As a fourth year health science major here at Northeastern, I am pretty well set on my future academic and career goals. Upon graduation from Northeastern in May 2016, I plan to attend medical school and obtain the medical training necessary to become a physician. Since it is still a few years off, I do not know for sure what specialty I will choose for my residency and any additional fellowships. I do have a shortlist of fields that interest me the most though. They are orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, oncology, emergency medicine, and general practice in no particular order. I know that whatever specialty I choose, I definitely want to work more on the clinical side of the medical spectrum. This does not mean that I have no interest in research. I want to be an active researcher as well as a clinician in my future.

          Wherever I wind up, cancer will remain a major interest of mine. The interesting thing about cancer is that just about every specialty can be related to it. For instance, there is a subspecialty in orthopedic surgery called orthopedic oncology. This would be my ideal career situation. Being able to work in two of my fields of interest would be an incredible opportunity. If I were asked the question of, “where do I see myself in fifteen years?” I would respond by saying in an orthopedic clinic doing research into bone cancer, its treatment, and its causes. I look forward to that day, but I am very excited as well for the nearer future of my medical training.