UA Little Rock Student Gains Hands-On Medical Experience Through UAMS Summer Program

University of Arkansas at Little Rock student Lydia Thomas took another step toward her goal of becoming a physician this summer through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ Pre-Medical Summer Scholars program, gaining hands-on clinical experience while preparing for medical school.

Thomas, a Little Rock native, participated in the program to strengthen her preparation for the Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, a standardized exam used in the medical school admissions process, while gaining a better understanding of the medical profession.

“I applied to the program because I wanted to become more prepared and competitive for medical school, but I gained much more than academic preparation,” said Thomas, a biology major with a chemistry minor. “The mentorship, clinical exposure, physician interactions, and guidance from medical professionals gave me a clearer understanding of the path ahead and strengthened my confidence that I am pursuing the right career.”

Thomas spent her mornings volunteering on a surgical floor at UAMS, where she transported patients to pre-op, assisted patients’ families, and saw how surgical teams operate. Her afternoons included MCAT preparation, professional development, and conversations with physicians, residents, medical students, and admissions representatives. She also gained hands-on experience through ultrasound and suturing labs.

The program gave Thomas her first opportunity to shadow a physician in a clinical setting. She especially enjoyed shadowing a surgical oncologist, which helped her further explore her interest in oncology and surgery.

“Seeing the combination of patient care, teamwork, and problem-solving made me even more excited to pursue medicine and look forward to experiencing clinical rotations during my third and fourth years of medical school,” Thomas said.

She said her coursework at UA Little Rock gave her a strong foundation for the academic side of the program, particularly its focus on MCAT preparation. Courses in anatomy, physics, biology, General Chemistry I and II, psychology and organic chemistry covered subjects she encountered while studying for the exam.

Courses such as Organic Chemistry I and II, Microbiology, and Human Anatomy have also challenged Thomas to develop new study methods and focus on understanding and applying material rather than simply memorizing it. She said those experiences have helped her become a more disciplined and adaptable student as she prepares for medical school.

Thomas has also received support through the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program. She credited Donaghey Scholars directors Dr. Jessica Scott and Dr. Simon Hawkins with helping guide her through important decisions about her classes and degree plan. She also works with Donaghey mentors Nistha Neupane and Maria Waite, who have supported her journey toward medical school and helped her navigate challenging courses.

The Donaghey Scholars program has also supported Thomas’ research experiences, including helping fund an opportunity for her to present research at an American Chemical Society conference in Atlanta.

Beyond Donaghey Scholars, Thomas has spent the past year conducting research in Dr. Wei Zhao’s lab, where she has grown as a researcher and received opportunities including a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship grant, travel grants, and Signature Experience Grants. She also credited organic chemistry professor Dr. Juliette Rivero with supporting her academically and helping secure funding for her research presentation.

“Her discipline, resilience, and focus on her goal of becoming a medical doctor set her apart as one of my most dedicated students,” Rivero said. “Lydia is a wonderful representation of our Trojan community, and I’m very proud of her. I have no doubt that the same drive will carry her all the way to becoming a great physician.”

Thomas said the support she has received from faculty and mentors across campus helped shape her experience at UA Little Rock and given her confidence as she pursues her goals in medicine and research.

“Each of these mentors has supported me in a different way, whether through academics, research, financial support, mentorship, or simply believing in me,” Thomas said. “Their encouragement has given me opportunities I might not have had otherwise and has helped me become more confident in myself as a student. More importantly, they have helped me realize that I belong in spaces where I can pursue both medicine and research, and their support has played a significant role in the person and future physician I am working to become.”

Thomas is also involved in several campus organizations, including the Student Government Association, Pre-Health Club, McNair Scholars, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the American Chemical Society, and Art Club. She said those experiences have helped her build leadership, communication, organization, and time-management skills that proved useful while interacting with medical professionals during the UAMS program.

The summer experience ultimately strengthened Thomas’ decision to pursue medical school and gave her a clearer picture of the career she is working toward.

“Overall, this experience strengthened my decision to pursue medical school because it allowed me to see medicine in a real-world setting,” Thomas said. “I left the experience feeling even more certain that I want a career where I can work directly with patients, be part of a healthcare team, and use my knowledge and skills to make a difference in people’s lives.”