Rafael Olivieri-Ortiz, 26, of Puerto Rico, is graduating from UConn School of Medicine on May 8. After Commencement he’s entering residency training at UConn for internal medicine and University of Texas – Austin for diagnostic radiology.
Q. Why did you choose UConn and what drew you to medical school?
A. In my undergrad years, I had the opportunity to shadow different fields of medicine. Seeing how these doctors were able to use their skills to help patients was what drove me into medical school. While interviewing for medical schools, UConn immediately felt like home; it was a no-brainer to come here.
Q. Did you have a favorite professor, class, or part of the curriculum?
A. One of my favorite things about the curriculum at UConn is the early exposure to the clinical setting. Contrary to traditional schools, where you first see patients in your third year, you have the opportunity and responsibility to start seeing patients just a couple of months into school.
Q. What activities were you involved in as a medical student?
A. I took on a couple of leadership roles within the school, most importantly within the student body government, where I was treasurer. Additionally, I participated in a number of different research projects throughout my four years at UConn.
Q. What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
A. One always second guesses themselves, regarding how well prepared you feel going into the next step. I was very surprised at how well I was prepared at UConn when I went to do electives at other schools where I thrived. I am genuinely happy and thankful to all of my professors and colleagues who helped me get here.
Q. Any advice for incoming medical students or those wishing to apply to medical school?
A. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Whether it is to faculty or to colleagues, here at UConn we help each other out. The sense of camaraderie here is second to none. And always remember to set some time aside for yourself; it’s a long road. It’s a long and difficult career, but, when you are given the best support and tools possible, it makes it manageable. There is not a more welcoming place to become a doctor than UConn!
Q. What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
A. While studying is important, enjoying your time is also important. Thankfully, there are many activities to do with your friends around the campus. Enjoy your time here.
Q. What will always make you think of UConn?
A. Whenever faced with difficult situations like the COVID pandemic or in a smaller scale, personal problems, I always felt there was someone at UConn whom I could reach out. I knew I would be met with empathy and support, helping guide me to reach my goals and become a well-rounded physician.
Q. What medical specialty are you entering?
A. I am entering residency in Diagnostic Radiology. I believe it is the coolest specialty out there and it will allow me to partake in the care of hundreds of patients on a daily basis.
Q. Who inspired you most to enter medicine and the diagnostic radiology field?
A. I owe my interest for medicine to my mentors in undergrad and my mom who is also a healthcare provider. My love for radiology started here at UConn and, particularly, with Dr. Michael Baldwin, who did most of the radiology teaching and became my mentor.
Q. What does UConn School of Medicine mean to you?
A. UConn to me is family. The camaraderie present at this school made me feel at home and welcomed. I knew that I could rely on my colleagues and superiors for help and guidance.
Q. How has attending medical school at UConn prepared you to be a future physician?
A. UConn has provided me all of the tools necessary to be the best physician I can be. Studying here during the pandemic taught me to adapt and be resilient, characteristics which are paramount in this long career.
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. I am very proud to be part of the UConn family and to be associated with an institution that works to improve public health.
Q. What’s it going to be like to finally walk across the stage and get your M.D. this May?
A. I can already imagine the day I get labeled as Dr. Olivieri-Ortiz. It is definitely a lifetime achievement; those long days and nights of sacrifice and studying finally pay off! I am also very excited for what is to come, as our journey does not end here. Thanks UConn!
UConn Health’s Commencement is May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.
