Frederick Burton

• Why medicine?

Medicine was something I had to explore whether it was right for me. I didn’t come into college thinking I would want to become a physician but I attended SMDEP (now SHPEP) at Duke to shadow and learn about the different fields of medicine. Overtime, after a lot of self reflection, and some personal life events I realized that I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. 

• What made you join MAPS?

I joined MAPS in my sophomore year back in 2011. At the time there were only 3 or 4 people in the organization. However, two things really captured me and that was the Big Sib/Lil Sib event and the annual AMEC conference. At the big sib event I met my mentor Clifford Pierre, MD and at the AMEC I learned how this is a national organization where physicians, medical students, and pre-med students come together to support one another.

• Did you hold any eboard positions while in MAPS? If so, what was that like for you?

During Sophomore year I was Business Manager (Treasurer), Junior year I was Vice-President, and then Senior Year I was President.

• How did MAPS help and or shape you with the decisions you went on to making?

MAPS provided me with a community of people that supported me through the late nights of studying for chemistry and physics exams, the ups and downs of the MCAT, and discovering what the best path would be after graduation. MAPS also helped shape me into a better leader. Starting events for the first time such as March Med School Madness or Med Student panels one has to work well with a team to make things happen but also realize it may not be perfect, and that’s okay.

• If you can give any piece of advice to any of the undergraduate students of MAPS, what would it be? 

Find your crew, your mentor, and people that will have your back throughout this journey. There will be ups and downs and knowing that you can rely on those people and they can rely on you. Even if you have to do certain things on your own it’s good to know that people are out there rooting for you. Also, reachback and mentor someoneelse. You may not think you have much to offer but there is someone that is looking at where you are and would like to be there too. Make the path easier for them!

• What are some of the things you are doing now?

Currently, I am in medical school at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. It is definitely challenging but this has been an amazing experience and is everything that I worked for.