Dr. Abraham Bankole

“I did not decide to pursue medicine until my sophomore year in college. It was nothing short of a divine touch in my life. Even though I only did things as they came, it felt like I was following some sort of blueprint. I became a premed and began my journey through med school. I ended taking the last administered old MCAT after studying for about 5 weeks. I rushed taking the exam because I did not want to take the newer and longer version of the exam. I went through the rest of the application process and got into med school at UTHSCSA. ⠀
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After my second year in med school, I took a global health trip to the Dominican Republic. There, I met a lot of inspiring people. I connected with people who helped highlight my passion for community engagement and mentorship. I have always loved mentoring and giving advice to people who are pursuing medicine, and hopefully, help them avoid the pitfalls and mistakes I made along the way. ⠀

Soon after, I created a YouTube channel as a way to share my experiences with a much larger audience. As an African American, there are not really that many of us in medicine- not enough to support other up and coming African Americans or other minority students who are also trying to get into medicine. I realized how important representation is, especially in medicine. Not just as a number or proportion, but also as people to be an inspiration to the next generation. ⠀
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It has been about 2 years now since I created the channel and I can say, some of the most impactful things I have done so far in my life have been through the channel. So many times, I have heard back from students through comments on the channel or direct messages, who have seen my videos and have been inspired by them. It has certainly been an added motivation and inspiration for me also. I see myself in the upcoming generation often and it drives me to go harder, to the best I can be, not only for them but also for my future patients, and my family. ⠀

Looking back on my journey so far, from undergrad, through med school and now residency, it still takes me by surprise. It feels ordained.”

Story: Nas Abdurrazaq, Photo: Sujaan Lal

Follow Abe on YouTube