Krystal Ali

I love travelling, specifically, getting acquainted with different cultures. I think it's imperative to observe and appreciate someone else's way of life. I do hot sculpt yoga regularly as both a form of exercise and mental clarity. I also love hiking new trails while appreciating the gorgeous views.

Observer - Bay Pines VA Healthcare System - Bay Pines, FL

(2018-05 - 2018-08)

As a post medical graduate observer, I was able to work closely with attendings and the rest of the team to become an integral part of the decision making process. I was fortunate to be involved from patient admission to discharge, therefore allowing me to develop a good rapport with the patients. I also taught 3rd and 4th year medical students about various aspects of Psychiatry.

• This was my first time working with Veterans and assuming a leadership role for medical students.
• Became highly educated and aware of the challenges that these veterans and their families face on a daily basis.
• Compassion and empathy plays a critical role in establishing a good prognosis.

Volunteer - Los Angeles Hospice - Los Angeles, CA

(2017-05 - 2017-09)

I participated in various meetings with medical, social and spiritual staff. I regularly performed physical examinations on the patients as instructed by my attending. I also learnt the importance of hospice care and the various coping strategies that are implemented. Comfort and quality of life is highly emphasized.

• Hospice care was an astounding, yet sorrowful experience.
• The patients taught me to embrace uncertainty, the art of gratitude and the detrimental effects of overthinking.
• Made me re-evaluate different aspects of my life and adopt a more meaningful approach to situations.

Student - University of Liverpool - Liverpool, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland

(2009-04 - 2009-07)

I did my final year Geology dissertation in the Basque Country of Spain. I spent 12 weeks camping and solo travelling. During this time, I navigated through various terrains, people, cultures and hardships in order to gather information for my dissertation. It taught me a tremendous deal about independence and made me appreciate the beauty of nature.

• This solitary trip taught me perseverance, independence, determination, discipline and confidence.
• Although daunting at times, I was in awe of the beautiful terrains and colorful culture.
• This was a highly reflective period for me and, eventually, solidifying my decision to go into medicine.

Observer - Surgi-Med Clinic - San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

(2019-03 - 2019-05)

During the 6 weeks, I assisted and observed in the operating room, checked up on pre and post op patients and reported to the attending physician. This observership impacted me greatly, as it allowed me to observe and comprehend the disparities between the healthcare system in developed vs developing countries. I appreciated the tranquility of my surroundings, while acknowledging the need for elevating the quality of healthcare; which is mainly due to financial instability.

Another prominent fact that I observed and learnt is that the Caribbean has a considerable number of cardiovascular incidents, owing to the presence of having a higher than normal blood pressure than the "regular individual."

Observer - Pape Medical Center - Toronto, ON, Canada

(2018-10 - 2018-12)

I had the privilege to be intricately involved in patient care. From admission to discharge, this family medicine observership taught me the importance of individualized care. It emphasized the importance of proper communication, compassion and empathy. I also got a detailed insight into diabetic care during my time at this clinic.

Phlebotomist - Victoria laboratories - San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

(2009-09 - 2010-09)

Prior to entering medical school, I worked as a phlebotomist in the lab. I undertook a leadership role, in which I was able to delegate other co-workers. I had tremendous empathy for patients and tried to make it as pleasant an experience as I could. I also worked briefly in blood analytics/biochemistry.

Member - Environmental Club - San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

(2002-09 - 2005-01)

I was fortunate enough to be involved in the environmental club throughout my high school years. I have always been passionate about the environment and fascinated by nature. Once a week, members would meet and discuss ways to improve not only our schools' surroundings, but the community as well. We educated and advocated the need for recycling, renewable energy resources and reducing waste, while collaborating with other organizations to form a stronger alliance.

Volunteer - The Hope Center - San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

(2002-01 - 2006-01)

The Hope Center is an orphanage for abused and abandoned children. I would visit and volunteer once or twice a week throughout my high school years. I helped them with their homework, engaged in outdoor activities and provided necessary comfort. It is a temporary home for these kids, so it was imperative that they had the tools necessary for a smooth transition. These children taught me resilience, appreciation and contentment.

Cookie connoisseur - Self - Los Angeles, CA

(2000-01 - 2024-09)

Baking forms an integral part of my life. It is one the main things that keeps me in a state of mental equilibrium. While I don't discriminate on the various types of baked goods (they're all beautiful), I am somewhat biased to creating a delectable cookie. Seasonal cookies are my forte, however, I can easily whip up a batch of good old fashioned brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

M.D. - Medicine - St. George's University School of Medicine (2011-09 - 2017-01)

B.S. - Geology - University Of Liverpool (2006-09 - 2009-07)