Kai Holder
Class of 2024
Home city and State: West Orange, NJ
Undergraduate study: University of Pennsylvania, Political Science, B.A
Student organizations and affinity groups
- SNMA
- Global Surgery Student Alliance
- CHC Gyn Clinic
- Rose Health Access
- Destination Chicago
Why did you choose Feinberg?
I chose Feinberg for several reasons. As someone passionate about public health, Feinberg's four-year dual degree MD/MPH program was a big draw for me. Feinberg was one of the only schools I found that offered the opportunity to complete both an MD and MPH program in four years. I also love that Feinberg integrates early clinical experiences into the curriculum. ECMH has been one of the highlights of my year so far, and it has been great to interact with diverse patient populations and help inform patient care at such an early stage of medical school. Another reason I chose Feinberg was for the faculty mentorship. The attendings at Feinberg are immensely supportive and truly want medical students to thrive and fulfill their career goals.
What do you enjoy most about living in Chicago?
I love that Chicago is a city made up of unique and diverse neighborhoods. On the weekends I try to find a new neighborhood to explore, and since I'm a big foodie I often find a local restaurant or cafe in the area. Feinberg is also located next to Lake Michigan and I enjoy walking by the lake with friends as a study break.
Describe your path to Feinberg
I had a non-traditional path to Feinberg but enjoyed every step along the way. I majored in Political Science as an undergrad with a focus in International Development. From my coursework, I found that I was fascinated by global health and the social determinants of health, and I decided that I wanted to pursue a medical career. I also took two gap years before medical school. During my first gap year, I served as an AmeriCorps member at a network of FQHCs in New Jersey, and during my second gap year, I worked as both a medical scribe and a Community Health Worker. My previous experiences ignited my passion for public health, and I am ecstatic that I have the ability to pursue both Medicine and Public Health at Feinberg.
Topics I can discuss with prospective students:
- Life in Chicago
- ECMH
- AOSC
- Student Wellness
- Academic Support (studying, learning)
- Campus Life
- Student Organizations, Affinity Groups
- Non-traditional students
