Daryl Duran
Daryl Duran, Class of 2022
Undergraduate school attended and major
Vassar College, Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Behavior & Music Performance minor
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota Medical School and what do you like about it?
I actually decided to apply to the University of Minnesota on a whim. One month before applying to medical school, I did a two week road-trip across the Midwest with a childhood friend to see parts of the country I had never seen. After spending three days in the Twin Cities area, I thought I could be happy living in Minneapolis and was inspired to apply to the medical school. It reminded me enough of the big city feeling that I was used to, while also having many differences that I could appreciate. After interviewing and being accepted early in the process, I decided that if I needed to leave my home state of New York that I would attend the U of M.
Have you participated in any student organizations? If so, why did you select those organizations and what has been your experience?
I have been able to participate in many student organizations during my time as a medical student. During my first year of medical school, I performed in two of the campus orchestras, which was a fun way to keep up my musicianship while getting a break from school. For the first two years of school, I volunteered at the free Phillips Neighbor Clinic as a Spanish translator/student doctor. As a non traditional student who spent many years working with patients, I wanted to maintain my connection to patient care while also keeping up my Spanish speaking skills. This was a great way to get consistent patient interaction and to help an underserved community close to the school. I have also held positions on the executive boards for the Latino Medical Student Association as well as the Psychiatry Interest Group Network which were both incredibly rewarding experiences. LMSA has allowed me an opportunity to connect with other students of latinx heritage and with students who are invested in addressing issues that affect latinx communities, especially within patient care. As an aspiring Psychiatrist participating in PSIGN, I was able to further explore my intended specialty, connect with psychiatry faculty and other students interested in psychiatry, and plan psychiatry related events for the school.
Languages you speak?
Spanish
Favorite activities to do in the Twin Cities?
One of my favorite activities to do in the twin cities is going for bike rides between Minneapolis and St. Paul, especially biking around the different lakes. I love studying outside during the spring and summer and try to be in the sun as much as possible. Coming from a city where nature is not as prevalent, I try to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor space.