We had the good fortune of connecting with Woodly Dominique and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Woodly, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success can be defined as many different things. Success for me is how you tend to feel regularly. Life is changing so often that we can feel like we are on top of the world some days. Other days you don’t want to wake up. It all comes from within, and are you at peace with where you are, and if you are not, are you actively working towards that goal.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what sets me apart from others is my ability to connect with others. Coming to medical school, I did not know what to expect from my classmates, professors, or school. I do not regret the decision at all. Being an ambivert myself, I can understand how hard it can be to talk to someone who is not being responsive or someone all over the place. With all the interactions that I’ve had, I can adjust accordingly and get a connection. I am excited about starting these next two years of medical school when I start training in the hospital. During this time, we have been learning many basic sciences and pathophysiology of common diseases. When you start med school, people tend to think that you start working with patients immediately, but you got to learn the information first. We are currently preparing for a big exam called “Step 1” which is the first of many exams that we need to take on the road to becoming a physician. After graduating from high school, my goal was do become a registered nurse in medicine. After my sophomore year of high school, I enrolled in a nursing program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). This allowed me to graduate high school with both my diploma and a two-year nursing degree as an LPN. Becoming an RN was most favourable, considering that I already had my LPN license. However, my focus shifted after my first chemistry lab. Attendance was crucial and onerous studying, along with my ability to grasp, helped me comprehend an incredible world that is otherwise unseen. A new realization set in, science became a love language for me, and I became fascinated with everyday processes. While in my last year in university, I participated in Pre-Professions Health course offered at FAU, where I had the opportunity to shadow eight physician specialities for a total of 45 hours. During this time, these physicians embodied a famous quote my pre-med instructor engraved in me, “If you love what you do and do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” I also had the opportunity to shadow and build a relationship with Dr. Lamontagne, an internalist who showed me why she loves what she does. Since that the rest has been history. This path I choose is not easy at all, but I wouldn’t change it. Every day I wake up, I remember what is motivating me. Before coming to medical, I heard countless people say that you should not be doing it for the money, and I agree 100%. I have seen innumerable examples of my classmates going above and beyond academically and in the community. I have learned many lessons in the last year of 2020. I am not the same guy I was before, and I know it is the same for others. One lesson that I learned is you want to treat yourself as your own best friend. You can’t expect anyone to treat you how you want to be treated unless you do it yourself first. The second lesson that you want to choose people to hang with based on character finds dependable people who will be with you during your lows to take them with you when you are at your highs. The last lesson that I learned is that you are never by yourself. Everyone has their daily struggles with life, but some people choose not to share it and harbour it independently. Doing that makes you feel strong temporary but, long term is it damaging, and it is better to talk to someone or even journal.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday- We would go to my friend Ravi’s House and then go to local restaurants in the area (Studying) Tuesday- Tour of my school, play some ping pong go back to my house, and relax (Studying) Wednesday- Go to a local state park (Studying) Thursday – Study Friday – Paulina’s Mom Throws a Party Saturday – Take him to the local ice cream shop that makes their ice cream from scratch Sunday – Church
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Alden Rocher
Instagram: www.instagram.com/playzdoc
Image Credits
Ravi Soni