Dr. Jessica Dauphin’s path to becoming a physician is one of pure grit and perseverance, fueled by a passion to not only care for her community but forge the way for others like her to follow. Born and raised in south Florida, her journey was filled with many challenges, rejections, and moments of self-doubt. However, through sheer determination and an unwavering passion for medicine, she has overcome these obstacles to become a compassionate and dedicated family medicine practitioner.
From a young age, Dr. Dauphin was drawn to the field of medicine through her love of science and the human body. She was further encouraged and inspired to pursue a career in healthcare by her family after witnessing her father complete medical school in the United States after his academic credits from an international medical school were not accepted. Early in her pre-medical career, Dr. Dauphin faced numerous setbacks, including rejection from post-bacc programs and struggling with standardized tests like the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). However, Dr. Dauphin never wavered in her determination to become a physician. Her journey took an unconventional turn when she pursued her medical education at the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in Mexico. Despite the challenges Dr. Dauphin experienced as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) returning to the United States to practice medicine, she shares how grateful she is for the experience. She recalls how her difficulties presenting patient cases to attending physicians in Spanish during medical school developed her ability to address the need of Spanish speaking physicians here in New Mexico. A skill that has allowed her to complete full visits with Spanish-speaking patients during her residency program which has fostered language inclusive environments for patients and reduced the workload on hospital translators. As an IMG, she remembers her frustration and hardships obtaining licensure in the United States. Dr. Dauphin details how she took the heartbreak she experienced after failing a United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) board exam to propel her forward in her academic efforts to where she now serves as a tutor to help students succeed in their board exams.
One of the pivotal moments in Dr. Dauphin’s journey was her decision to specialize in family medicine. Her draw to family medicine stemmed from the ability to have a diverse scope of practice and provide holistic care to patients of all ages. A decision that has been solidified during her residency program where she has thrived, serving as the residency program’s previous social medical coordinator and member of the wellness committee. Her dedication to fostering community extends from her fellow residents to her patients, often being found visiting patients who have been admitted to the hospital and callings to check in with patients during the weekend.
As a firm believer in paying it forward, Dr. Dauphin actively engages in volunteer work, providing medical services to underserved communities and mentoring aspiring physicians, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in her efforts to inspire the next generation of physicians, particularly those who, like her, have had to overcome significant obstacles to pursue their dreams. She recounts her own experiences during her undergraduate years feeling sidelined by academic advisors to pursue a different career. An experience that drives her to provide resources to underrepresented and low socioeconomic students who do not have a support system to navigate becoming a physician. Currently, Dr. Dauphin provides mentorship to medical students through volunteering with local student organizations such as the Black Health Education Alliance and Family Medicine Interest Group at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Looking back on her journey, Dr. Dauphin offers valuable advice to her past self and aspiring physicians. She highlights the importance of perseverance and self-reflection. As well as a willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone with her phrase “be comfortable with being uncomfortable”. She encourages medical students interested in family medicine to explore the diverse opportunities within the field and not limit themselves to traditional outpatient settings.
Dr. Dauphin also acknowledges the challenges and sacrifices inherent in the medical profession, from the demanding workload to the emotional toll it can take. Yet, she finds solace and fulfillment in the relationships she builds with her patients and the impact she makes in their lives. As we close our article we leave you with Dr. Dauphin’s advice for the incoming interns, “Remember where you came and why you’re here! It is not easy and your mental, emotional, and physical capacity will be challenged. But if you keep your eyes on the prize, this too shall pass.”
Congratulations to the incoming intern class of family residents, we cannot wait to see the positive change in the world you will make!
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Faces of Family Medicine is a biopic project founded by Osteopathic Student Doctors, Anamaria Ancheta (OMS-I) and Marc James Thor Uy (OMS-II). Dedicated to uplifting the untold stories of the diverse workforce of family medicine, this biopic project strives to inspire the next generation of family medicine physicians.
If you are interested in sharing your story please reach out to them via email at familymedicinefaces@gmail.com.
About the Authors
Anamaria Ancheta is a first-year medical student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology from UC San Diego in 2021 and is passionate about increasing educational and mentorship opportunities for other Latinas through her involvement as a college mentor for MANA de San Diego and Vice President of the Burrell Latino Medical Student Association. As the daughter of two farmer workers turned military veterans she is dedicated to increasing access to healthcare services to those in rural and underserved communities as a future family medicine physician.
With her maternal family having resided in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico for over 80 years she was greatly inspired to serve as a New Mexico AHEC scholar. Through which, she has been able to share about her research on investigating the underlying factors of high cesarean section rates and adolescent pregnancies amongst Latinas in the border region. As an osteopathic medical student she believes in the healing power of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and serves as the president of the Burrell Student American Academy of Osteopathy Organization. In her free time, Anamaria enjoys capturing memories as a photographer.
Marc James Thor Uy, a New Mexico AHEC scholar, is deeply committed to making a meaningful impact in healthcare. He is a second-year osteopathic medical student at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, driven by a dedication to holistic wellness and community-centered care. With a master’s in public health nutrition from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s in microbiology from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, Marc James has a diverse academic background that enriches his understanding of health from various perspectives.
Marc James’s professional expedition has mirrored this diversity, encompassing roles such as Medical Assistant and Research Project Coordinator, alongside his volunteer work within healthcare settings. He has had the privilege of contributing to research endeavors focused on elucidating and enhancing child nutrition and family health behaviors. Outside of studying, Marc James finds fulfillment in community service and music, being trained in classical Opera and Broadway styles. His aspiration is to practice full-spectrum Family Medicine, advocating for its importance in addressing diverse healthcare needs. Through his dedication, Marc James aims to advance Family Medicine as a cornerstone of healthcare.
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