What does it take to navigate the path to medical school when you’re the first in your family to do it? Join host Deana Golini as she sits down with Katelyn (Kate) Addison, a second-year medical student at the UC Davis School of Medicine, first-gen American, and the oldest of 10 kids. Kate opens up about the imposter syndrome that comes with entering medicine without the hidden curriculum that classmates with doctor parents grow up around, and the specific tactics she used to close that gap. She credits her pre-health sorority for teaching her how to ask the questions she was afraid to ask, and building an Instagram page to stay accountable while studying for the MCAT, which connected her to a community of free resources and other students. She talks about working her way through college with a string of jobs, including driving a bus, instructing marching band at her old high school, and working as a medical assistant, and how each one built the balance and discipline she leans on now.
She shares her volunteer work at UC Davis student-run clinics serving the unhoused and migrant farm worker communities of the Sacramento area, and why mission fit, not prestige or cost, is what she tells people to chase first.
She also pulls back the curtain on serving as an MMI rater on the admissions committee, how being on the other side eased her own imposter syndrome, and what actually makes an applicant stand out once the stats are handled. She closes with the mindset that carries her: picture the person you want to be at graduation, and act accordingly. If Kate’s story reframes what it takes to belong in medicine, hit the like button, share your reflections in the comments, and subscribe for weekly conversations tracing the realities of the medical journey.
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I just received my admission to XXXXX! This is unreal and almost feels like I am dreaming. I want to thank you for all of your help with my application. I cannot overstate how influential your guidance and insight have been with this result and I am eternally grateful for your support!
IM SO HAPPY!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP, IM INDEBTED TO YOU! Truly, thank you so much for all your help. Thank you doesnt do enough.
I want to take a few moments and thank you for all of your very instructive, kind and consistent feedback and support through my applications and it is your wishes, feedback, and most importantly your blessings that have landed me the acceptance!
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I wanted to once again express my heartfelt gratitude for your help in providing feedback during my secondary applications. Your guidance has been instrumental in my journey.
Just wanted to share my wonderful news! I received my first medical school acceptance! Thank you for all that you do for us Application Academy!!!
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