Cindy Nguyen on entering a Med School/Master of Public Health Program
Are you wondering how to get into medical school? What better than to hear from someone
who was just accepted into an MD-MPH program! We are featuring LSU students at different
stages in their medical career, from getting accepted to entering rotations. We begin
with Cindy Nguyen, LSU Distinguished Communicator Medalist and recent graduate with Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Cindy shares her insights from early academic struggles, identifying the right career
path, prepping for the MCAT, medical school interviews, and general tips on making
it into med school. (Transcript below.)
Listen to the full episode below, and subscribe to LSU Experimental on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn or anywhere you get your podcasts.
Additional Resources
- Follow @nguyen_cin on Twitter
- Cindy Nguyen's website
LSU Experimental is a podcast series that shares the research and the “behind the scenes” stories of LSU faculty, student, and alumni investigators across the disciplines. Listen and learn about the exciting topics of study and the individuals posing the questions. Each episode is recorded and produced in CxC Studio 151 on the campus of Louisiana State University, and is supported by LSU Communication across the Curriculum and LSU College of Science. LSU Experimental is hosted by Dr. Becky Carmichael and edited by Kyle Sirovy.
Transcript
Becky Carmichael
[0:01] This is LSU Experimental, where we explore exciting research occurring at the Louisiana State University and learn about the individuals posing the questions. I'm Becky Carmichael. Pre-med is a popular major issue, but how do you prepare for medical school and what's it like once you're there? We are highlighting former LSU College of Science students in different stages of their medical career, from those that are just getting started to others that are in their final stretches to learn what it takes to succeed. First, we visit with Cindy Nguyen, Spring 2018 graduate who recently was accepted into an MD MPH program. Cindy tells us about her early struggles and identifying the right career to learning how to actually navigate that path. She also tells us about prepping for the MCAT, her medical school interview, as well as other tips for her success.
Cindy, how are you?
Cindy Nguyen
[1:02] I'm good. How are you?
Becky Carmichael
[1:03] Good. I'm so glad you had time to sit down with me.
Cindy Nguyen
[1:06] Thank you for having me here.
Becky Carmichael
[1:08] Of course. I really wanted to bring you in and get to be a part of this special episode as a LSU alumni, as well as someone who pursued the Pre-med path and just recently was accepted.
Cindy Nguyen
[1:27] Yeah.
Becky Carmichael
[1:27] What school have you received your acceptance for?
Cindy Nguyen
[1:29] To LSU New Orleans.
Becky Carmichael
[1:31] This is a big deal!
Cindy Nguyen
[1:33] It is.
Becky Carmichael
[1:33] Awesome!
Cindy Nguyen
[1:34] Super exciting!
Becky Carmichael
[1:36] So if you would for our listeners, can you tell me a little bit about your background? What brought you to LSU and why the Pre-med path?
Cindy Nguyen
[1:46] Right. So I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, so I kind of always knew growing up that I would attend LSU. When I got here, though, I didn't start on this Pre-med path right away. I was more or less confused for the better part of two years, you know? But after I did some self reflection, and I looked at what I really wanted in life and what my interests were, you know, it was science and service. So I looked at that, and I knew that I had to be Pre-med and that I wanted to go to med school. So I graduated in May 2018 with two degrees in Biology and Sociology. And I'm currently working as a physical therapy tech.
Becky Carmichael
[2:28] Oh my goodness. So why physical therapy tech? How does that help you in this path?
Cindy Nguyen
[2:33] Right, so I'm taking a gap year right now before I enter into med school, and I wanted to find a job that would give me more clinical exposure. So I asked around and tried to find other jobs as a medical assistant, perhaps with some doctors. But in the end, I decided to be a physical therapy tech, because I saw that you got a lot more patient interaction, and I just learned a lot more being in this job than I would in anything else.
Becky Carmichael
[3:02] So you mentioned something that, you know, after some self reflection, it was all about science and service.
Cindy Nguyen
[3:08] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[3:12] Can you tell me what was your inspiration around those two ideas that led you here?
Cindy Nguyen
[3:17] Right. So I was always, you know, good in science, and I always liked it. So when I first entered LSU, I started out in biological engineering. After, you know, just one semester in that I realized, you know, maybe this isn't for me, but I'll stick with it. Maybe if I take some more exciting classes, maybe I really do like it. In my second semester BE class, we had to write our final paper on what we would do with this degree. And I had no idea what you could even do with an engineering degree, you know? So that made me kind of realize that, you know, maybe engineering isn't the place for me. But I really did like the science classes that I had taken, you know, up to that point. So, you know, I'm just going to stick with science, but maybe just switch over to just biology. And then I didn't really start becoming involved in service organizations and projects until kind of the after part of my sophomore year. So really, the biggest turning point for me was when I went on a medical brigade to Nicaragua with global brigades. So we spent 10 days in Nicaragua, you know...
Becky Carmichael
[4:25] Oh wow.
Cindy Nguyen
[4:26] Helping over 1,200 people with their medical care with any teeth cleanings, fillings that they might need. We had a pharmacy set up there so people could get their medication. So that... I think that was really an eye opener for me, and it made me realize that, you know, service is something that I'm very interested in. And it is what I wanted to do.
Becky Carmichael
[4:53] I found, like, that experience allowed you to test out a couple of different areas within the health field.
Cindy Nguyen
[4:58] Right, right. You know, so it's not just service, it's also that science aspect of it, too. You know, I loved learning about the different fungal infections that they had; the diseases that they had, you know? So you can serve people in a number of ways, you know? You could teach. You could be a social worker. But I think it's, you know, the culmination of those two things in the medical field. That's what really interested me.
Becky Carmichael
[5:23] From this experience... So kind of doing your Pre-med work here at LSU, finding this aha moment that led you to this... If you had to create a checklist for other students on key important things to do as a Pre-med student, what would be maybe your top three things you would want to share? You can have more, but if you had the three things, what would be on that checklist?
Cindy Nguyen
[5:48] I think the biggest thing for me was building a relationship with my professors. You know, you can do well in a class, and you can make straight A's or A+'s, whatever. But if you don't have a more personal relationship with these professors, if you're not constantly going to see them during their office hours, if you're not talking to them outside of class, they can't write you a good recommendation letter. And that's something you really need to get into med school. So at LSU, we have a Pre-med committee that will take recommendation letters written by professors and bundle them up into a large Pre-med committee packet is what they call it. So for them to write a good letter on your behalf, you have to have good letters from your professors. So I think I chose professors that I really knew outside of the classroom. They knew my name. They knew my face. We talked a lot. So I think having that really benefited me in the end. So that's one thing.
Becky Carmichael
[6:48] Was that intimidating to develop those relationships?
Cindy Nguyen
[6:53] I don't think so. No, because I think you naturally find professors that you click and vibe really well with. So for me, because I was in two major pathways at Biology and Sociology, I chose three biology professors whose classes I loved. You know, I loved vertebrate physiology, microbiology, and neurology, or neurobiology. So in those classes, I did try a lot harder, you know, to get the grade that I got. In those classes, they weren't A+'s, either, you know, but I did see these professors outside of class to kind of really understand the material, you know, and they appreciate someone who is willing to come in just to learn. Not to learn for the test, but is willing to learn the material because you're interested in it. So I don't think that was intimidating at all. And then I also picked up a Sociology recommendation letter from one of my professors. And she really helped me out through a lot of things. She was actually the one that convinced me, you know, to pursue the second major, pursue the second degree. So, you know, it was easy for me to talk to her and ask her for this letter.
Becky Carmichael
[8:01] Nice. Okay, so developing relationships with your professors, what's another thing that would be on your checklist?
Cindy Nguyen
[8:07] I think... just to get involved in something. It doesn't have to be service related, medically related, or anything like that, just something that you're very passionate in. Admissions committees like to see that. You know? They like to see that you have passions outside of just your schoolwork, you know, so if you can find an organization, a club, that you really enjoy being a part of and really devote your time to, I think that's something you can check off.
Becky Carmichael
[8:36] Okay. Do you have a third that you would say? Or are those your top two?
Cindy Nguyen
[8:44] I mean, you know, GPA and MCAT, these are a given, you know? But I really think those are your top two, just anything to show that you're a person outside of your numbers and your grades and stuff like that. So developing connections with your professors and just having interests, you know?
Becky Carmichael
[9:02] What does medical school seem to value or emphasize most for students that are applying, and what steps did you take personally to prep for applying to medical school?
Cindy Nguyen
[9:16] I think the most important question that they want from their students or applicants, they want their applicants to know exactly why they're going to medical school, you know? So they ask you... I think one of the first interview questions I was asked was, you know, why medicine? Why not this or that, or anything else you could do that is service oriented or science oriented? So I think in preparing to answer this question, there was a lot of self reflection and trying to understand why am I on the path that I'm on? And do I want to continue on this path? I'm only four years into my undergrad. There's another decade in front of me, can I actually pursue this? Do I want to pursue this? So there was a lot of self reflection in preparing for that. I'm trying to answer that question.
Becky Carmichael
[10:06] Did you have a surprise... Was this a question that was asked during the interviews? Or was this something that came in the packet, like when you were on like a packet that you were filling out for this application?
Cindy Nguyen
[10:16] So it's kind of both? So the LSU Pre-med committee does ask this question. I think the question might change from year to year, but the committee also wants to know, why medicine? Why should we put all this time and energy into writing your packet if you don't know exactly why you're going to medicine or why you want to do this? So I prepared for it, you know, in that time, and then it was also asked in my interview.
Becky Carmichael
[10:42] What other kind of questions did you have asked? Do you mind sharing any of those other questions?
Cindy Nguyen
[10:47] So as I mentioned earlier, I work in a physical therapy clinic. I'm a PT tech. So this was like one of the weirdest questions I got. He asked about the job, and you know, why I got that job to begin with? So that was standard questions, and then he asked me, "Do you prefer knees or hips?" And I just sat there for a good three seconds, and I just stared at him. And then I asked him to repeat it, because it's such a weird question I thought I misheard it. So he asked me again, "Do you prefer knees or hips?" So on the spot, I chose one and I rolled with it, you know. So I told him, I preferred knees. And when you're thrown a question like that, you think about it a little bit, but if it's such a weird question, just pick one, roll with it, and actually convince yourself of the answer that you chose. So I told him, "You know what, I prefer knees." So, you know, of course, he asked me, "Why? And again, in that moment, you have to really convince yourself and this interviewer that you really do prefer knees over hips. And I said, "Well, in my job, I think it's easier for me to help rehabilitate someone who has come in with a knee injury. It's easier for me to see, you know, with hips there are so many muscles and what not going on there, so it's a little bit harder. And it's... Yeah, it's harder to target rehabilitate those kinds of people, but the ones who come in with knee injuries are a little bit easier for me to work with. It's easier for them to understand what's going on as well." And yeah, that was my answer to that.
Becky Carmichael
[12:27] That's some quick thinking.
Cindy Nguyen
[12:29] Yeah.
Becky Carmichael
[12:29] I think the other thing that you did was asking them to repeat it.
Cindy Nguyen
[12:33] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[12:33] Because I do think that it's important to be open and honest, when maybe you don't think that you heard something correctly. Just to say, yeah, repeat that. It also gave you a few more seconds to really think about it.
Cindy Nguyen
[12:45] Because I think I did hear him correctly the first time. I just needed those couple extra seconds to think about it, so I covered with asking him to repeat it.
Becky Carmichael
[12:53] I like that.
Cindy Nguyen
[12:54] It was a good question.
Becky Carmichael
[12:56] So as a dual degree...
Cindy Nguyen
[12:58] Yeah.
Becky Carmichael
[13:00] What part of that really helped you? Because a lot of times we hear you know, the Pre-med, they're going straight science.
Cindy Nguyen
[13:06] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[13:08] Did you find a benefit in having the second degree for you pursuing this path?
Cindy Nguyen
[13:13] Yes, absolutely. So I love taking my biology classes, chemistry, not so much. But I kind of needed a break from the science every now and then. So even in my first few years, before I pursued this dual degree, I would take some sociology classes, psychology. I took a poetry class, anything to kind of break up the monotony of science class after science class. So it was interested in, you know, social sciences to begin with. But when I actually pursued this dual degree, I think it really helped out. And it helped me to see the two sides of humanity that I really enjoyed, you know? So I do like the science of medicine and just understanding, you know, what are humans like? What are their bodies like? How do we function? But also, in sociology, you really understand why we make the decisions that we do. How do we cooperate and interact as a society? So you kind of get a different perspective on things, and I think that was really beneficial for me in my application, but also just for me as like a person and someone who likes to wonder about these things in life.
Becky Carmichael
[14:30] With the career that you've elected to take, you're going to be interacting with so many different individual people on an individual basis, but then also as a collective and thinking about what's been known previously, how has medical issues in society, what does that look like, potentially it's going to help you in the future in that way. Can you tell me about any challenges that you have faced during this process and how did you mitigate them? How did you deal with that?
Cindy Nguyen
[15:03] Let's see. So academically, I think one of my biggest challenges was taking the MCAT. That test is a killer. So by the time that I took it, I was already set on, you know, medicine, and I was taking my classes a lot more seriously. But then I took the MCAT, and maybe I didn't take that as seriously as I should have. I was doing well in my classes. So I thought, you know, I've been getting A+'s in my classes, this should be a breeze. I should just kill the Bio Chem section. I got to that, and when I got my score back, it wasn't exactly where I wanted it to be. So that was a tough hurdle to kind of jump over and to really get back into the swing of things and not to be so overconfident, you know? So having to study for it a second time, and just, you know, the second time studying it, you're not as motivated, I would say. At least I wasn't because I'd already gone through these books once, you know? I've seen them this material before, I don't want to do it again. But I had to really push myself to study for it a second time and to study better and find better study habits. Study smart, not hard. You know, you don't want to study 14-16 hours a day. I could only do maybe about eight hours, but I wanted to make the most of those eight hours. Yeah, so really prepping for it the second time. That was a big challenge for me.
Becky Carmichael
[16:46] So you've mentioned this twice in this short time.
Cindy Nguyen
[16:49] Okay.
Becky Carmichael
[16:50] And so, I would like to kind of tease this out. You've said, when I started to take my studying seriously or started taking my classes seriously... So for those students that might have hiccups along the way, would you say that you've had some hiccups?
Cindy Nguyen
[17:10] Yes.
Becky Carmichael
[17:10] Yes. I think it's important to kind of highlight that, you know, if you've had a hiccup, that you can still successfully achieve your goal, right?
Cindy Nguyen
[17:20] It's definitely not the end of the world to get a C in one of your classes, you know? Most people will get a C, and they'll try to find ways to retake the class, maybe try to do better the next time get an A. Or they'll think, you know, this is the end of line. I got a C. I can't continue to pursue this. Well, you know, I got three C's in my college career. So those were really big hiccups. But in a way, I think that helped me out during my application process, because there's, yeah, those first few years were rough. The second two years, that's when I started making the straight A's and to the admissions committee, they really liked seeing that kind of upward trend, you know, kind of the midpoint of my college career, that's when I really matured. And they like to see that.
Becky Carmichael
[18:16] And I think that ties back to with what you said about, you know, when you're interacting with professors. There's a difference when someone is coming into your office, because they're wanting a particular grade versus somebody who wants to have a conversation about the topic, and they really want to learn. And I think that that in both of these cases, this upward trend, because initially starting in college is difficult. It is a big change, but figuring out what you really want to do, and then finding the motivation to bring that up.
Cindy Nguyen
[18:46] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[18:47] And then proving that to others is really critical.
Cindy Nguyen
[18:50] Yeah.
Becky Carmichael
[18:51] I have a couple of questions. I don't have just a couple questions. I have a lot of questions. You mentioned a little bit about, you know, this struggle with the MCAT. Was there any resources or services that you found here on campus that were particularly useful, and how did you incorporate those in your time here?
Cindy Nguyen
[19:11] I think... I didn't really use any services provided here, but I think campus just offers a great place to study. You know, I needed to get out of the house. I can't study my own room, because my bed is right there. I see it, I'm sleeping. But I really do love this, you know, some of the areas on campus. So I love studying in the Center for Academic Success in Coates, I really loved that area. It's nice and quiet. Not many people know about it. So no one can really disturb me, and they have a lot of whiteboards and markers that you can ask to use. So that was really helpful for me. Highland coffee, I loved that place. You know, it was a good place to get coffee and just kind of do some of my readings, you know, so I think being on campus was, you know, very important to my studies.
Becky Carmichael
[20:00] Some students go from graduating from undergrad and they go straight into med school. You elected to do a gap year.
Cindy Nguyen
[20:06] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[20:07] Can you tell me... Tell us why, and how has that been beneficial for you?
Cindy Nguyen
[20:10] Okay. So the application cycle is an entire year. So if you wanted to go into med school right after undergrad, you would have to start thinking about it and applying and just researching, getting your letters of recommendation, get all those ducks in a row, your junior year. You know, so in my junior year, I was in the process. I had emailed some of my professors. I asked them if I could come by their office to continue talking about possibly getting a letter. And then one night, it just hit me that I was not ready, you know, for this entire process. I didn't even take the MCAT yet. I hadn't even started like this... the AMCAS. I was only looking to find these letters of recommendation, but even that was too much for me. And I don't think at that point that I was at my best. And I'd just kind of be wasting a year trying to apply when I didn't think that I would get in at this point. So in that moment, I knew that I just had to put it off for another year. And I think that was one of the best decisions that I've made regarding this process.
Becky Carmichael
[21:27] The gap year, I think that can be valuable. I mean, it gave you a break, too.
Cindy Nguyen
[21:30] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[21:31] This has allowed you to take this position as a PT. Is it a PT intern or assistant?
Cindy Nguyen
[21:38] PT tech.
Becky Carmichael
[21:39] PT tech? So that has had that's allowed you to have some experience interacting with patients.
Cindy Nguyen
[21:44] Right. Even before I get in med school, I'm getting all of this extra clinical knowledge and skills that I wouldn't have gotten in, you know, by going into med school immediately.
Becky Carmichael
[21:55] That's awesome. So I imagine that... that med school is going to be really stressful, right?
Cindy Nguyen
[22:04] Mhmm, right.
Becky Carmichael
[22:05] Have you started to think about how you're going to manage... kind of manage your time so you don't get overwhelmed? Or do you already have things that you do to, kind of, maintain your overall mental health.
Cindy Nguyen
[22:21] Right. Um, so to de-stress, I really like to exercise. So not necessarily running, but just any other form of exercise, anything to get me up on my feet and do something active and away from whatever the stressors are. I think that's a good way for me to de-stress. And just getting involved in any kind of artistic endeavor. So I really like writing poetry. And I think that's a great way for me to just, you know, let out all my feelings, but in a really creative way that allows me to kind of reflect before I start writing about, you know, what I really want to discuss. You know, having a support system is also super important. So that's why I did apply to LSU New Orleans, because it was so close to home, and my family's an hour and a half away. So if I... if it ever gets super tough, I know I can just come back home, or I can call them and they'll be there for me.
Becky Carmichael
[23:18] And that's wonderful. It's good to have that support system, whether it's family or close friends or just something that where that... they're going to be your cheerleaders through this, because you're going to need... you're going to need cheerleaders. You're going to need coaches to help you out. So I can't let you go without asking you this. You've mentioned reflection has been really important for you in trying to find your way and figure out what you wanted to do as well as kind of be quick on your feet to answer those questions.
Cindy Nguyen
[23:47] Right.
Becky Carmichael
[23:47] So you graduated, not only with the two degrees, the dual degrees, but you also graduated as a distinguished communicator.
Cindy Nguyen
[23:55] Mhmm.
Becky Carmichael
[23:57] Yes, it is a shameless plug on my part. What was it about that the program that you found beneficial in particular for your medical pursuits?
Cindy Nguyen
[24:08] I actually talked about this on my application to med school. So on the AMCAS, you get to designate three of your experiences as your most memorable, most valuable, the most important experiences to you. And the distinguished communicator program was actually one of mine. And so I wrote that I think being in this program was the first time that I was... that I had a mentor. And that was you.
Becky Carmichael
[24:39] Awww.
Cindy Nguyen
[24:39] Yeah. So I think that was super important. And you really helped me through like the entire process, and just... not even just applying to med school, but also just in my undergrad career and helping me decide what I wanted to do and what are the resources I can find on campus. You really helped me out with that. So that was one of the things that really helped me. But as for the program itself, I think, you know, making this electronic portfolio, I was able to... I think the interviewers got to see it before they came into the interview, so they kind of already had a good idea of who I am. And they knew exactly what kinds of questions they wanted to ask me, you know, so they can read my application on paper, but at the same time they can go to this portfolio and see pictures of me and see better descriptions of the things that I did, you know? Because on the application, you're limited to like 300 characters, you know, not even words. So, I mean, the portfolio, you also have to be concise, but you know, I had a little bit more room to play, you know, I'm not restricted to characters. And also, I think the classes really helped me to in... You know, you're learning these different communication skills and modes, so written skills were really important for me while applying I needed to write a personal statement and have it make sense, make it flow. I had to really tell a narrative, and I think taking classes that required me to write helped with that as well. The classes that emphasized spoken communication, you know, are super important during interviews. So for interviews, you do want to prepare, and you do want to kind of really reflect and study. But at the same time, you don't want to go into the interview, you know, with, I guess like index cards. You don't want to memorize your answers. You still want an active ongoing communication with this interviewer. So I think, really, I think taking the classes that emphasize spoken communication really helped with this. And then, again, technological kind of plays into the portfolio. And for visual, I don't think that helped me as much during this application process, but I do think it was a great skill to have. You know, maybe in the future, I'll do research in Med school, and I'll have to present posters. And I think I could use some of the skills that I've learned here in this program doing that.
Becky Carmichael
[27:14] I was gonna tell you, it was exciting and a real pleasure to work with you.
Yeah, it and it's your undergrad. And honestly, I could see your growth. That was
one thing that I got excited when I knew I was going to get to see you that day. Because
you were going to tell me something cool that you were doing.
Cindy Nguyen
[27:23] Awww. Right.
Becky Carmichael
[27:40] And it was also something that has been a pleasure to see your growth in how well you can articulate yourself and these ideas, as well as the way that you have developed your thoughts process too. So I've, yeah... I have enjoyed every moment, and I was secretly like, "I'm going to get Cindy to come in and talk to me, so I can hang out with you a little bit more." Is there anything else that you would want to share with someone listening to this episode? Any
other advice that we didn't touch on or something else that you thought or you want to restate?
Cindy Nguyen
[28:25] Yeah, I just want to tell everyone again, that just, you know, finding something that you're passionate about is super important. Again, it doesn't have to be medically related. You don't have to show that you're a 4.0 student 528 MCAT score. You don't have to be this perfect student to get in, you know? I definitely wasn't. But because I was able to show the admission committee that I was passionate about medicine and I was passionate about service and had interests outside of this, you know, that made me more well rounded and just defined person. I think that's what they're... That's what they're really looking for, you know. So yeah, just emphasizing that again.
Becky Carmichael
[29:03] Awesome. Cindy it's been a pleasure. Thank you so much for doing this with me.
Cindy Nguyen
[29:08] Thank you so much for having me here.
Becky Carmichael
[29:11] This episode of LSU Experimental was recorded and produced and CxC Studio 151, here on the campus of Louisiana State University, and is supported by LSU's Communication Across the Curriculum and the College of Science. Today's interview was conducted by me, Becky Carmichael, and produced by myself and Kyle Sirovy. Theme music is "Brambi at Full Gallop" by PC3. To learn more about today's episode, ask questions, and recommend future investigators, visit cxc.lsu.edu/Experimental. While you're there, subscribe to the podcast. We're available on SoundCloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play. And you can also check out behind-the-scenes photos and other information on Instagram and Twitter @LSUExperimental.