Alumni Update: Where are they now?
Name: Valerie Flores
Degree(s) Received: BS in Gerontology
Year of Graduation: 2008
Job title: Yale Medical Student
Company: Yale School of Medicine
Location (city and state): New Haven, CT
Please briefly describe your position and your company:
This fall, I will be attending Yale School of Medicine as a first year medical student.
Why did you choose to study gerontology at the USC Davis School?
As the granddaughter of two Alzheimer’s disease victims, I chose Gerontology as a major to learn more about the aging process. Now, I not only know more about the biological process of aging, but I also know more about age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
How did you learn about your current position? Was it through an internship, a previous job, or a connection through USC?
My undergraduate research professor, Dr. Albert Herrera, advised me to apply to Yale School of Medicine. I believe that his mentoring facilitated the medical school process, and ultimately led to my acceptance at Yale.
Please briefly describe how the USC Davis School’s curriculum helped prepare you for your current position.
With my Gerontology background, I feel that I have a better understanding of the biological process of aging. Furthermore, with my unique major, I feel that I am more equipped to inform other medical students about the social and biological aspects related to older adults.
What advice would you offer to a prospective student interested in studying gerontology at USC?
I would advise them to really consider majoring in gerontology. It is an up and coming field of study, especially with the current rise in the number of older adults. I have found gerontology to be a very rewarding, interesting field of study, and would recommend anyone interested in aging to pursue a degree in gerontology.
Return to Where Are They Now?
|
