Help Pa Cha take the MCAT

Hello everyone! My name is Pa Cha Vang. I am a third-year student at the University of Minnesota majoring in Biology, Society, and Environment with a minor in Public Health on the Pre-Med track. I plan to take the MCAT January 2023.

One of my biggest dreams is to help others by becoming a doctor. At 16, I took Anatomy and Physiology at Winona State University through a dual enrollment program. During that time, my professor told me to truly consider a career in medicine, as I ended the class in the top 6%. I was extremely hesitant at first as I didn’t feel “smart” enough, but after attending a medical and public health summit at Georgetown University, I decided to pursue it.

Throughout my Pre-Med journey, I have accumulated 800 hours of 1:1 patient care. I have transferred residents via Hoyer lift, given prescribed and PRN medications, charted daily activities, and helped do everyday activities like grooming and bathing. One of my most memorable moments was when I performed First Aid and saved a resident’s life from choking. I also have kept up with academics and volunteered at local food pantries.

For the past six months, I have been working as a medical scribe in the ER, where I have witnessed many health disparities, specifically in the Hmong community. Language is essential for medical decision-making, and when language becomes a barrier, the provider and patient can become frustrated. As a Hmong woman who grew up in a working-class family, I know how scary it can be for Hmong patients to undergo a multitude of tests without really understanding what is going on. In my career, I hope to bridge the gap between health disparities for the Hmong community and other minoritized communities by using my experiences and language abilities (Hmong and working-level Spanish).

When you're Pre-Med, no one tells you that there are many privileges people “should” have–money being one of them. Money allows access to MCAT Prep, admission counselors, networking/connections, fee applications, transportation to interviews, etc. I have spent a lot of time genuinely feeling saddened by not being enough and not having as many resources–ultimately questioning if medicine is really for me. However, I have also spent a lot of time reflecting on how my journey in medicine is mine–and only mine. I’ve always set deadlines in my head, but even if I don’t get accepted into medical school on my first or second try, I will continue to try my best because I genuinely want to make a difference in people’s lives.

Through your donation, I will be one step closer to achieving my dreams of becoming a doctor and hopefully making a difference. Your donation will go directly towards MCAT Prep and the test itself. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.

- Pa Cha