participating in the Atlantis Project would bring me one step closer to fulfilling my passion, by introducing me to disparities, medical techniques, and everyday life in another area of the world.

            After completing the application and successfully completing the interview process, I have been accepted and placed in the Atlantis Project shadowing program in Argentina for a 3-week experience. Unfortunately, the total cost of the trip is $4500 due by May 1st 2016, including a $500 deposit due March 25th, 2016 (deposit has been covered).  I am graciously asking for any donations (No amount is too small), deposit sponsors, or grants I’m able to secure.  I will also be doing my due diligence such as working, saving and fundraising.  I count it a great honor to have the opportunity to participate in the Atlantis Project and I look forward to all that South America has to offer. Your support is needed and highly requested in me fulfilling this endeavor.


Best Regards,

Kiara Wallace