My name is Allison Silverstein and I am currently a second year student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine pursuing an MD and MS in Genomic Medicine. As an undergraduate student, I remember sitting down with my mentor and discussing my concern about how to best find success as a woman in medicine. From the very moment she introduced me to AMWA, I knew that it would serve as an integral part of both my medical school involvement and future career. During high school, I volunteered for multiple summers at Camp Rainbow, a camp for kids with cancer and other blood-related diseases and disorders. My experiences there showed me how the power of medicine can help give patients back their chance to be kids and served as both an inspiring and motivating factor for my going to medical school. Upon entering medical school, I was fortunate to join AMWA and serve as the Region 4 Director last year and our Local Branch President this year. Whether in the pursuit of a research project about women’s health issues or struggling to fathom how to maintain work-life balance, AMWA serves as an indispensable foundation and support system. I look forward to continuing my involvement in AMWA on both the local and national levels as I grow as an aspiring Pediatrician. AMWA has already given me so much and I hope to have the opportunity to give back to new generations of students trying to find their own way in medicine.
