I'm anglo, but if it's any consolation, whenever I say I'm studying medicine, people ALWAYS (particularly older men) assume that I'm studying nursing. I've actually had to repeat myself several times and say "you know, a DOCTOR!!" for them to understand. I think (certainly in Australia) that it is more of a gender stereotype than a racial one.
I work part time in a nursing home, and I've had families of residents treat me like dirt until they find out I'm studying med, and then suddenly I'm the authority on everything. It makes me sick how people treat others who they think are inferior to them, but it also annoys me when they treat me better when they find out I'm in med. It's not as if that makes me a better person!

I was just wondering if there are any other Latinas out there? I'm a second year medical student at a DO school. Is there anyone else that i can connect with out there???

hi dre1207 iam a latina living in nyc. Iam dominican born and raised in manhattan, tell me about yourself and feel free to pm me or email me. I would love to hear your thoughts on med school and the impact it has had on u.hope to hear from u.

I'm a black, American female. I will start DO school this fall.

You go, Rose!
I am also an African American woman. I am in my junior year..finishing my UG in Molecular Biology. I must say that some people have a hard time believing that I am pursuing a career in medicine as a doctor and not a nurse or billing clerk..or I have even had people ask me if I process medical claims...go figure that one out! :twocents: :rotfl:

Wow. This post continues on. That is fabulous. I posted first in this topic of women of color back in January 2003. And here we are 1 1/2 years later. You go girls. As I said back then

"I am a woman of color. I am black. My children happen to be biracial. My husband is from Germany/Irish-Welsh descent. We are like the United Nations in my family"

I am a practicing pediatrician in an emergency room in a suburb outside Chicago. My family has now grown! I now have 2 boys: 5y and 3 1/2 years and a cute little girl age: 3 mos. :rotfl:
Peace out.

Rugratdoc,
I am happy for you. I am now trying to get where you are. When did you have these kids; I mean what stage in your career?
I want to hav ekids too but I am so not sure if the time is right and I am literally scared!

Hello there! I am black also but of African descent. I understand exactly what you are all talking about. My own sister who has a PharmD degree thinks I should settle to something less becuase it is too hard/difficult. Recently I had to quit my job to pursue a research opportunity just for the summer and there was not once did she say follow your dreams. All she was worried about was why I am quitting a good paying job to do this. It can really be hard sometimes but I draw my strength from sisters like you! Thank you!

Hi Sethina,
I am Ghanaian as well. Wow, that is exciting!

Dana, I my eyes filled up with tears reading your post. Thank you for sharing. At times the journey is so hard for people like you and me, you feel no one can understand what you are going through. I too share your background. it makes a big difference if your are the first american generation, first to graduate from high school, first to go to college, first to graduation from college. My parents, who are immigrants did not make it past the 7 grade. so coming from an uneducated background only made things harder than the fortunate premeds whose parents are educated. Many of household issues had to be carried out by me. Do you know what it feels like to have to read letter, attend events, and meetings because your parents have a hard time reading adn understanding english. Better yet do you know how it feels to want to study but cant because there is no room in your house to study. this is just a speck of the difficulities and hardships. But I always look at it this way. My parents made here in a country they knew nothing about to provide a chance for the next generation (Me). My hardships is like theirs, just in a different way. I know I am still lucky at times to even pursue my dream this far. it is my duty to continue to strive for the next generation. failure is not an option.