Beronie Richardson
(pictured here with Dr. Ben Carson)
Hometown: Hartford CT
Undergrad: University of Notre Dame
Graduate: Saint Louis University
Degrees: BS, MPH
As a non-traditional student I have had the opportunity to sample several lifestyles prior to entering medical school. After completing my BS at Notre Dame I played professional football (soccer) for three years and taught math during the off-season. I then enrolled in the Masters of Public Health program with a concentration in epidemiology at Saint Louis University. While completing my degree I also worked at Washington University Children’s Hospital in the Pediatric hematology unit. As a research assistant, I worked on several studies involving sickle cell anemia.
My path to medical school was filled with many twist and turns and at times I found it difficult to navigate however, I appreciate the tangential nature of my journey and I know that my varied life experience will flower my clinical ability with assorted life know-how.
David Luyimbazi
I went to Middlebury College, VT Graduated ‘98
I majored in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. I spent two years doing cancer research at Dona Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
Hobbies: I ran track and I enjoy coaching preteen Basketball
I enjoy playing the guitar and listening to music, discussing issues in public health and politics
Ogori Kalu
Undergrad Temple University
Double Major BA in African American Studies
BS in Biology
I like to read, watch movies and take long walks in the park.
My email address is Ogori_Kalu@nymc.edu
Andrea Ambris
Undergraduate State University of New York at Stony Brook ’98, recent experience math & science teacher hobbies poetry, running. I enjoy working with children. I am the chairperson for the scholarship committee
Kobina Ghartey
I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, NY. I attended the University of Virginia for Undergraduate. After graduating from college I worked for a year in a cardiovascular research lab. I am now a first year student at New York Medical College.
My interest include, working out, tennis, golf, basketball and chasing my niece and nephew
Luis Bautista
Undergrad: University of San Diego
Major: Biology
Minor Chemistry
Hobby: All sports
I play the Guitar and Congas
Rena McDermott
Undergrad: Goucher College BA in Biology
MS in Experimental Pathology
Interest I like to run and read
Elizabeth
Natal
My name is Elizabeth Natal. I am a 33 year-old female of Puerto Rican descent. I was born in New York City and raised in the good old Bronx. Growing up in my neighborhood was difficult for me. I struggled to fit in with the happening crowd, while all the time having a mother that pushed me to strive for an education. As a young child I had to deal with the confusion of trying to decide what the right thing to do would be. When I think back today, I thank god for having my mom by my side. She helped to teach me the value of an education. I used her inspiration and her determination to guide me along my path. During high school I became interested in medicine and upon graduation I enrolled at Bronx Community College. I had no idea that this was a two-year college. In high school there was no one to guide me and provide me with the information that I needed to make a knowledgeable decision about my career choice. Once in college, I realized that if I needed information I was going to have to search for it myself. I became involved in the MBRS Program (Minority Biomedical Research Support Program). This program served as a stepping-stone to open up future opportunities for me. After graduating from BCC, I enrolled at Stony Brook University. I left Stony Brook and took several years off. During this time, I gained my most valuable experience in medicine when I took a job in a medical office, whose focus was on providing physical therapy to patients who suffered some form of a traumatic injury. My interactions with the patients and physicians helped to refocus my energy towards medicine. I returned to school and enrolled at Hunter College. While at Hunter I became involved in the MMEP Program hosted in Chicago (Minority Medical Education Program). It took me several years of working a full time job and enrolling part-time at school to obtain my Bachelors of Art in Biology. With a lot of hard work, determination and family support I applied to Medical School and was accepted. I am currently enrolled at New York Medical College as a 2nd year student. I am an active member of SNMA and President of BLHO (Boriqua-Latino Health Organization). These two clubs focus on the health issues and concerns involving minorities in the community, a reality that I am all too familiar with. Growing up as a child, I had no idea of how important it was to have good health coverage. Money was tight and there were other problems to focus on. By participating in these clubs I hope to be able to educate minorities in the community about health issues, to help stress to them the importance of getting involved in their own health care. On a more personal note, I enjoy listening to music, crocheting, spending time with friends and family and doing arts and crafts with my nephews.