Kelly Gu

Name:
Kelly Gu

Graduating Class:
Class of 2022

Undergraduate and Major:
UCLA; Biology and Biomedical Research

Languages spoken:
Chinese and English

Favorite activities to do in the Twin Cities?
Exploring coffee shops for studying, breweries for catching up with friends, and trails for running with my dog.

Why did you choose the University of Minnesota Medical School and what do you like about it?
I grew up in the Twin Cities and I have a great support network of friends and family here. Coming back to my home state for interview day was both comforting and exciting, and my positive interactions with the people were ultimately what made me choose this medical school. Throughout my past few years here, the faculty has been very receptive to students and consistently prioritized our wellbeing/mental health. My classmates are not only driven and passionate about their careers, but also some of the most collaborative and caring people I’ve met. We all want to help each other reach our goals and I think that’s the best possible environment to learn medicine.

What would you change (areas of development) about the University of Minnesota Medical School?
As I’ve seen through various student groups and initiatives, the school’s commitment to diversity is strong. However, there is definitely room for growth and I would like to see incoming classes and faculty accurately reflect that strive for representation.

What is the relationship between the students and the surrounding community?
Whether it is volunteering at a free clinic, mentoring undergraduate students, or helping out at a local garden, students can seek out different types of communities and decide how involved they want to be. As medical students, there is a lot to learn from a community consisting of a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds. I’ve had the opportunity to talk to many different people I never would have encountered before, and those interactions have helped me grow as a person and shape my approach to patient care.

Have you participated in any student organizations? If so, why did you select those organizations and what has been your experience?
I have both led and participated in various student organizations including Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), Phillips Neighborhood Clinic, Women in Cardiology, and Women in Surgery. With limited time in medical school, it was difficult to know where to focus the finite amount of energy I had. By being intentional with my decisions and focusing on my values as a person, I joined clubs that connected me to my culture, to underserved communities, and to female mentors in medicine. Having these student organizations has helped me build a life outside of lectures and connect with different communities on and off campus.