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Andrew Tai’s interest in research was nurtured while he studied biochemistry at Harvard College. He spent the next eight years in the MD-PhD program at Cornell University’s Medical School, learning about medicine, shadowing physicians and poring over laboratory findings.
“I thought for sure I would go into research,” said the 29-year-old Tai, who returned to Boston in May after graduating from Cornell. “But when given the opportunity, I found that I love patient contact.”
Like many medical students, Tai has found his path less than direct. “I even changed my research interests. I found mentorship to be the most important factor in choosing a lab to work in. Initially, I was interested in immunology but found myself studying the cell biology of inherited retinal disease.”
That same desire for mentorship and role models brought Tai to BWH.
“The number one reason I chose BWH above any other institution was to be a part of the housestaff,” said Tai. “This group offers a tremendous degree of intelligence, while at the same time creates a real feeling of collegiality.”
While working in Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT), Tai cared for extremely sick patients and learned to face and cope with extreme and emotional situations. His second rotation, in general medicine at Faulkner Hospital, provides a very different and varied experience.
“The difference between being a medical student and an intern is that the level of responsibility is much greater,” said Tai. “You’re really called upon to do much more. You are responsible for all aspects of a patient’s care. It’s a privilege.”