Medical Student
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
I’m Serly Tomas, a 1st year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. I was born and raised in Kuwait. At the age of 17, I moved to the US by myself to pursue higher education. I faced significant challenges in adapting to a new culture and educational system away from my community. My involvement in the COPE Health Scholars Program, however, provided a valuable opportunity to work with immigrant patients, sharing similar communication struggles, particularly in the healthcare sector. Through engaging with patients and understanding their unique perspectives and cultural backgrounds, I gained insights into the nuances of medical care and communication. This experience has fueled a desire to improve healthcare quality and understanding within underserved communities. Additionally, I have been actively involved in community service, including tutoring pre-med students, fundraising for displaced families in Syria, and volunteering for war survivors in Armenia. Aspiring to be a physician, I aim to integrate these insights into my practice. During my first year in medical school, I have fallen in love with the intricacy of human anatomy. I am currently developing a project on improving foundational medical studies by creating a module for neurology through cadaveric dissections.