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Profiles

Name: Gene DeCastro
Class Year: 2012
Hometown: Queens, NY
Undergraduate Institution: Binghamton University
Degree: : BS, Biology
Hobbies: Creative writing, playing racquetball, and biking
Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski

What influenced your decision to pursue a career in Medicine?
The desire to practice medicine had always been there. However, over the years, several experiences with close family members battling chronic illness helped to sculpt and solidify my decision to become a physician.

What has been your most gratifying moment in medical school so far?
I shadowed a local oncologist and witnessed the indiscriminant nature with which cancer strikes. Each patient, with a unique constellation of illnesses and complications, required and received specifically tailored treatment. It was impressive and reaffirming to see the doctor's compassionate approach with patients yielding such positive physician-patient encounters.

What faculty or staff member has most positively affected your experience at Upstate Medical University thus far? Why?
Dr. Susan Stearns has been instrumental in maximizing my experience at Upstate. Having Dr. Stearns as an instructor during the summer anatomy course was invaluable. Her deep mastery of the subject matter, coupled with outstanding teaching abilities, made even the most challenging concepts palatable. Moreover, Dr. Stearns is my advisory dean. The supportiveness and encouragement she provides has tremendously eased my transition into medical school.

What has been your most challenging aspect of medical school thus far?
It may sound cliché, but the volume of material is immense. Also, each class may require different strategies to successfully approach it. Although as a student, you find yourself refining your study habits during the semester and becoming increasingly efficient.

If you could pass along any advice to an incoming Upstate Medical University medical student, what would it be?
Aside from attempting to absorb every bit of academic content hurled your way, take the time to develop yourself professionally and personally. It is very easy to become engrossed within the pages of text and forget that once we leave here, most of our days will be filled by interactions with patients and peers, not sitting in a classroom. Upstate is rife with excellent resources, insightful students, and supportive faculty to help you shape the physician you want to become.

What experience in medical school has surprised you the most?
Being a medical student at Upstate, I have gotten a better understanding of all of the opportunities that exist within medicine and how deeply we affect people's lives. The experience is transformative, and has given me additional perspective on what it means to be a physician.

What are your aspirations following medical school?
After graduation I plan to pursue a career in Oncology or Interventional Radiology.

What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy writing poetry and spending time with my family and friends.

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