Support For Medical Student Facing Challenges

UPDATE

Until mid-March, I was making steady progress in preparing for my STEP exam, using all the resources available to me. A recent NBME practice test showed a 10-point improvement, reassuring me that I was headed in the right direction.

About a month ago, however, I went through a depressive episode that lasted several weeks. It became severe enough that I experienced multiple days of suicidal ideation. As soon as I recognized things were getting worse, I reached out to my psychiatrist. We had previously discussed fluctuations in my mood, and after further evaluation, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Type 2. I began medication right away, hopeful that it will help stabilize my mood moving forward.

Given everything that’s happened, I’ve rescheduled my STEP exam to late May or early June. Originally, I had budgeted my funds to last through April, with the plan of returning to rotations in May.

Now, I’m planning to reactivate my GoFundMe campaign to help cover basic expenses for May and June. I’ve been proactive: I applied for SNAP benefits (which were approved), submitted a request for emergency financial assistance through my county (pending), and started the process of getting a substitute teaching permit as a potential income source. Ideally, I’d prefer not to work while studying for STEP, since the added stress could impact my mental health again.

It’s hard for me to ask for help—I wish I had everything under control, but right now I don’t. If you or anyone in your network is able to support me financially, I would be incredibly grateful.

MY STORY

I am a third-year medical student at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and I am facing a critical breaking point. Last Thursday, I sat in front of a committee of 20 people, pleading for the chance to continue my clinical rotations without having taken STEP 1, the medical licensing exam. I shared my heart with them, exposing the immense personal and academic challenges I have faced during my journey in medical school. I did everything I could to convey the depth of my struggles, hoping they would understand and allow me to keep moving forward.

But despite my vulnerability, my request was denied.

The committee's decision has left me devastated. The school is now forcing me to take a Leave of Absence, which means I will lose all financial aid come the Spring Semester, starting January 6th. This decision has not only introduced additional barriers in my progress towards becoming a doctor but has also left me in a precarious position, unsure how I will make ends meet during this time.

As a first-generation college student, I do not have the privilege of turning to family for financial support. My family simply cannot afford to help me through this. I’ve always had to rely on my own strength, but now I’m humbly reaching out to others for help.

I am asking for any support you can offer to help me cover the basic costs of living—housing, food, transportation—so I have the means to pay for my basic needs while studying for STEP 1 as In continue to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor.

I do plan on finding a part time job to support myself. But with only two weeks before the Spring semester starts, I know it will be impossible to find a job and pay rent on time.

I also pledge that any funds I do not use for my living expenses will be donated to the Latino Medical Student Association MidWest Region so they can support other medical students in my position.

If you have a moment, I invite you to watch the video below, where I share more of my story and the overwhelming challenges that have led me to this point.

From the very bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for helping me carry this dream, and for being a part of this chapter of my life. Your support means more to me than words can express.

For more on my story, click the link below.

MyStory