Samantha Saloom, Class of 2024
HOMETOWN:
Ligonier, PA
UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION:
The University of Alabama; BS, Chemistry, Public Health minor
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND PITT MEDICINE:
I loved the sense of community at Pitt Med and the Area of Concentrations programs. I also grew up in the Pittsburgh area and love the size of the city!
DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE AS A MEDICAL STUDENT AT PITT MED:
I love to study at coffee shops and tend to watch lectures after they're recorded. Outside of studying, I am involved in student organizations at Pitt Med and I spend time with my boyfriend and family.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PITT MEDICINE COMMUNITY:
The Pitt Med community is extremely supportive and always working hard to make Pitt Med the best it can be. I feel very lucky to be here among my incredible classmates!
WHAT STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN:
Psychiatry Interest Group, Palliative Care Interest Group, Women's Health AOC, GEMs program, Longitudinal Alliance Program, Giving a Boost Program, ELEAP Steering Committee, Women's Clinic volunteer, Student Advisory Subcommittee on curriculum reform.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO WITH YOUR SPARE TIME:
I like trying new restaurants, board games, reading, baseball games and visiting farmer's markets!
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS APPLYING TO PITT MEDICINE:
Talk to as many students as you can! This is the best way to gauge is a school is a good fit for you!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING IN THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH:
This year I've loved playing disc golf around the Pittsburgh area, great restaurants and baseball games in PNC park!
WHAT DID YOU (OR ARE YOU PLANNING TO) DO DURING THE SUMMER AFTER YOUR FIRST YEAR OF MEDICAL SCHOOL:
I am doing research through the DSRP program.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE COURSE AT PITT MEDICINE:
My favorite course so far was the palliative care mini elective. I learned so much about approaching difficult conversations around death and dying.
ANY FINAL ADVICE FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS:
Build an identity outside of being a student and set goals and milestones for yourself in your hobbies or personal life. Medical school is hard and having other outlets in your life is important!