An Open Letter to Our Readers

Dear reader, 

I hope to one day become a pediatric physician, providing healthcare to underserved children, one of society’s most vulnerable populations.

During my first few years of life, I had countless ear infections that ultimately resulted in ear tubes. As a result, I saw my pediatrician more than anyone else (well, besides my parents, of course). My pediatrician, Dr. Grand, was always very talkative, approachable, and thorough; she worked until age 70 because of the love she had for her job and her patients. Dr. Grand and my frequent doctor’s visits are motivational factors that have led me to pursue a career in medicine.

Although my passion for medicine originated at an early age, it was only during college at UC Berkeley that I discovered a strong interest in the field of education. This passion led me all over Berkeley - from classrooms and discussions to pre-schools and healthcare/tech startups. I have engaged in coursework and practical applications and discovered that a physician has an impact both as a healthcare provider and as a teacher. 

Afi Health is one platform I’ve engaged with in pursuing my passion for healthcare and education. We are a student run non-profit that aims to ameliorate the lack of available pediatric patient-focused resources. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, captivating tools to help children and families better understand and take control of their health. At Afi Health, I frequently draw on my experiences working with children, which range from babysitting for neighborhood kids to tutoring at local elementary schools. By applying the knowledge from these experiences, I have helped to create interactive and engaging scripts for our videos on topics including cystic fibrosis, how the heart functions, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. 

 As I dedicate my time to this cause, I remember that physicians themselves are teachers responsible for explaining diagnoses, clarifying medication instructions, and answering patients’ questions. I hope to bring my desire to educate and empower patients to my career in the medical profession.

As I am currently applying to medical school, for matriculation in Fall 2020, I know  I am at the beginning of my medical journey, but I am so excited for what’s to come. My goal, of merging my passion for healthcare and education, into my profession as a pediatric physician, is all because of the work I have been able to do with this fantastic organization. 

Sincerely and with love, 

Alyssa Haag, Content Development Lead