Session 15

A Call From FAU That Changed Everything

For Alex Bishop, the moment came on May 17, 2024—a date he’ll never forget.

“I was working as a medical assistant in the clinic when I saw a missed call from an area code I recognized,” he said. “I thought, Oh my gosh, I think this is FAU.”

When he called back, his instincts were right: he had been accepted to the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, his top choice and home-state dream school. “That weight off my shoulders—it’s a feeling you never forget,” Alex said. “All the waiting, all the uncertainty—it was finally over. I knew I was going to medical school.”

It was the culmination of a journey that didn’t start on the premed track at all.

From Business Major to Biochemistry Scholar

Alex began college at Clemson University as a business major. “I took economics, and it just wasn’t clicking,” he admitted. “I remember sitting in class thinking, If this is what I have to do for the rest of my life, I’m out.”

So, he made a bold switch.

“I’d always liked the sciences—biology, chemistry, physics—and people had told me I was good at them,” he said. “I realized that’s what truly interested me.”

The decision wasn’t easy. “Everyone else was already two years ahead—academically and with extracurriculars,” Alex recalled. “But if you put your mind to it, you can catch up. You just need a strong support system.”

He joined Phi Delta Epsilon, an international premedical fraternity, which became a lifeline. “Connecting with other premeds helped me bridge that gap,” he said. “The more I immersed myself, the more I realized I could actually do this.”

By the time he graduated, Alex had not only completed all his prerequisites—he’d excelled, graduating with a near-perfect GPA in biochemistry.

A Transformative Gap Year in Vascular Surgery

Before starting medical school, Alex took a gap year—and it turned out to be one of the most meaningful chapters of his journey.

He worked as a medical assistant and scribe for the Vascular Specialists of Central Florida, shadowing five surgeons and assisting with wound care, minor procedures, and patient histories.

“I was entrusted with a lot of responsibility early on,” he said. “I helped remove sutures, assisted with wound care, and observed endovascular procedures. The hands-on experience was incredible.”

But it was the patient interactions that left the deepest impact. “I worked with people from every background—rural and urban, wealthy and underserved,” he said. “Florida is so diverse. That experience taught me how to communicate and care for patients on a personal level.”

The job also inspired his leadership in medical school—he now serves as president of FAU’s Vascular Surgery Interest Group. “It felt like a natural extension,” he said. “I wanted to use what I’d learned to help other students explore that specialty.”

The Research Race—and Finding the Right Mentors

When Alex started medical school, one thing surprised him: the intensity of the research culture. “I got there and realized how many of my classmates already had publications,” he said. “It was intimidating.”

So, he learned to network strategically. “A lot of students rely on cold emails—sending your CV and hoping someone bites,” he explained. “But the best opportunities often come from talking to students a year ahead of you. They connect you to their mentors, and then you pay it forward later.”

Through these connections, Alex joined projects at the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County, as well as a summer research fellowship at the Jewett Orthopedic Institute.

“Research teaches you how to think critically,” he said. “When you write abstracts, analyze data, and collaborate on a project, you’re learning how to ask better questions—and that’s what being a good doctor is all about.”

For students preparing to highlight their own research in residency applications, tools like Residency Essay Editing and Residency Mock Interviews can help refine how those experiences are presented.

Life at FAU: A Small Class and a Supportive Culture

With only 80 students in his class, Alex describes FAU as a true close-knit community. “It felt like a middle school dance at first,” he joked. “The guys on one side, the girls on the other, everyone nervous. But within a week, it felt like family.”

The school’s curriculum blends lectures with small-group, problem-based learning and a strong focus on wellness. “They really care about student balance,” Alex said. “We get time to study, but also time to breathe.”

FAU’s Wellness Committee organizes everything from meditation before exams to breakfast buffets on test days. “Even our faculty buy into the culture,” he said. “They’ll show up to serve breakfast or bring in food before exams. It makes a big difference.”

And, of course, there’s the setting. “It’s basically a destination medical school,” Alex said, smiling. “I live a mile from the beach. It’s easy to step outside, go for a walk, or just reset by the ocean.”

Fitness as a Way of Life

For Alex, wellness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lifestyle.

“I’ve been into fitness for years,” he said. “If I don’t work out for a few days, I get restless. It’s not just physical—it keeps me mentally sharp.”

Between workouts, studying, and research, Alex has learned to manage his time carefully. “When you’re studying something that matters to you, it’s easier,” he said. “Even if cardiology or GI isn’t your favorite subject, you have to find something to love about it while you’re in it.”

He’s also mastered the art of gratitude. “Every time I walk into the lab or clinic, I think about how lucky I am,” he said. “People would give anything to be in this position. That mindset keeps me grounded.”

Discovering His Path in Medicine

While Alex entered medical school with experience in vascular surgery, his interests have evolved. “I loved vascular, but a lot of those surgeries felt like temporary fixes for chronically ill patients,” he said. “It was hard to see that.”

Now, he’s leaning toward orthopedic surgery, where he can blend his love for anatomy, fitness, and hands-on care. “Helping patients regain mobility—to walk, run, lift again—that’s powerful,” he said. “As someone who values physical health, it feels like the right fit.”

He’s still keeping an open mind, though. “Medicine changes you,” he said. “What excites me today might be different next year, and that’s okay.”

Looking Back—and Paying It Forward

Reflecting on his journey, Alex has one piece of advice for future students: stop comparing yourself to others.

“It’s so easy to get caught up in what your peers are doing,” he said. “But your journey is yours for a reason. Every step you take—every challenge, every delay—pushes you toward where you’re supposed to be.”

He remembers the countless times he looked up to someone ahead of him and thought, Can I really do this? “And every time, I hit a point where I realized, Yeah, I can. Those moments keep me going.”

For anyone feeling uncertain about the road ahead—whether you’re switching majors, taking a gap year, or preparing for residency—Alex’s story is proof that persistence pays off.

“Don’t worry about where anyone else is on their journey,” he said. “Stay focused, stay grateful, and remember why you started. Every step forward means you’re already closer than you think.” — Alex Bishop

For students ready to take the next step in their journey, you can book a 1:1 Residency Advising Session with Carlos Tapia to get personalized guidance on career exploration, applications, and specialty decisions.