First-Gen to Future Neurosurgeon: Building Research, Mentorship, & Credibility

Home » First-Gen to Future Neurosurgeon: Building Research, Mentorship, & Credibility

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Highlight & Takeaways

Session 20

Ready to find your strength and community amidst the competitive demands of medical school? Join hosts Deana and Carlos as they sit down with Deondra Montgomery, an M3 at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (MSU CHM), about turning cultural shock and academic challenge into focused momentum. Deondra shares the profound emotional pressure of being a Latina/Black, first-generation student and the culture shock of moving from sunny Southern California to Michigan for medical school. She reveals how she overcame a “rocky” M1 year by strategically connecting with student groups like SNMA and LMSA, which became her vital support network. Learn the precise strategy she used to build a strong Neurosurgery portfolio without a traditional home lab, securing mentorship through cold outreach and advocacy. Whether you’re struggling with the transition to medical school, seeking competitive research opportunities, or navigating identity in medicine, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Deondra’s story proves that resilience, community, and strategic self-advocacy are the true blueprints for success in neurosurgery and beyond. What You’ll Learn:

The emotional and academic challenges of the first-generation student experience.
How to overcome M1 struggles and the culture shock of a major geographical move.
The Blueprint for Research in a competitive surgical specialty (Neurosurgery) when you feel “behind.”
Strategic importance of SNMA/LMSA for support and professional growth for URM students.
Key takeaways from M2 mini-rotations (ruling out Ob/Gyn, loving Internal Medicine).
How to stay true to your cultural identity while immersed in the medical world.

Full show notes coming soon!

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