Hannah Rusinko, who was diagnosed with Tourette syndrome as a child, believes her calling in life is to help children who are in the same position that she once was.
鈥淲hen I was diagnosed, I had never heard of the syndrome, nor did I know anyone with it,鈥� she said. 鈥淎lthough I was blessed to have great family and friends, I felt like no one truly understood what I was going through. As the years went on, I learned to accept my diagnosis.鈥�
While in college, Rusinko met a doctor of osteopathic medicine who showed her the exact type of doctor she wanted to be.
鈥淪eeing the way she interacted and cared for her patients, and the way she treated them as more than their symptoms, was so amazing,鈥� she said.
鈥淭hat same mentor was a and spoke highly about the school. I was lucky enough to have had multiple options to choose from, but ultimately 黑料传送门 rose above the others.鈥�
Starting medical school during COVID was not easy for Rusinko and her peers, but they made the most of the difficult time.
鈥淭o have a great group of supportive and caring friends going through that crazy journey with me made all the difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 am very grateful for the people 黑料传送门 has brought into my life.鈥�
In addition to the 黑料传送门 community, Rusinko is motivated by many others in her life.
鈥淭here is inspiration around every corner,鈥� she said, referencing the children she works with, the Tourette community, the female doctors who paved the way, and her parents, who both fought and beat cancer.
In June, she will begin her pediatrics residency at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. As she embarks on this new journey, she has a few parting words for those who come after her.
鈥淒on't compare yourself to others鈥攅ver,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t the end of the day, you know what is best for you, so don't let others' opinions derail you. Study hard, but make sure to prioritize self-care and the things that make you who you are.鈥�