Make it out of the States before medical school!

Leilani White Start Date: Jan 19, 2023 - End Date: Jul 18, 2023
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • Vacation/Personal Trip

My Travel Story

by: Leilani White Start Date: Jan 19, 2023 - End Date: Jul 18, 2023
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Professional Development
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
Hi there! 

I am on a goal to leave the country in 6 months! I was born in Seattle, WA, have lived here my whole life, and never left the country. I know that there is a lot about the world that I do not understand, and I think leaving the States to "walk in someone else's shoes" is a great way to step outside of my own perspective that I've constructed about the world.

Now that I have finally been accepting to my dream medical school, after years of trying, I have a goal to leave the States once before I begin this summer, as this is my last opportunity before years more of training!

One thing that is extremely important to me as a future physician, is that I want to make people feel heard, and I want people to feel as though they have control over their medical care and bodies. When patient's that are unfamiliar with our healthcare system, I do not want to make them feel afraid, judged, or written off because of lapses in cultural competence.

So far, I have spent years volunteering and working with different populations in Washington. But I am working on becoming the best future doctor and person I can be, and I want to immerse myself in a way beyond what Washington can offer.

Vietnam is first on my list of places I want to explore. I am so, so excited by what I have the opportunity to learn and to keep with me forever.