Name: Michael Owolabi
Major: Biochemistry BSA / Polymathic Scholars Program
HCMP Role: Intern
Classification: Senior
Other Associations: Excellence, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Texas Gospel Fellowship, Polymathic Scholars Leadership Panel, St. David’s Volunteer
Describe a shadowing experience that has impacted you the most.
Riding with the EMS was by far my most impactful shadowing experience to date. Each time the alarm bells rang and our vehicle sped down Red River St. was an opportunity to insert ourselves into the lives of other people in a manner that was completely unlike what the traditional shadowing experience could offer. At this intersection, we would meet patients in their settings, whether that be at home or at the homeless shelter. At this crossing, we were offered an unfiltered view of life outside of the hospital. Here, I saw how being poor can often mean enduring a lot of pain, forgoing showers for several days, and dealing with the prevalence of drugs like K2. For us, the EMT and I, these situations were just part of the job or just part of the shadowing experience. But for those we met, who called for our assistance, this was their life. Realizing this in a way humbles you, makes you thankful and encourages you to persevere in your medical pursuits, so that hopefully one day, suffering will be a thing of the past.
How has HCMP benefited your professional or individual goals?
Truthfully, HCMP has opened my eyes to the world of medicine. As an immigrant and even as a son to a doctor, I’ve often limited my worldview or even my willingness to experience something different, so as not to distract myself from my destination. Thankfully, HCMP has stepped in as the catalyst I needed to change all of that. As such, I am now on the path to take a gap year and I am even considering an MPh degree.
What has been your favorite aspect of HCMP?
My favorite aspect of HCMP has been the members that support the program and the doctors that chose to become preceptors. Nowhere else have I seen a dynamic duo of fun and classy individuals who have transformed my fall semester into one of my most memorable semesters on this campus. And for that, I am ever thankful.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to research computer parts and understand how they work. During the summer between my sophomore and junior year, I built my own desktop computer. That experience in of itself was a complete blast, regardless of how long it took me to fit the video card into the narrow pc case.