About Dr. Davies:

I grew up in a small town with a single parent family. My mom often had to work 2-3 jobs to put food on the table and there were multiple times when we did not have running water or electricity. So, needless to say, all of my mom’s money went towards essential needs and there was nothing left to save for college or other educational resources. I went to college on scholarships and loans, and then I worked 3 jobs myself to help pay for extra things like a cell phone and gas for my car. I found out about JAMP my freshman year of college (which was also the first year JAMP was created). This opportunity was the greatest fortune I had been awarded thus far in my academic career. 

 

How has JAMP helped you as you strive to achieve your goal of becoming a doctor?

The program was instrumental in getting me to where I am today. It helped financially with stipends and educational resources to help study for the MCAT. However, being a part of the program meant so much more than money. It meant I had a chance to work with elite medical schools and develop relationships with their physicians and school of admissions staff. As part of the program, I was able to go through some of the courses required in the first year of medical school. So, for the first time in my life, I was able to be the one out in front and ahead of the game. It also meant I was able to connect with my peers who were going through the same thing, and this type of emotional support contributed to easing stress and promoting overall wellness during a time when a lot of students burn out. I truly believe I would not have accomplished my dream of becoming a physician had it not been for the JAMP program. There were so many hurdles in the way that were too big and too hard to surpass on my own. Now, I am an associate professor and board-certified pediatric hospitalist. I owe my career to JAMP.

 

Advice for future JAMPers.

For future JAMP students, my word of advice would be that it is hard work and takes a lot of commitment on your end. However, you cannot put a price on the fulfillment of a life long dream. Do not lose sight of goal and pour everything you have into this program. It is what you make of it!