Yohanes Addis Gebeyehu
Role: M1 Student, St. Georges University
Other(s):
“I want to wake up. I want to affect people’s lives in the most intimate way possible. Getting to go to the hospital and be an integral part of a management plan and team is something I look forward to.”
I wish all readers and listeners a warm welcome to a new conversation in the NUFRIENDS Industry series.
Today, we will be spotlighting Yohanes Addis, an incoming M1 student at Saint George’s School of Medicine.
A shortened version of the conversation is provided below. Enjoy!
Elijah: Yohanes, it’s great to have you! Why don’t we kick off with a brief overview of your background?
Yohanes: Certainly, Elijah. I’m Yohanes, an immigrant from Ethiopia. Though I moved to the United States when I was merely nine months old, my roots in Ethiopia play a pivotal role in my identity, particularly in spaces where people who look like me are underrepresented.
Elijah: It’s interesting, Yohanes, how our paths crossed via basketball. Can we delve into how it has molded you and imparted life lessons?
Yohanes: Absolutely! I believe basketball is essentially a microcosm of life. On the court, you face situations that test your grit, just like in life when your car breaks down or your doctor’s appointment gets delayed. It taught me to be an excellent team player and a good follower. In fact, sometimes the best form of leadership is following.
Elijah: That’s a unique perspective. Now, could you draw parallels between what you’ve learned from playing basketball and how you approach your learning in the classroom?
Yohanes: Playing basketball honed my skills in taking directions, execution, and building relationships, all of which translate directly into the classroom. Just as on the court, in classrooms, my teachers are coaching me. Just as the relationship dynamics with the coach are crucial for a point guard, having positive relationships with my teachers bolstered my understanding of the subjects.
Elijah: In college, I noticed that students, myself included, didn’t leverage teacher’s office hours as much. Interestingly, you seemed comfortable with it. Particularly as one of the few people of color in those spaces, how do you navigate these interactions?
Yohanes: Being the only African American male graduate with a STEM degree in my class, I found office hours to be a ‘cheat code’ for effective learning. Building a genuine relationship with teachers by arriving prepared, asking insightful questions, and expressing genuine curiosity in learning opens doors to opportunities.
Elijah: Your drive and curiosity are commendable. Can you describe a time when you leveraged your genuine interest and confidence to your advantage?
Yohanes: Sure, I recall an instance in college when on a tour for a new recruit, I had a casual, yet insightful conversation with the recruit’s father, who turned out to be a physician. At the end of the tour, I asked if we could meet for coffee, where I could learn more about his field. Fast-forward, not only is he a good friend, but he also supported my application to medical school with a recommendation letter.
Elijah: That’s a fantastic story, Yohanes! What experiences shaped your outlook on life and influenced your journey into the medical field?
Yohanes: I attribute it to three things; being an immigrant, the semi-isolation of being an only child, and basketball. Being an immigrant provided me with a unique perspective which I carried through my life. As an only child, I always looked forward to being around people. And lastly, basketball taught me the importance of teamwork.
Elijah: Moving focus back to your home, what values were emphasized as you grew up and how did they mold your approach toward education?
Yohanes: Having immigrant parents who never went to high school yet worked tirelessly to provide a stable home instilled me with a strong work ethic. They also stressed the importance of education as a means to fulfill my dreams. This belief was my driving force through school.
Another pivotal experience was being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a sophomore in college. I chose to view it as an opportunity for learning and gaining a perspective on life which later shaped my interaction with patients. I am excited to see the advancements in curing autoimmune diseases, and I believe rigorous funding and research are critical.
Elijah: Very inspiring! When did you realize that being a doctor was the path for you?
Yohanes: Becoming a doctor checks all the boxes for me. I get to impact people’s lives in an intimate way. The field also provides financial stability. The chance to be an integral part of a patient’s journey, and being able to bring about tangible improvement in their lives is what I look forward to.
Elijah: As we wrap up this enlightening conversation, Yohanes, how does it feel on the brink of starting this exciting new chapter at St. George’s Medical School?
Yohanes: Thank you, Elijah. I’m looking forward to being around like-minded individuals, building friendships, and exchanging perspectives. I’m also excited to share my weekly experiences through social media at yohanes.rx. And finally, I hope my journey serves as an inspiration to all the aspiring future doctors out there to relentlessly chase their dreams.
Yohanes,
Welcome to the Industry.
Welcome to NUFRIENDS.
