CHRISTINA WALLING

What did you do before acceptance to medical school?

I worked as a waitress at a local steak house in my hometown every weekend throughout high school and college. I have attended school my entire life. I graduated from high school, graduated from college, graduated from a Certified Medical Assistant program, and then I started medical school in January 2006! I have also worked in 3 doctor's offices. This was a great experience for me and allowed me to get some connections and experience in the medical field. I continue to work very closely with the pediatrician in my hometown because I want to be a pediatrician.

Why did you choose USESOM for medica school?

After taking the MCAT and receiving my scores, I applied to medical schools in the US and in the Caribbean.  I was accepted to attend Meharry Medical College in the United States not long after I applied.  However, before I had accepted the position at the US medical school, I received a call from the University of Sint Eustatius.  I was given the opportunity to start in January of 2006 and I would only have to be on the island for 18 months. This would mean beginning medical school 6 months earlier than planned, and finishing the basic sciences one year earlier! I decided to attend medical school at USESOM, but I kept my seat at Meharry until I had completed my first semester on Statia.  I met some amazing people from the first day that I arrived here and the teachers and faculty were wonderful.  I was a little nervous about attending a Caribbean school in the beginning but I began to research more and talk to people, and once I started here, I knew that everything would be ok.

In what area of medicine do you plan to practice?

I would love to be a pediatrician working in my own practice back in Tennessee.

What are your best memories, favorite things, about medical school on Statia?

I have many memories of medical school and all the wonderful people I have met here.  I definitely love Fridays.  Since we began school here, a group of us have gone to the beach every Friday right after class until dark.  Then we all get ready and go out to dinner.  It allows us to talk about the week and relax before starting to study on Saturday.  Since first term our group has grown so much! I have very fond memories of the hyperbaric classes. Dr. Duncan (Kirkby) makes our work with patients at the hyperbaric chamber so much fun.  There is always something exciting going on there even after being there for 5 hours.  Never a boring moment at the chamber!!!

Will you return to Statia for a visit? 

I am definitely going to return to Statia. I have made many friends here and Statia is a beautiful island with some wonderful dive sites.  I have enjoyed my entire time on Statia in school and out of school, and am so thankful to the Statians for welcoming the medical students into their paradise.

(Christina Walling will graduate from the Basic Sciences program in Aug 2007 and return to the U.S. to begin clinical training.)

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