Alexandre Da Silva
My name is Alexandre Da Silva, and I am a third-year medical student at GW SMHS. Originally from Brazil and having lived in Miami, I have always been driven by a passion for global health and public service. I majored in Public Health during undergrad, and my experiences have shaped my perspective on healthcare beyond the clinical setting. My goal is to become an anesthesiologist while also contributing to public health efforts, particularly in Brazil.
Being an alternate has been a recurring theme in my life, but rather than seeing it as a setback, I’ve always considered it a source of motivation. GW was the only medical school that accepted me, and while that could have been discouraging, I saw it as an opportunity to prove myself. I chose GW because of its strong commitment to service, global health, and the opportunity to train in a diverse, dynamic environment. Every barrier I’ve encountered has strengthened my resolve, and I want others in the same position to know that their potential is defined by persistence. Since joining GW, I’ve embraced the challenges of medical school—pushing myself academically, engaging in research, and participating in volunteer work. As an international student, I’ve also had to navigate new systems and continuously prove that I do in fact belong. But the truth is, the only perception that matters is your own. If you believe in yourself, you can make anything happen—just don’t give up.
To those currently navigating the alternate list, your path may not look like someone else’s, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful. Keep pushing forward, trust in your abilities, and never stop betting on yourself. The obstacles you face today will shape the physician—and more importantly, the person—you will become tomorrow. Stay focused, stay hungry, and believe in the power of your own journey.
Cammie Dopke
My name is Cammie Dopke, and I’m a second-year medical student originally from Pasadena, California. My journey took me eastward to attend college, where I earned my BA in Human Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University while competing as a Division I athlete on the Women’s Soccer team. After graduating, I pursued my MPH in Maternal and Child Health at GW, where I continued playing collegiate soccer for GW’s D1 Women’s Soccer team. My time in the MPH program solidified my desire to attend medical school, as I found a strong sense of community in D.C. and was drawn to GW’s emphasis on clinical public health.
Being an alternate - as I’m sure you already know - was nerve-wracking. And the number of times I refreshed my inbox or checked the portal definitely did not help. To stay motivated, I focused on the things that brought me joy—playing in a D.C. soccer league, advocating for youth mental health, spending time with family, and hosting dinner parties with friends. Surrounding myself with people I love and doing what made me happy helped me navigate that uncertain time.
Since joining GW’s MD program, I’ve continued to explore my passion for public health while immersing myself in student organizations such as the Pediatric Interest Group, Prenatal Partners, Street Medicine Initiative, Medicine on the Mat, and Orthopedics Research. But by far, my favorite part of this journey has been my classmates. GW brings together students from all over the world, and I’ve been lucky to find lifelong friends here. Even in the midst of preparing for STEP 1 (just you wait!), I couldn’t be happier to be part of this program. For current alternates—remember how incredible you are. The long application process and inevitable rejections can be disheartening, but don’t lose sight of your why. The same perseverance and passion that have carried you this far will make you an outstanding physician one day. It might not feel like it now, but I promise—it will all work out.
Ena Oboh
My name is Ena Oboh, and I am a rising third year medical student. I was born in North Plainfield, New Jersey, but I grew up across several continents, which shaped my passion for global health. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and later completed a Master’s in Biomedical Sciences at Duke University School of Medicine. When selecting medical schools, I carefully reviewed each institution’s mission statement to ensure my values and goals aligned with theirs. GW stood out to me not only on paper but also in practice. Its commitment to improving health on local, national, and global scales deeply resonated with my passion for global medicine. Conversations with students and faculty further reinforced my decision, as I saw firsthand the many opportunities GW offers to expand my interests and make a meaningful impact.
Being placed on the alternate list was an emotional roller coaster! The uncertainty of whether I would get a seat in the class was daunting, and there were moments of doubt and frustration. However, I reminded myself that being an alternate meant I was still in the running—I just needed to be patient. I focused on what I could control: strengthening my application, sending update letters, and staying engaged whenever possible. I also leaned on my support system—friends, family, and mentors and my faith—who reassured me that my journey would be worth it.
When I received the email that I had been accepted, it was a moment of immense relief and joy. The experience taught me resilience and reinforced my belief that perseverance pays off. Since joining GW’s MD program, I have had the privilege of shadowing physicians across multiple specialties, helping me refine my clinical interests. I’ve also been able to conduct high-impact global health research in Ghana through a collaboration between Children’s National Hospital and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Don’t be discouraged—there is light at the end of the tunnel. Remember that being on the alternate list means the admissions committee sees the potential in you. Your journey may be unconventional, but your continued resilience will serve you well in medicine.