Jonathan Fierro, Current MD Candidate
BU Major & Graduation Date:
Cellular, Molecular, and Genetic Biology & Classical Civilization, May 2021
Current School and Year:
Rosalind Franklin University Chicago Medical School, Class of 2027
Preferred Pronouns:
He/Him
Hometown:
Lafayette, California
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 am attending Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School and I’m studying medicine. Rosalind Franklin puts a unique emphasis on inter-professional learning. There are multiple classes throughout the four years which brings together several health professions including: physicians, PAs, nurses, pathology assistants, and physical therapists. Hearing the perspectives of so many different disciples was extremely valuable for us future physicians to be effective team leaders.
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?
I am currently interested in Orthopedic Surgery, specifically the innovations around total joint replacements have me very excited for my clinical years of medical school. I first got interested in orthopedics through the athletic trainers at BU and all the medical interventions used to help mine and my teammates injuries during my time running Cross Country and Track and Field.
What are one or two of your favorite experiences/activities and why?
My favorite experience in my first year of medical school was our access to early clinical experiences through observerships at the local VA Hospital. Seeing an Internal Medicine physician apply all of the knowledge we learned throughout the first year helped cement difficult concepts in my head.
Did you take gap years?
I took two gap years, during which I worked at Roche Molecular Diagnostics in Pleasanton, CA. I worked for a team developing a four assay panel to detect COVID, RSV, Flu A, and Flu B all in one nasal swab and less than a 20 minute run time.
What was your favorite BU course and why?
My favorite course at BU was Ancient Greek History with Professor Samons. He gave a very old fashion teaching style where he wrote key terms on a white board and then essentially gave the lecture in the form of a long story. It was a unique and memorable way to learn a very interesting time period of history.
Were you involved in any clubs/groups at BU?
I ran Cross Country and Track and Field at BU, it was a very large time commitment, but it taught me the determination and work ethic I needed to be successful in medical school.
Have you always known you wanted to be a doctor, dentist, PA, nurse, vet, etc.? What/who has been your biggest inspiration?
I’ve known I wanted to be a surgeon since I was very young, my older brother was going through medical school and residency when I was in middle school and high school. Hearing his experiences during breaks reinforced my own interest in medicine.
What resource at BU did you find most helpful or want to spotlight that others might not know about?
The Pre-Health Advising Office was very helpful in guiding me on the correct tract to gain acceptance into medical school. They showed me how to best maximize my gap years and find the best resources to get a great MCAT score.
What are your hobbies/What do you like to do for fun outside of the classroom?
I really enjoy hiking, the summer before starting my first year of medical school I hiked to the top of half dome in Yosemite National Park, CA.
Are there any tips/advice you would like to share with current pre-health students?
I would highly advise rehearsing for medical school interviews with friends and family. I would also advise researching the type and formality of the interview in advance. Some interviews were black tie and very stiff, others were extremely relaxed. Matching the style of the interview is very important.