Tyra Banks '21Medicine (MD)

Name: Tyra A. Banks
Graduation Year: 2021
Major: Biology and Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies Double Major

Story: My story began in Liberia, a small coastal country in West Africa. Fortunate
to have access to care, at a young age, I noticed that many of my friends did not have the
same privileges that I did. So, eager to provide aid, I voluntereed with my aunt who
worked with sero positive adults and children in poor neighborhoods in Liberia. From a
young age, she was essential in exposing me first hand to the poor healthcare system that
existed in Liberia. This reality that many Liberians faced became more evident when
Ebola hit my country at 12 years old. As Ebola ravaged the streets of Liberia, I witnessed
the fragile healthcare system of my country further dismantle. The extreme poverty of
most Liberians, coupled with disease-infested slums heavily affected me as I painfully
watched ill-equipped measures bring carnage to my home country. Fortunately, along
with two of my sisters I was able to immigrate to the United States to continue my
education.

After I graduated high school, I chose to attend Gustavus where I had the
opportunity to shadow physicians and see a little bit of what healthcare looks like in a western setting.
The opportunities I received at Gustavus and post Gustavus further informed my decision of pursuing medicine.

I am eager to utilize this training to give back to Liberian communities as
well as other underserved communities. It is my hope to become a physician who will
serve as a resource in aiding the world in its prevailing health crisis by bridging the gap
between direct delivery of care and access to care.

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)
1. Patch Test Technician at Park Nicollet Contact Dermatitis Clinic 
2. Running a non-profit with my sister
3. Moments Hospice Volunteer
4. Pre-Health Exploration Project- shadowing physicians at the Mankato Clinic
5. Gustavus Track and Field (4 years)

Advice:
1. Do not be afraid to ask for help!! I was raised by amazing parents who taught me
the value of independence in a woman. Unfortunately, I became too independent
and often thought I did not need anyone. Good thing I was wrong because my
desire to seek out help opened many doors for me and forged many relationships
(professional and personal)!!

2. Do not fear failure, fear a lack of effort. If someone had told me as a college
freshman that I wouldn’t graduate with a perfect GPA or with a B on my
transcript, I probably would’ve cried! But you are SO much more than what your
transcripts say. I’ve learned in my short time on earth that no one remembers what
your score on your MCAT is or what GPA you have, but the impact you make on
the world and in your communities is forever remembered!

3. Utilize your resources and look for more resources whenever you can! Through
the AAMC, I was able to take my MCAT at a discounted rate and received the
blessing of applying to 20 medical schools for free!! RESEARCH, RESEARCH,
RESEARCH!! Don’t forget to ask Heather and Heidi if they have some resources
as well! In this case, quantity is as good as quality!!

Future Plans:
Attending Texas Christian University Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine, starting
Fall 2023. I am not sure what specialty I prefer yet, but I do have a little inkling for
dermatology!!