Mind the Gap

Author | Lauren Crawford

Photography by Sophie Masson

Jasmine Harris always knew her future would involve medicine, but, prior to attending the U-M Medical School, she took a few gap years to better acquaint herself with the people she would one day help and the systems that treat them. She worked as a clinical research assistant at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and saw the world of pediatric emergency medicine up close; she also saw, through volunteering, how health disparities affect minority populations. And she knew she had to act. Harris, now an M2, is working to address those disparities and improve the lives of both patients and aspiring physicians from underserved communities. Through those formative, real-world experiences, Harris — pictured here at the Ann Arbor District Library's Traverwood branch, one of her favorite places in Ann Arbor — came to understand her strengths, her courage, and her ultimate purpose as a medical professional. 

"I used to feel insecure about my journey being different from others', but now I see it as a critical part of becoming the person and future physician that I am today. Being a non-traditional student has allowed me time to learn more about myself and solidify my love for medicine. During my gap years, I was able to strengthen my scientific background and be involved in research and volunteer opportunities that made me feel wholeheartedly that this was the path for me. 

"Medicine provides the unique opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, and, in pursuing it, I hope to combat health disparities while promoting health equity and culturally competent care. I want to be both an advocate and ally for my patients." 

— Jasmine Harris 

More Articles About: Students Medical School Research Patient Care Health disparities
Featured News & Stories An unconscious woman lies on a hospital table while a clinician's glove is seen placing an oxygen mask over her nose and mouth
Health Lab
Hispanic patients with respiratory failure much more likely to be oversedated
Hispanic individuals who are hospitalized with respiratory failure are five times more likely than non-Hispanic patients to receive deep sedation while on a ventilator, according to a new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
 Watercolor illustration of two women in conversation sitting in chairs and facing each other.
Medicine at Michigan
Q&A: Advice for an aspiring physician
A physician-scientist talks with a new medical student about what it takes to achieve career goals — and work-life balance.
 black and white photo of mustafa saadi standing in front of a building
Medicine at Michigan
From investment banker to future doctor
Mustafa Saadi, M4, started in the finance world and is finding a second career in medicine.
 Health Lab Podcast in brackets with a background with a dark blue translucent layers over cells
Health Lab Podcast
Access to Plan B coincides with a drastic decrease in emergency contraception-related ER visits, study shows
U.S. emergency departments see 96% fewer visits, $7.6 million less in medical costs after FDA approval of over the counter emergency contraception.
 headshot of alice zheng wearing a black blazer and purple blouse
Medicine at Michigan
Alice Zheng was once skeptical of business
The course of Alice Zheng’s life changed when she audited a class at the U-M Ross School of Business during her first year of medical school. Before taking the class, Zheng was skeptical of business. Now she’s a venture capitalist supporting women’s health.
 headshot of henry bell. he has glasses and is wearing a tuxedo with a gold and blue bowtie.
Medicine at Michigan
An early injury inspired a career in medicine
When Henry Bell Jr. was a young boy, his sister was mowing the lawn and ran over the rock, which hit him in the eye. He spent two weeks in the hospital and discovered his dream: to become an ophthalmologist.