Amy Yu
(She/Her/Hers)
Class of 2026
Home city and state: San Diego, CA
Undergraduate study: University of Southern California
B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
Student organizations and affinity groups
- Pediatrics Interest Group
- Feinbakers
Why did you choose Feinberg?
So many good reasons to come to Feinberg! Firstly, I had heard wonderful things about the faculty here, and those I had met and chatted with personally were incredibly warm and encouraging. Feinberg is constantly exposing you to other medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians who are a few steps ahead of you in the long journey that is medicine, and all of these people are eager to help you grow. Finding a good mentor is so crucial, and there is no shortage of mentors here who are already built into the academic curriculum for you; you'll have different clinical skills preceptors, research mentors, and even a "college" mentor who guides you through all four years of medical school. I knew that at Feinberg, I would be able to find compassionate mentors who actively cared for me and my growth.
Secondly, I love research (specifically behavioral research with an interest in pediatric obesity; please reach out if you find this interesting at all!), and there are so many opportunities to get involved in scientific discovery here. Every student is required to be involved in an AOSC research project, but if that isn't enough for you, there are summer research opportunities, and even the option to do a fully funded year of research if you are interested in something like that.
Lastly, the start and end of being a good physician is exceptional clinical care, so finding a medical school that will give you clinical experiences as early as possible is so important. I knew that ECMH would allow me to actively learn by example and directly care for the people of Chicago. From week 1, Feinberg really immerses medical students in the hospital and clinic settings, where you will practice all of the clinical skills you need. In each of these areas, Feinberg has proven to be very thoughtful in preparing students to be well-rounded physicians!
What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting medical school?
Prior to coming to Feinberg, I had never been to Chicago and did not know anyone in the Midwest! My entire social network was back in southern California, and moving across the country has definitely been an adjustment. Ironically, I live closer to the water now than I ever have, and the Feinberg Family (inclusive of the faculty, staff and students) has made it so easy for me to find a new community; one with a tight-knit group of intelligent, kind and incredibly collaborative peers and mentors. For those of you nervous about moving to a new and unfamiliar place, don't be! We are here to welcome and take you in, and Chicago will start to feel like home in no time.
Topics I can discuss with prospective students:
- Campus Life
- ECMH
- AOSC
- Student Wellness
- Academic Support (studying, learning)
- Research
