Gerby Jean-Noel

After Haiti, Gerby Jean-Noel Wants to Help Others Through Trauma

Bachelors of Arts in Chemistry and Philosophy | College of Arts and Sciences | Pre-Med | 2018

Gerby Jean-Noel wants to become a surgeon and is on a pre-med track at UMKC

Why did you choose UMKC?

I love the diversity. There are people here from so many different countries, so many different backgrounds. I enjoy that.

What made you decide to pursue being a doctor?

I am from Haiti, and when I was living there, I thought I’d pursue law school. The earthquake hit (2010) and my friends helped others through a mobile hospital. I want to help people through their trauma. I would love to be a surgeon. I’ve shadowed a doctor in the ICU.

“The environment and the people — mainly the faculty and staff — here make me feel great about myself, and that’s when I realize that I have a lot of potential and I can do great.”

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

UMKC is not the first school or college I’ve been to, but when I started here, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as far as my career. The environment and the people — mainly the faculty and staff — here make me feel great about myself, and that’s when I realize that I have a lot of potential and I can do great.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?

One of the best pieces of advice I received was from Tammy Welchert. She told me I am smart, but I need to get to know myself and figure out what I like and can be good at in order to choose the right major. Tammy is my favorite here at the school. She’s really responsive, and always available to help. I don’t think she is only like that with me. I think she just helps every student who comes to her office with an issue.

 

Gerby Jean-Noel wants to become a surgeon and is on a pre-med track at UMKC

What’s your greatest fear?

I had fears in the past, but when I joined the military, I learned in basic combat training how to face my fears. So now, I guess my greatest fear is to be afraid and not try things I want and need to do.

What motto do you live by?

The seven Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. I am in the ROTC.