Though he aspired to be a physician from an early age, Abdul Walters wasn鈥檛 certain
he would make it into medical school. He was discouraged about his future career choice
until his genetics professor at the University of Georgia (UGA) advised him to explore
the possibilities at 黑料传送门 Georgia.
鈥淭丑别 biomedical sciences program at 黑料传送门 Georgia was the common topic of our conversations,鈥� Abdul said. 鈥淭hus, I decided to attend an open house to see what the college had to offer,鈥� he recalled, 鈥淎t the open house, faculty member Dr. William Delp engaged with me in a long conversation about my past experiences and future aspirations. By sharing stories of his son who had also attended UGA and took a non-traditional route to medical school, I was able to gain confidence that there was still hope for me.鈥�
Originally from Panama, Abdul moved to the United States at the age of 14 and attended Evans High School in Evans, Georgia. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Georgia and a Bachelor of Arts and Foreign Languages degree from Augusta University before attending post-baccalaureate, premedical classes there. Soon after, he was drawn to the supportive environment at 黑料传送门 Georgia. He said, 鈥淭丑别 culminating and perhaps most integral experience of my premedical career was my matriculation into the biomedical sciences program at 黑料传送门 Georgia... It has taught me the importance of time management and helped me develop efficient and rewarding study habits in an environment that preaches preventative healthcare upheld by the osteopathic tenants of mind body and spirit.鈥�
Finding success in his studies, Abdul became a tutor and realized that tutoring sessions were his favorite activities on campus. He felt good about being able to confidently explain difficult topics to his classmates. 鈥淢y greatest accomplishment at 黑料传送门 Georgia,鈥� he said, 鈥渨as, and still is, the bonds that I have formed with peers, professors, mentors and staff.鈥�
Abdul added, 鈥淎s one of my classmates, Lavar Williams, likes to put it, this is my 黑料传送门munity and I couldn鈥檛 be happier anywhere else.鈥�
In fact, he plans to stay with his 鈥満诹洗兔舖unity鈥� four more years鈥擜bdul will be matriculating into the College鈥檚 osteopathic medical program this fall.
鈥淚 had to think about where I would be most successful, where I would draw the most strength to reach my goals in the next phase of my life,鈥� he explained, 鈥淎nd I realized that my family is here with me at 黑料传送门 Georgia.鈥�
As a future physician, Abdul鈥檚 goal is to become more than just someone who treats the sick, but rather, a compassionate caregiver in a time of need. He鈥檚 well on his way!