Linh Pham
Year Graduated: 
2018
M.D./Ph.D. Student
South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD Program)

Job description

I'm currently a student in the M.D./Ph.D. program at UT Health San Antonio (STX-MSTP) and the NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program. My medical education will be completed at UT Health San Antonio and my Ph.D. training will be completed at Oxford and the NIH.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

While my time at Humboldt was challenging, I have always felt well-supported by the teaching faculty. Faculty members were easily accessible when I had questions, treated me like a fellow colleague by valuing my input on projects, and were constantly passing opportunities my way when they felt the opportunities might be beneficial for me. The mentorship that I received from the faculty at Humboldt, more than anything else, is the number one reason why I have developed the skills and resilience needed to make it to and through medical school.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

My favorite thing about the biology department at Humboldt is the feasibility of getting started in research. Students who have never done research before can express interest in trying out research to faculty and graduate student teaching assistants, and then be put on a a research team within a short time frame. During my time at Humboldt, I was able to try out research in Dr. Mihai Tomescu's lab and Dr. Amy Sprowles's lab by simply talking to them. These opportunities on campus were important in helping me obtain paid research internships through Michigan State University and the NIH during my undergraduate summers. From mentoring and speaking to students from larger universities, I get the sense that the activation threshold for getting into undergraduate research is a lot higher at these institutions than at Humboldt. For that reason, I feel very blessed to have been a student here.

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?

Humboldt's biology department, as well as the chemistry department, have treated me well throughout my undergraduate education. I believe that future students will have a wonderful time here. In addition to being an amazing school, Humboldt is located in the middle of some truly unique places and communities. I think students who set aside time to immerse themselves in the area will find their ideas and perspectives about the world to be more diversified.

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