00:00:00:02 - 00:00:27:11
Victoria
Hello. My name is Victoria Todman, and I am a rising sophomore pre-med student at Centenary College of Louisiana. Today, I would like to take a moment to share with you my experience and engagement with LSU Health Shreveport’s Office of Student and Community Engagement. Doctor Thibeaux visited our campus during my first semester at Centenary and discussed the numerous programs her office coordinates to help students prepare for medical school.

00:00:27:13 - 00:00:46:15
Victoria
She encouraged all of us to email her and set up an appointment for medical school advising to discuss steps necessary to become a competitive medical school applicant. While I wanted to be a doctor since I was old enough to know what doctors were, I assumed it was too early to be contacting people at medical schools. I was wrong to assume.

00:00:46:17 - 00:01:13:13
Victoria
When I met with Doctor Thibeaux for the first time, she encouraged me to complete the LSU Health Shreveport Office for Student and Community Engagement Student Action Plan. This form details a prospective student’s relevant experiences, goals, and timeline for completing the application process in medical school. In our advising meetings, she reviewed and discussed my strengths and weaknesses and recommended the institution's programs that would address those areas.

00:01:13:15 - 00:01:38:19
Victoria
Whenever I reached out for any reason, her office responded promptly, offering valuable advice and motivating me to reach my full potential. Their welcoming atmosphere encouraged me to return and ask for help time and time again. One of the programs Doctor Thibeaux recommended was the UGRAP program, an eight week research program. I was drawn to the program for two main reasons.

00:01:38:21 - 00:02:07:01
Victoria
Firstly, because it would provide me with a valuable opportunity to conduct clinical research and build connections. And secondly, because I had heard amazing things about the program's impact. I applied and received acceptance into the program. My mentor, Doctor Solitro, has been incredibly patient and kind. For my research project, I work with CT scans, building 3D models of bones to gain measurements for predicting fracture risk.

00:02:07:04 - 00:02:31:21
Victoria
This is both clinically applicable and fascinating, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn so much about the intricacies of CT scanning. The most amazing part is that I get paid to participate in this phenomenal opportunity. I recommend this program to anyone interested in applying to medical school, especially at LSU Health Shreveport, as research like this can strengthen your medical school application.

00:02:31:23 - 00:02:37:02
Victoria
I feel one step closer to achieving my dream of enrolling at LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine.