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Growing up in a tough neighborhood in the Bronx, Arnoldys Stengel, M.D. ’18, says she always knew she wanted to become a pediatrician. Inquisitive, intelligent and fiercely determined, she ignored the odds stacked against her—first winning a coveted spot in Manhattan’s Stuyvesant High School, then earning her bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan University, before finally landing at NYMC’s School of Medicine. Just prior to graduation in May, Arnoldys (now officially Dr. Stengel) spoke with us to share her proudest accomplishments, her views on the next generation of doctors, and the advice she would give herself as a first- year medical student:
What first inspired you to become a pediatrician?
I've known I wanted to be a pediatrician since I was a young child who looked up to my own physician, Dr. Shrivastava. I always told him I wanted to be like him when I grew up. For me, becoming a doctor was about decreasing health disparities and using my Spanish as a way to lessen language barriers for the Latino community.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My most proud accomplishment is definitely graduating from medical school. Having been primarily raised by a single mother with limited English proficiency in a not-so-great area of the Bronx, becoming a doctor always seemed like a distant dream. I am proud that despite all of the adversity I faced, I was able to push through and excel with the support of my mother, sister, brother, other family members, and supportive friends. I cannot wait to help change the face of medicine.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice as a brand-new, first-year student, what would it be?
I would tell myself to be more understanding, encouraging and to have less doubt. Having been out of school for three years prior to starting medical school, the first year of medical school was a huge transition for me. I started out, during our first block, doing poorly on exams for the first time in my entire life. I considered leaving and continuously doubted myself and my ability to succeed. Thankfully, I was able to surpass all of the hurdles and never failed any of my courses. Had I been more understanding, encouraged myself more, been less hard on myself, I would have been able to focus more on my successes rather than my failures.
Though I owe it to myself for putting in the work that allowed me to pass all of my courses during first year, there are also some people who I will always remember and be thankful for. To start, I am grateful for Dr. Petersen [Kristina Petersen, Ph.D., director, academic support programs] who reached out when I failed my first exam—she made me realize that I needed help, and provided useful guidance. Dr. Lerea [Kenneth Lerea, Ph.D., associate professor of cell biology and anatomy] held weekend study sessions for those of us needing a little extra help in Histology, and helped steer our studying so it was more focused—letting me know that helping me succeed in his course was part of his job. Dr. Lerea embodies what every professor should be and I appreciate him for believing in me. While having time to acclimate was definitely needed, it took a village and huge determination to accomplish it all.
What do you see as the most positive force for change in medicine today?
This new generation of physicians is going to change the world. So many of my classmates are completely dedicated to making a difference. There is no stronger or more positive force than drive to result in the change we need.
What’s next for you?
I'll be joining the Mount Sinai pediatrics residency program for the next three years. I'm excited to be going back to my old work place and am thankful that I'll remain in New York City and close to my family.