1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. My name is Curtis Mensah and I am a graduate of Stony Brook University. I am currently a first year graduate student at New York Medical College pursuing an M.S. of Basic Medical Sciences. I grew up in a faith based home which strongly emphasized servitude and caring for the well being of others. This has caused me to get involved in my community, with other students, and instilled in me a desire to give back and pay it forward to those who come after me. Being first generation, as both of my parents are Ghanaian immigrants has strongly influenced my personality, my values, and the work ethic I have to make my goals of becoming a physician a reality.

2. Who was your favorite teacher in school and how did he or she impact you? My sophomore year in undergrad I took a course called Political and Social History of Africa. My professor was named Dr. Abena Asare and initially I enrolled in the class because I knew she was Ghanaian. However, being able to learn about my heritage in such detail from someone who was clearly passionate about her work, motivated me to want to provide an example to all those who want to pursue medicine as someone that is truly cares about their work and naturally excites others about it as well. Getting to know her on a personal basis, similar to my parents, I was inspired by her journey from Ghana to an Ivy League degree and her impact at a prestigious university.

3. When did you first decide you wanted to become a doctor and why? I first decided I wanted to become a doctor when I was very young, around the age of 8 or 9. I grew up around scrubs, white coats, sophisticated medical conversations. As a child I was naturally curious and desired to one day understand and also contribute to these conversations. I knew that I wanted to become a doctor, but at that point it seemed like more of a passive default than an active pursuit. I did not feel the true conviction to become a doctor until I was 19, during the spring semester of my sophomore year in college. It was at that point that I truly began to see the parallels between my faith and my desire to pursue medicine. I saw the real reason behind why I wanted to put others before myself and my journey towards medicine became a mission, fueled by my devotion to serve all those that I come in contact with, giving them a voice during their most vulnerable stages, changing their lives by not only being their physician, but their friend. Being a student that is hungry for knowledge and always looking to learn something new, I find that our discovery in this field is essential to serving those that are under-served in the most efficient way possible.

4. What area of medicine are you interested in? I am currently interested in cardiology, family medicine, and sports medicine. However, I have decided not to make any decisions about the area I want to pursue until I have real experiences with them during medical school.

5. What’s the coolest experience you’ve had so far on your premedical journey? My entire senior year in college has been the highlight of my premedical journey. I was elected as the president of the Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS) at my school. My involvement with MAPS allowed me to come in contact with many brilliant physicians and researchers, but also to serve as a resource to underclassmen who want to become health care professionals. I was also enrolled into a program called Pre-Medical Access to Clinical Experience (PACE) in which I got to have first hand experience in the daily life of multiple physicians. Through this program I gained a great mentor and I also was able to see the connection that the physicians have with their patient. Several instances showed me the hope, reassurance, and inspiration that doctors provide for their patients and it reaffirmed my desire to one day be a source of hope for many others.

6. What is your favorite book?  My favorite book is called “Rise” by William Lee Barefield III. He is a pastor as well as a hip hop artist. The book spoke of the need for the upcoming generation to not settle for mediocrity and what society expects of us, but instead, to live according the conviction and call for greatness that we all possess.

7. Tell us one thing interesting about you that most people don’t know. One thing about me that most people don’t know is that I love to sing. I have been a member of the youth choir at my church for many years and have served as a co-vocal director more recently. I also currently serve as a member of the worship team at my church and jump at the opportunity to sing wherever and whenever.

8. What do you like most about PreMed StAR?  I enjoy getting to see the variety of paths that people take, while sharing the same goal. I also enjoy the sharing of resources and seeing us all help one another make our dreams come true.

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