After graduation this May 8 from UConn School of Medicine Jonathan “Jay” Harrell II, 27, from Altamonte Springs, Florida is entering emergency medicine residency training at University of Texas Medical School – Houston but shares how proud he is to be “a Husky Forever.”
Q. Why did you choose UConn and what drew you to medical school?
A. Medical school is difficult no matter where you go and that is why having a support system is critical. Being in the minority as a Black trainee in medicine can be isolating, but UConn’s Health Care Opportunity Program gave me the support I needed along the journey. I came to medical school because of the opportunities to serve the most vulnerable of our populations.
Q. Did you have a favorite professor, class, or part of the curriculum?
A. Dr. Lavern Wright is my favorite professor! She taught me the basis of all the clinical and diagnostic skills I learned at UConn and was a mentor through this arduous journey that I am forever grateful for!
Q. What activities were you involved in as a medical student?
A. I had the opportunity to be involved with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), whose goal is to promote and support underrepresented minorities in medicine. Also, I had the chance to work with the Emergency Medicine Interest Group, Christian Medical and Dental Association, and the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians Medical Student Council.
Q. What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
A. The people at this school are so friendly, and I had my misconceptions about how friendly it would be coming from the South. However, it was so great I ended up staying an extra year to do my MBA with my MD and even going into a new school the people were just as great. This is a tight-knit community, and I’m grateful for all the friends I’ve made along the way.
Q. Any advice for incoming students or those wishing to apply to medical school?
A. Keep up with your hobbies and find a partner to do them with. At UConn, somebody always likes doing some of the same activities you do. Staying complete and whole human is critical while studying hard, and you deserve to enjoy yourself in this phase of your life too! Mentorship matters. Having someone supporting me who took those steps before me gave me the resources along the journey to medical school and now residency! So know that at UConn, support and mentorship are here.
Q. What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
A. Go to a basketball game! The unity of this school around sports is evident, supporting their women’s and men’s basketball teams, and I have had a wonderful time cheering on our teams at Gampel and the XL Center this year!
Q. What will always make you think of UConn?
A. Growing up in Florida, I never really experienced Fall, but I have grown incredibly fond of it over my years here. The drive from Hartford to Storrs has some of the prettiest leaves you’ll ever see. So wherever I am next as Fall comes and as I take the first sip of piping hot cider, UConn will be on my mind. I’m a Husky Forever.
Q. What medical specialty are you entering?
A. Emergency Medicine is the specialty that grabbed my heart. Having the opportunity to have an immense variety in my day-to-day and being a space for all people to receive care is a gift. Also, the personalities of the people I work with make it even better! Going into Emergency Medicine, your job may go beyond the scope of being a physician who treats the physical, but that’s ok. That is why we’re called to medicine to treat the whole human being and their needs, physical and beyond.
Q. Who inspired you most to enter medicine?
A. My mom, Ferren Harrell, who has been a nurse for over 40 years with her compassion and care for her patients and people in general, inspired me greatly. Also, my Uncle, Dr. Ira Harrell, Jr., a surgeon, was one of my main inspirations and mentors on the way to entering this field.
Q. What does UConn School of Medicine mean to you?
A. UConn is a place where people matter. Although it is this academic center, the feel of the school and community make it feel tight-knit. I have lifelong friends, even a groomsman at my wedding! I am grateful for my time with my Husky Family.
Q. How has attending medical school at UConn prepared you to be a physician?
A. Attending UConn, I have gained clinical and diagnostic skills that will accompany me nationwide. This is due to learning from attendings and residents across an assortment of hospitals who take their time to make you the best future physician possible. These are also the same people who will mentor you in and outside of the hospital, which was critical as we needed each other during the throes of the pandemic.
Q. What’s it like to be part of UConn, the largest producer of physicians for Connecticut, and the significant impact its public service has on the state’s health, workforce and its people?
A. UConn is a special place; it focuses on providing care for all people, including the most vulnerable among us. For me, as a Black trainee, it was essential to provide support for those who had never had someone who looked like them treating them before. At UConn, I had the opportunity to do that and more.
Q. What’s it going to be like to finally walk across the stage and get your MD this May?
A. Surreal. I could not do an iota of this without my village. My wife has been everything and more to me over these years. Furthermore, from childhood to now, my parents have been my pillars through this journey. Without my family and friends, I would not be here. I didn’t do it. We did it.
UConn Health’s Commencement is May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.
