Cassidy Dahn

UConn School of Medicine, Class of 2012

I grew up in the very small, rural town of Oxford, Connecticut with my two parents and younger brother. I am very family-oriented, but was ready to go off on my own after high school. Now a first-year medical student, I attended New York University in the heart of Manhattan for the past four years and absolutely loved it. At first, it was a bit overwhelming to be in such a different environment, but I fell in love quickly. I enjoy the hustle and bustle, the stimulating setting, and the wide variety of foods, people, activities, and opportunities to learn. Energy and diversity are two characteristics that I also want to have in my future career. Whether I choose to pursue emergency medicine, pediatrics, or some other discipline, I know that I will never bore or tire of a career as a physician with its ongoing person-to-person contact.

A good team is composed of more than one good player. It works well and functions like a well-oiled machine. Its keys are good communication, ability to compromise, and a common goal. The qualities, joys, and lessons I have gained as a lifelong athlete will carry over into my career as a physician. One of my main attractions to UST is the interaction with classmates and friends who have similar goals and aspirations. I hope that we will make a change for the better.  One of life?s biggest injustices is that people do not have equal access to high-quality care. In my experience, the greatest contributors to poor health are a lack of education and resources due to poor living situations or habits. Patients always benefit from seeing a primary care physician regularly rather than waiting until disaster strikes. Most also benefit from the education they receive in the care of a good physician. It is my goal as a future physician to address these injustices by advocating for universal health care, access to all and quality care for all.