Britta (Bunell) Black
First Rotary Scholar at the WSU College of Medicine
Match Day - Class of 2025
Family Medicine, University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital
Celebrate the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine’s fifth annual match with us. Each year, graduating medical students are paired with residency programs and residents are paired with fellowship programs across the country, taking the next step in their journey to become independently practicing physicians in their specialty of choice.
What led you to your specialty, and why this one?
I chose family medicine because I am passionate about serving my community, increasing medical access to underserved populations, and practicing preventative medicine. Family medicine will both give me the tools to care for people of all different backgrounds as well as teach me how to be a community leader. Everyone needs a primary care physician, and I am excited to step into that role for my future patients.
What have you been most proud of during your time at medical school?
I have been most proud of being a part of the Pasco High Mentorship Program and watching the program grow and impact the lives of high schoolers interested in health care professions in Pasco, Washington.
Who has been your most influential mentor during your medical training, and what did you learn from them?
My LIC family medicine preceptor has been my most influential mentor during medical training, as I learned how cornerstones of family medicine include advocating for patients, educating patients about their health and about their medical options, and serving communities by understanding social determinants of health that impact the lives of patients.
How do you hope to make an impact as a physician?
I aspire to be an empathetic physician who enters into collaborative partnerships with her patients in order to best serve their health needs.
What innovative medical technology or treatment are you most excited about, and why?
The incorporation of AI notes dictation excites me because I think it will help alleviate some of the burden of paperwork that so quickly leads to burnout!
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at the college?
The MedProms that were held in first and second year when everyone would gather together and take a break from the challenges of school.
What advice would you give to incoming medical students?
Work hard but have grace for yourself, because medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. There WILL be challenges along the way, and when you can have grace for yourself and trust that you will learn from the mistakes you make and will be stronger and more resilient as a result, you will enjoy the process so much more. Don’t wish the time away—it goes quicker than you think! And medical school is the time to explore and discover what you’re passionate about—take advantage of the time you have now to do so.
https://www.bellevuesunriserotary.org/rotary-scholarship/