Paul matches into General Surgery at Tripler

Paul , an MS4 student at the University of San Francisco School of Medicine, who recently matched into General Surgery residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. 

Raised in Guam and an alumnus of Guam High School, his healthcare journey began on the island. He trained as a certified nursing assistant during high school, worked at the Guam Regional Medical City, shadowed at the American Medical Center, and participated in volunteer work.

Paul reflects on his years as a medical student, stating the intense but transformative experience.  “Looking back, it’s something I couldn’t have fully understood as a pre-med,” he reflected. Medical school, he shared, is a unique journey that fosters deep self-discovery, teaching students how to think critically, communicate effectively, and work both as leaders and team members. 

But the journey isn’t without its challenges. Paul candidly shared his struggles with imposter syndrome, especially when surrounded by peers who are achieving remarkable things.  Moving to the States further added to the difficulty, as he had to navigate the complexities of the medical school system while living miles away from his home and family, quickly learning to adapt and be independent.

The grueling schedule, often involving six- or seven-day shifts can also be daunting. Despite these difficulties, he finds fulfillment in moments that remind him why he chose medicine. “Sometimes, just a patient interaction or a small success can remind you why you’re doing this and make all the hard work worthwhile,” he said.

Empowered by his experiences in medical school, Paul prepares to venture into general surgery residency training. He acknowledges how the operating room’s focused, collaborative atmosphere—where everyone is united in solving a problem—drew him into the specialty. He also appreciated the hands-on nature of surgery and the immediate impact it allows him to make on patients’ lives.  Beyond the operating room, Paul felt a unique connection with surgical patients during their postoperative recovery. 

Seeing patients progress over days or weeks, especially after procedures for conditions like colorectal cancer, left a lasting impact on him.  “These patients put their lives in your hands, and you’re part of a team that’s guiding them through their healing,” he shared.  Influenced by residents who fostered a supportive learning environment, Paul felt that surgery offered him a balance of technical skill and deep, meaningful patient relationships.

When asked about his advice to students aspiring to pursue medicine, he emphasized the importance of finding and staying true to a personal path.  He notes that every applicant’s journey to medical school is unique, shaped by their interests and experiences. For him, club rowing was a significant activity that he dedicated four years to, helping him develop a strong sense of teamwork and commitment.  Further, his own clinical experience as a medical assistant on Guam allowed him to explore his interest in medicine more deeply. “What I did to get into medical school will be different for each applicant,” he noted, “but showing passion in whatever you do is key.”

Paul’s journey reflects growth, resilience, and purpose.  It’s a reminder that despite a challenging journey in medicine, meaningful patient interactions, new experiences, and personal growth make it all worthwhile. “Medicine is such a unique field in that your primary purpose, when starting off, is to care for patients. However, as you progress in your career and gain more experience, the way you help people will continue to evolve – whether that be through patient care, community engagement, mentorship, or advocacy work. You find these passions through the trials and tribulations associated with becoming a physician.”