Andrew Girgis, Current MD Candidate
BU Major & Graduation Date:
Biology, May 2021
Current School and Year:
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, 2026
Preferred Pronouns:
He/Him
Hometown:
Boston, MA
What school are you attending and what you are studying? Why did you choose to apply to this school? What do you think makes your school unique?
I just started my second year of the Medical Doctor (MD) program at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM). My decision to pursue my medical journey at BUSM was largely influenced by my previous experience at Boston University (BU) as an undergraduate student.
When I look back when applying to medical schools, BUSM was the torchbearer of my aspirations. The school’s mission of promoting social justice through medical education resonated deeply with me. Its commitment to serve the community while imparting rigorous medical training aligned perfectly with my vision of becoming a compassionate and knowledgeable healthcare professional. The moment I received the acceptance letter from BUSM, it was like all the puzzle pieces fell into place. I knew that this was the academic institution where I wanted to cultivate my medical education
Is there a specialization and/or specific population you are interested in? Why? How did you get into it and/or learn more about it?
Right now I am keeping my options open. Initially, I was inclined towards pain management anesthesia. However, as I delved into my medical education and got the opportunity to shadow a diverse range of specialties, I found myself reconsidering my initial choice. Orthopedics has sparked my interest. The appeal for me lies in its direct approach towards managing injuries or symptoms, as opposed to a long-term care model.
There is something particularly engaging about the orthopedic surgeons and residents I’ve interacted with. Their unwavering support and willingness to provide me with extensive exposure in the field have been instrumental to my growing interest. One surgeon even made me scrub in. Despite this interest in orthopedics, I continue to remain excited about exploring different specialties and finding the best fit for my career aspirations.
What are one or two of your favorite experiences/activities and why?
Student Volunteer for Special Needs→ Growing up,I hadn’t been provided with many opportunities to meaningfully interact with vulnerable adults. This changed during my college years, when I joined the Student Volunteers for Special Needs (SVSN) club. This organization gave me a platform to engage and build connections with individuals with special needs.
During our weekly meetings, we would engage in various activities like playing games such as UNO, and partaking in joyful karaoke sessions. These interactions facilitated a deep and thoughtful unlearning process within me, challenging and reshaping my previous internalized ableism. This experience fostered an invaluable understanding and empathy within me for vulnerable populations, and has since inspired me to proactively educate others about these communities.
I was fortunate enough to integrate this newfound perspective into my role as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) instructor. In this position, I had the opportunity to develop and teach a course specifically tailored towards providing medical care for vulnerable populations. This experience bridged the gap between my volunteer work and professional responsibilities, creating a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of healthcare for myself and my students.
Did you take a gap year?
Yes I took one gap year after I graduated.
I joined Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) as a full-time Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the vascular surgery department. This opportunity has allowed me to gain hands-on experience with patients and learn the intricacies of working in a hospital setting. Being a PCT has further opened my eyes to the collaboration needed between different medical providers to ensure that the patient has the best quality of care. I also work as a summer learning assistant (LA) at Boston University for physics one and two. Those experiences I was involved in during my gap year have been a huge part in my success as a medical student at BUSM and ultimately as a future medical provider.
What was your favorite BU course and why?
Each course has offered unique perspectives and experiences that have enriched my academic journey. However, the ‘Introduction to Neurobiology’ course was particularly thrilling because of the exposure we got about cutting-edge research and new insights into the functioning of the brain which made every lecture feel like an exciting exploration into the unknown.
Were you involved in any clubs/groups at BU?
Humans United, Giving Support (HUGS) club volunteer→ I know a lot of people when talking about their favorite experiences for medical school, they tend to mention medical volunteer/experiences. However, for me being involved in the HUGS club was one of my favorite experiences. Each week a group of club members would stand outside and offer hugs to people walking on the street. I remember one day when I hugged a stranger, and he thanked us for making his day better. It was to my surprise that the following week, this same person came back and expressed how much the hug had lifted his spirits. I encouraged him to come each week and to join us as a way to give back. He ended up taking my offer and the following week he was a member of the “HUGS” team. It is incredible how an action as simple as giving a hug can go a long way.
Have you always known you wanted to be a doctor?
No! Coming into college, I would have never guessed I would end up being a doctor. I knew I wanted to do something in the science field but I always thought that I would end up being a professor or doing something related to teaching students. It was only after taking an EMT class freshman year that I knew that I wanted to be involved in medicine.
What resource at BU did you find most helpful or want to spotlight that others might not know about?
One resource I would like to emphasize is the remarkable involvement of the Boston University (BU) medical community with undergraduate pre-med students. BU’s medical school fosters a nurturing environment that’s designed to guide and support pre-med students on their journey towards a career in medicine. Several initiatives stand out for their remarkable efforts in this direction, such as the PEERS program and the mentorship program that BU’s medical school hosts. These programs are specially designed to bridge the gap between current medical students and those aspiring to walk the same path, allowing for a unique one-on-one mentoring experience. The beauty of these programs lies in their ability to connect pre-med students with current BU med students, who have recently navigated the same journey. This allows for practical advice, shared experiences, and relevant guidance that are invaluable to anyone considering a career in medicine. I strongly encourage every BU premed student to explore these resources, and I’d be more than happy to assist you in connecting with these valuable assets available to BU pre-med students.
What are your hobbies/What do you like to do for fun outside of the classroom?
I really love going on bike rides around boston. Something that attracts me about Boston is how close and connected everything is, which is something you don’t find in a lot of cities. This means that you can go practically anywhere in Boston with a bike.
Are there any tips/advice you would like to share with current pre-health students?
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” As an undergraduate student, and even now, I often found myself drawing comparisons between my own academic progress and that of my peers. Hearing about classmates achieving higher grades or accumulating research publications or volunteer hours would sometimes lead me to question my own capabilities and progress. However, it’s crucial to understand that there will always be someone who has studied more, achieved higher grades, or gained more research experience than you. This is simply a fact of life. Yet, every individual has a unique story to narrate, a distinctive journey they’ve undertaken, and they bring something uniquely valuable to the table. So rather than falling into the trap of comparison, remember to take pride in your own accomplishments. Honor the path you’ve traversed, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the growth you’ve experienced. Acknowledge how far you’ve come, not just in terms of achievements but also in personal development and learning. At the end of the day, your journey is uniquely yours!