PreHealth Spotlight: Orett Burke Jr.

Class year: 2017
Major: Biology

By not going straight into med school from undergrad, I gained confidence and realized that everything happens for a reason. I am thankful for taking time off because I was able to develop a better sense of “why medicine”...

Vitals

• Invited for interviews at 7 medical schools
• Accepted to 5 Medical Schools (Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson, Howard, Morehouse, Indiana University, Wright State University)
• Co-founded UMass Amherst chapter of SNMA-MAPS (Student National Medical Association-Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students)
• TA for Bio 153 and International Student Seminar class
• Student speaker (Biology) for CNS Commencement Senior Celebration
• Clinical Research Associate at Brigham and Women's Hospital since 2017
• Volunteer with Boltwood Project

When I start medical school this fall, it will be three years since I graduated from UMass. Before my experience working in underserved communities during my gap years, I only wanted to become a physician to help people in need. Then after witnessing how one’s socioeconomic status can affect health, I aspired to advocate for patients who are suffering from healthcare disparities locally and globally. By not matriculating directly into medical school, I gained confidence and realized that everything happens for a reason. After graduating from UMass, I stopped comparing myself to others and focused on my personal journey which will continue to keep me level-headed throughout medical school and thereafter. I am thankful for taking time off because I was able to develop a better sense of “why medicine” and experience a tremendous amount of personal growth. I hope you learn the importance of “running your own race” from my story.

For the last 2.5 years, I’ve worked for the Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. We are a research site for 12 pharmaceutical companies and government-run clinical and observational studies. During the week, I managed 12-15 visits for research participants who are either symptomatic or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. My daily tasks involved administering ECGs, taking vital signs, drawing blood, documenting any adverse events and reviewing medications for research participants. I was thoroughly surprised by how intimate my experience was as a Clinical Research Assistant. Before starting, I did not expect to develop genuine relationships with the participants or envision myself having difficult conversations about a research study terminating – squandering their hope for a cure. I was also amazed by how much medicine relies on teamwork. Every person, from the administrative staff to the doctor, is vital to the participants’ visits running smoothly. Aside from my clinical duties, I presented on the basics of Alzheimer’s disease at events in underserved communities in Boston. African-Americans are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s but are greatly underrepresented in research. Historically, medical abuse has contributed to a distrust of the healthcare system. Amongst other barriers, this dissuades certain populations of people from participating in research. Part of my job was to address these concerns to increase the diversity of research participants.

My Background

I came to UMass as a transfer student after playing D-III basketball at Dickinson College in rural Pennsylvania. We made it to the Elite 8 my freshman year, but I struggled to manage the demands of athletics and a pre-med curriculum. Instead of reaching out for guidance from coaches or professors, my grades continued to decline. Ultimately, I decided to focus on my career goal, and I transferred to UMass in the spring semester of my sophomore year.

Back in high school, I wanted to major in business but during my junior year, I met my sports team’s doctor - the first African American physician I had seen in my life. Having the opportunity to shadow him countless times in the OR and directly impact someone’s life, cultivated my early interest in medicine. From that moment, I decided that one day I’ll become a physician.  

Research and Letters of Recommendation

Being an athlete, I was used to being busy. As soon as I got to UMass, I looked for ways to get involved in extra-curriculars and research. My advice is to participate in activities that you find interesting. Don’t be worried that your friend has 3 published articles and you have 0 (this was actually my situation!). If you are able to maintain a leadership role in a club or participate in an organization during your time at UMass, that helps you gain the skills that med schools are looking for in applicants. And, when you are invited for interviews, you will be able to speak passionately about your interests. Your commitments to those organizations will come through in the way you present yourself and this will make you stand out to admissions committees.

The PreMed Office also smoothed my transition to UMass. Please do not feel afraid to contact the premed advisors. You do not want to make the same mistake I made at Dickinson College. They are literally paid to help you reach your goals. I received advice on several topics such as tutoring, staying involved on campus, and creating a competitive application for medical school. Having someone at UMass that had my best interest in mind allowed me to flourish as a student. From the day I got to campus to now, Cathy has been by my side and supported me immensely as I navigated through this difficult process.

The summer after my first semester at UMass, I completed an REU with Professor Tew in the Polymer Science Research Center. That following fall, I started working in the lab of Professor Zoeller in the Biology department. Conducting research allowed me to apply the science that I was learning in my classes for the first time. Both labs were working on projects that translate to human health and have influence on the practice of medicine. Having this experience allowed me to find an amazing clinical research opportunity after I graduated. Looking back, I realize how important it was to establish strong relationships with the professors, PIs, and other faculty I worked with. In my case, this led to me having people who knew me on a personal as well as professional level and could speak highly about my character and work ethic in their letters of recommendation.

Community Service and Leadership at UMass

Outside of academics and research, I got involved in many campus and community service opportunities. Through the Boltwood Project, I volunteered every week with two adults who had developmental disabilities. Working with differently abled people helped me learn how to communicate in new ways – and with patience for other people’s needs. In addition, I became a TA/mentor for international students as part of a seminar class. As a second generation American whose family immigrated to the US from Jamaica, I know how alienating it can feel to be different – especially as a STEM major. I mentored students that were transitioning to college and acclimating to US culture while also learning about their differences and commonalities. For one semester I was a TA for Bio 153, explaining procedures and demonstrating the use of lab equipment. This gave me the chance to explain complex scientific concepts in a simpler way – another skill that doctors need to help patients understand treatments or procedures.

In my senior year, I wanted to create a group that supported other under-represented students interested in medicine. So, I co-founded a chapter of SNMA-MAPS. The group provides mentorship and other forms of assistance. SNMA-MAPS enhanced my leadership skills, developed my passion for helping the next generation, and showed me the importance of supporting students from underrepresented groups. Peer mentorship allows the students in my chapter to feel supported and confident that they can succeed in the STEM field too. I continue to mentor students even after they graduate – either for employment during their gap years, advice about the MCAT and the application process.

MCAT

I advise timing the MCAT exam so that you have a few months to solely focus on crafting a competitive application.  However, only take it when you are confident and ready to do well on the exam. Utilizing the SI sessions at UMass and studying to master the content instead of memorizing to earn an “A” will make your prep for the MCAT more efficient. Try to reduce the amount of obligations you have while studying such as your work hours. It is not impossible but very difficult to prepare for a standardized exam of this magnitude and having multiple commitments and obligations. In addition, prepare a detailed schedule so that every day has a purpose. Download mobile apps such as Uworld and Anki to study while you are commuting or anywhere when you have extra time. Review every question (correct or incorrect) to understand the underlying concepts. Most importantly, do questions, questions, questions, and more (practice) questions!!! 

Application Advice

For students who are getting ready to apply, my advice is to present yourself in a well-rounded way. Hopefully you will have a few months to focus only on your application and can apply early. You also need to understand the missions of the schools you apply to because it is vital to articulate how your experiences make you a competitive applicant for their program. To prepare for interviews, I read Dr. Gray’s “The Premed Playbook Guide to the Medical School Interview: Be Prepared, Perform Well, Get Accepted.” I also watched Course Grinder MMI videos on YouTube. The mock interviews I had with a neurologist at my job, friends and family were helpful too.

My advice to students who are just starting out is to be PERSISTENT. Preparing for medical school is a long and arduous path. Your MCAT and GPA are important, but you are more than your numbers. I am stressing that you must perform to the best of your ability, but do not discount everything else on your application. Believe in yourself and control what you can control. Only YOU can stop YOU from reaching your goals. As the quote goes “fall down seven times, stand up eight”. You must be able to learn from your mistakes and adapt.

Published March 2020