Michelle Tom
Little Colorado Medical Center
Winslow, AZ USA
"You’re going to fail at some things. You just are. That’s what life is. It just depends on how quickly you get up and how many times you’re willing to try to keep doing it."
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Michelle's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I wanted to take a sophomore level math class and someone told me that I shouldn't be there. He told me I should go back to beginner math. It was the first time I really remember someone telling me I don't belong. I did well in school and knew I'd be fine in the class. I went to my counselor and teacher to get a sign-off so that I could take the class. It was difficult to stand up for myself but I did it. I've since had others tell me I can't do things but I just keep standing up for myself.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Science
Arizona State University
Graduate Degree
Health Administration and Health Policy
University of Arizona
Doctorate
Medicine
Nova Southeastern University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I was born and raised on the Navajo Nation reservation in Arizona.
2.
I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do for a career, but I knew that I wanted to help my community.
3.
I played basketball growing up, and was able to afford college through a basketball scholarship.
4.
After graduating, I went on to earn my master’s degree in health administration and health policy.
5.
It took several attempts, but I was accepted into medical school at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida.
6.
I did most of my clerkships in Miami, Florida, then did a family medicine internship in South Hampton, New York, and completed the final years of my residency in New Jersey.
7.
I returned home and got a job as a doctor at the same hospital—which is now an outpatient facility—where I was born.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You can't take this class. You won't do well.
How I responded:
I wanted to take a sophomore level math class and someone told me that I shouldn't be there. He told me I should go back to beginner math. It was the first time I really remember someone telling me I don't belong. I did well in school and knew I'd be fine in the class. I went to my counselor and teacher to get a sign-off so that I could take the class. It was difficult to stand up for myself but I did it. I've since had others tell me I can't do things but I just keep standing up for myself.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I was a student athlete and a science major. It was difficult. I didn't have any friends going through similar experiences, so I felt very alone and discouraged. I struggled with some depression but I kept working and made it through.