Biography:

My name is Angel Phan and I started my journey in medicine during high school through experiences I had with healthcare professionals because my family often needed medical treatment. Through interactions with many inspirational medical professionals and my family’s support, I began college with the goal of also joining the field. I began volunteering at the Austin VA Clinic and participating in microbiology research, where I found a passion for serving patients, learning about infectious diseases, and the healthcare environment. I then heard about JAMP through some classmates and through the JAMP faculty advisor at my school. I was beyond elated to find out I had been accepted after the long application process and had an amazing time during my internships at Texas Tech in Lubbock and at UTMB in Galveston. I began shadowing a general surgeon at St. David’s South Austin and volunteering at Texas Oncology, where I furthered my experience in healthcare while studying for the MCAT and eventually interviewing at medical schools. Though it was a long process, I  enjoyed every moment of it and am excited to enter medical school next fall at Paul L Foster School of Medicine at El Paso. Through this next step in my journey, I hope to learn as much as I can from my classes and participate in research while getting to know the community in El Paso. Eventually, I hope to give back to those communities that have made me who I am by serving populations similar to those that have made me passionate about medicine like veterans through fields like surgery and oncology. JAMP has provided me with the resources that have made me more confident that I can become successful and I look forward to where my journey takes me next.

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

The Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) has been instrumental in my journey in becoming a doctor because it provided me with experiences that have reinforced my passions while offering new insights on what this profession entails at every step of the process. The financial support has also made this process more feasible for me so I can focus my time on doing my best in my academics and in the MCAT. As a bonus, I have been surrounded with like minded people that share similar goals and this has helped me make connections that will undoubtedly be priceless as I continue in my journey.

What advice would you like to offer current or future JAMP students?

If I were to offer any advice to current or future JAMPers, I would recommend that they really embrace the resources and connections that both JAMP and their university has to offer. It is an absolute honor to be a part of this amazing program because it provided more than I could have possibly hoped for in a program meant to create opportunities for those who dream of becoming a doctor and I really hope that students really embrace the chance to also be a part of this program. It is also really helpful to participate in activities and organizations outside of JAMP whenever possible. This is so that they can make the most of not only this amazing program, but also make the most out of their undergraduate years and of their home university.

What aspect of JAMP has been most beneficial to you?

The most beneficial aspect of JAMP has by far been the summer internships because through those experiences, I have learned the most about what it is like to be a medical school student. I have also gotten to know two medical schools and their communities while being a part of my own JAMP community. These internships have also provided shadowing and volunteering experiences, MCAT classes, bonding activities, and a physical support system to last me a lifetime.