Androulla for Residency: Achieving Lifelong Dreams

When I was four years old I wanted to become a model, but once I realized I would never be tall enough for that (I am 5’ tall), I decided I wanted to become a doctor. Hi everyone! My name is Androulla Markus, and I am a young woman from Botswana, in my 4th and final year of medical school. Let me give you a little insight into my background and how I ended up on this journey in medicine. My mother was a nurse in a government hospital in Botswana, and she worked diligently and with compassion for her patients. However, her job was always made more difficult by the small number of nurses and doctors expected to serve a large population. Watching her struggle and yet continue to care for her patient to the best of her abilities made me promise myself that I would return home once I became a doctor. When I was 13 years old, my father died, and it broke my heart. I remember crying in my mother’s arms and begging her “Please don’t die and leave me alone”. When I was 16, my mother died, and it completely shattered me. I asked my grandmother the same thing I begged my mother- “Please don’t die and leave me alone”. 4 years ago, my grandmother died, and I was left feeling completely untethered.

Although they all died of different illnesses, there is one common thread that played a major role in all their untimely deaths: the healthcare system in Botswana is under too much strain. Misdiagnosis, late diagnosis, medication shortages and overworked healthcare workers all lead to one thing- people fall through the cracks, and they die. My resolve to be a doctor has only been strengthened by my profound and senseless loss of my parents. I left home alone at 18 years old to pursue this dream, and to get the best possible education and training in medicine in order to take that standard home with me. I hope to be a part of the new wave of young doctors who return home and improve healthcare, especially for Batswana women and children.

Since I am a citizen of Botswana, and I attended a medical school outside of the United States, residency application fees are more expensive for me. My scholarship will not cover any application/examination expenses associated with my OBGYN residency pursuit. So, I am asking you- my community for help! I will include a list of all the expenses below to show you where and why your help is needed. If any part of my story has resonated with you, please consider donating. If you believe that one woman can make a difference to her people and can be a part of healthcare change for women in Botswana, then I want you to be a part of this new chapter of mine. I need your help to put the letters DR before my name. Anything you donate is appreciated. Thank you for reading my story, thank you for sharing and thank you for your donation.

Androulla Adelaide Markus

Fees:

USMLE Step 2 exam: $985

USMLE transcript for ERAS: $80

OET Exam: $455

ECFMG Certification fee: $160

ECFMG Pathway Fee: $925

CVS Verification of Medical Licensing: $60

Residency application fees: $3500-5000 plus backup applications to pediatrics $1000

ERAS Token: $165

Match a Resident: $80

J1 VISA fee: $370

Department of Homeland security fee: $220

Total: $8000-$9500