1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello everyone, my name is Shiraz Robinson II. I am from Landover, MD; a suburban area of Washington D.C. In addition, I am currently a college sophomore at The Ohio State University. Moreover, I major in biology and minor in chemistry, professional writing, and philosophy. My spirituality and love for science is what contributes to my sense of purpose, analytical thinking, creativity, and versatility. An interesting fact about me that surprises a lot of people is, my left-handedness. I was a student-athlete in high school; I played football, wrestled, and ran track. As a high school senior, I wrote a five-chapter thesis and did a computer science internship at Capitol Technology University. It was a graduation requirement for the science and technology program I was in. Before coming to Ohio State, I did a summer internship at the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence.

2. Who was your favorite teacher in school and how did he or she impact you?
I would to go with my AP Calculus AB teacher, I had during my senior year of high school. In addition, I skipped precalculus to take her class. Moreover, I also noticed that she gave a lot of Khan Academy assignments to former students and I love Khan Academy. Once I gathered that information, I knew she was the right teacher for me. Furthermore, I did everything in my power to make sure she would be my teacher. Over the summer, I did the Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Precalculus, and the Trigonometry missions on Khan Academy to prepare for the AP Calculus AB class and exceed her expectations. Throughout the summer and my senior year, I have been doing my Khan Academy in journals. Moreover, I had 6 journals, including the calculus notebook I wrote notes in for class. I am very passionate about mathematics, she ignited a fire within me I didn’t know that existed. Furthermore, I learned so much math in a short amount of time, my analytical mind and consciousness had evolved immensely. My calculus teacher made me a better mathematician. I now want to master all dimensions of mathematics (pure and applied) and the world of math on Khan Academy because of her. 

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 a little kid. My great grandmother died of pancreatic cancer when I was young and that impacted me. I wanted to learn more about cancer and how to stop it. When I was a kid, my parents got me a stethoscope. Getting a lab coat for Christmas 2018, was another confirmation that I want to become a doctor. As I got older, my reason for wanting to become a doctor has become more robust. As an African American male, I desire to diversify the physician workforce. Moreover, I desire to integrate the laws of quantum physics and medicine together.

4. What area of medicine are you interested in?
I am interested in integrative medicine. It contains western medicine, allopathic medicine, functional medicine, holistic medicine, osteopathic medicine, naturopathic medicine, and regenerative medicine. Integrative medicine uses many approaches to medicine to deliver the best patient care possible. This area of medicine is interesting to me because it brings spirituality and science together. I believe integrative medicine will give me the experience of a MD and a DO.

5. What’s the coolest experience you’ve had so far on your premedical journey?
The coolest experience was a MAPS event called “MAKING IT TO MEDICAL SCHOOL”. I was a medical student for one day; I learned about OSUCOM requirements for applicants. In addition, I was in an anatomy lab and observed the different parts of a human cadaver. Moreover, I did a mock interview with an Ohio State medical student. Furthermore, I learned some brain pathology and used a Harvey heart simulator. I also learned how to do intubation on a simulation dummy and use a laparoscopy box. I have met Dr. Quinn Capers IV in person for a second time. At the end of the MAPS event, I have asked and received contact information from medical students. Overall, I had a lot of fun and learned what medical students at OSU experience on a day to day basis.

6. What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. The Alchemist is an inspirational novel about pursuing one’s dreams. This is one of the quotes from the book: “It’s a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend (dream). It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth.” I read and annotated this book for my 12th grade English class. In addition, this quote summarizes the universal law of attraction. Dreams materialize when people act on them.

7. Tell us one thing interesting about you that most people don’t know?
I have 1.7 + million energy points on the Khan Academy website. 

8. If you couldn’t be a doctor, what would you want to do?
I would be an elite mathematician, ethical hacker, and biologist for the Department of Defense (DoD) or, Department of Health and Human services (HHS). The NSA, CIA, FDA, and NIH would be areas I would love to work at. 

9. What has been your biggest obstacle as a premed and how did you (or are you) overcome it? 
My biggest obstacle as a premed was my general chemistry 1 course, I took during the spring 2019 semester. This semester was my first 18 credit workload. It has been an exciting and demoralizing experience. I struggled immensely in my chemistry course. I managed to pass with a C. Talking to my mentors about my experience helped me. In addition, introspection and staying positive about the class is why I passed. 

10. What do you like most about Diverse Medicine?
What I like about Diverse Medicine is, that is a website that connects premedical students together. I never knew a website like Diverse Medicine existed. In addition, a medical student sent me a link to a Diverse Medicine webinar. Moreover, I did an internet search and created a Diverse Medicine account.

Are you a premed? Join Diverse Medicine now. It's free!