During her time abroad, Alexis experienced multiple facets of the medical field, including observing surgeries and dissecting cadavers. She states, “The best part is that I stood side by side with the doctors as everything took place.  The physicians are very responsive to answering any questions that the students had, and the process enabled every group to receive hands-on experiences in several departments and rotations.”  Alexis will continue her studies at UC Berkeley’s School of Letters and Science, where she will aspire towards her goal of becoming a naval trauma surgeon.

Hard Work, Dedication, and Perseverance, these are the words Alexis lives her life by. Alexis knew from the age of 3 that she wanted to be a doctor.  She kept this in mind throughout her years of schooling, first at St. Mary’s School in Fishkill and later at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, It was during her high school years, that Alexis really began taking the necessary steps towards making her dream a reality.  A hard worker, who knew she needed great grades, she loaded her schedule with AP and College courses that would give her the knowledge and exposure she needed.  In her junior year, she met with Dr. James Lyons from The Heart Center to discuss the premed/medical school process.  Dr. Lyons remarks, “Alexis is one of the most impressive high school students I have ever met. She is obviously very intelligent, driven, and mature beyond her years.” 

 

In the fall of 2014, Alexis earned the opportunity to attend a conference with the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists in Washington D.C.  Her Lourdes Physics teacher, Mr. Andy Scecina, nominated her for the program and the scholarship that allowed her to attend.   Alexis was chosen for the Ultimate Medical Internship in India that would take place in June and July, 2015.  This program is run through Youth Futures International, and was an outstanding opportunity for Alexis.  She states, “I was really interested in going because I am very serious about pursuing a career in trauma medicine.  In India, I experienced hands-on gross anatomy lab, where I dissected a full human cadaver. I was also able to observe several surgeries, which included: removal of the gallbladder, kidney transplant, removal of bladder stones, removal of kidney stones, and removal of cancerous tumors in the brain, pancreas, and prostate. I was able to witness a live vaginal birth and an emergency C-section, along with several other procedures. The best part is that I stood side by side with the doctors as everything took place.  The physicians are very responsive to answering any questions that the students had, and the process enabled every group to receive hands-on experiences in several departments and rotations.” 

 

During her time at Lourdes, Alexis took advantage of numerous extracurricular activities.  She was a part of Varsity Tennis and Track & Field, and even won the Section One First Place title for the Long Jump in her sophomore year.  In addition, she was very active in Spanish Club, took on a leadership role with the Ski Club, and volunteered in several community service projects.  She showed her academic prowess by being a member of the National Honor Society, consistently being on the honor roll, and winning multiple academic awards.  As a volunteer with Vassar Brothers Medical Center, Alexis was recently awarded a scholarship from the Auxiliary for her work there. Alexis is continuing her studies at UC Berkeley, College of Letters & Science. 

 

Alexis’ aspirations will lead her to her ultimate goal of becoming a naval trauma surgeon. She remarks, “I aspire to be a naval trauma surgeon because I believe everyone deserves an equal chance to survive. I know in this field I will gain a better understanding of the operative and non-operative management to treat traumatic injuries. Surgery is not just to quench my insatiable curiosity, but to benefit the patients and their families as well.  Seeing the doctors in India interact with their patients and the care that they give is something I will most definitely take away from this experience and use for my future in medicine.”

 

Alexis expresses gratitude for the amazing opportunities she has been afforded.  She is especially thankful to her parents stating, “My parents were selfless when considering their children’s education because it has positively impacted my future in medicine.  Providing the chance to attend St. Mary’s and Our Lady of Lourdes was the best thing they could have provided.  The unique nature of the Lourdes community lends itself to a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. There is always ample access to faculty and administrators, who truly care about your success. They are always willing to go out of their way to help the students achieve their goals. My time at Our Lady of Lourdes was a personalized educational experience which gave me the opportunity to make a difference in my community.”