Her medical education and volunteer work in the city of Detroit is leading Erica Huddleston to a career as a family physician dedicated to serving urban areas.

Ms. Huddleston, 25, is a native of Indianapolis, Ind. The second-year student now lives in Detroit. She completed her undergraduate degree at Indiana State University, majoring in Life Science. She then attended a master of science in medical science program at Indiana University/Purdue University Indiana.

Her research internship at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis led to the March 2007 publication of “Optimal End-Organ Protection for Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest” in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery.

Ms. Huddleston became interested in medicine at an early age.

“As a child, I was always fascinated by the doctor's medical equipment,” she said. “My pediatrician even allowed me to participate in my check-ups and fiddle with the tongue depressors and stethoscope. It was then that I decided that I wanted to be a doctor.”

She began taking part in job shadowing opportunities in a variety of departments. However, it was her experience in a pediatrics ward under the supervision of Dr. Francis Gray at Wishard Hospital, that she became interested in that field.

“Dr. Gray is an African-American woman who opened my eyes to the endless array of opportunities that are available not only for African-Americans, but for women in general,” Ms. Huddelston explained. “Dr. Gray had a special connection with each of her patients. She knew more about their lives than what was listed on the chart; she connected with them on a personal level. Her compassion and love for her career inspired me to want to be able to share that same personal connection with my patients. She showed me that medicine requires so much more than just textbook knowledge.”

Ms. Huddleston quickly knew she belonged at the School of Medicine. “Entering a class of 300 students was a bit intimidating. However, on the first day, I knew that this school was different. The sheer diversity of our class was outstanding, and the warmth and generosity of my fellow classmates has been amazing. I now feel as if I am part a family of talented future physicians.”

Her interest in attending the School of Medicine was piqued more than three years ago when she was informed about the facilities by an undergraduate premedical advisor.

“I soon began to do some of my own research on the school and found that it had many of the qualities that I wanted in my pursuit for higher education,” she said. “Not only was the mission statement in compliance with what I believed was necessary for a solid education and a successful career as a physician, but the diversity of the school and its students also provided a great atmosphere that was not available at other colleges and universities.”

Ms. Huddleston serves as co-coordinator for Covenant House Michigan, a shelter for homeless and at-risk youths that also provides GED and job training. She has also served as a mentor and tutor for the residents for two years. In addition, she works with the YDI Drug Prevention Program to educate elementary school students on the hazards of drugs. She is a member of the Black Medical Association and the PULSE Academy; the Social and Hospitality Committee; the SNMA National Conference Committee; Reach Out to Youth; the High School Apprenticeship Program; and the Health Unit on Davison Avenue Clinic.

Because of her SOM experience in the Detroit community, Ms. Huddleston has decided to continue her medical career in primary care as a family physician serving urban areas.