Q&A with the class president

Travis Harris reflects on his first year of medical school and being part of something new.

Baylor College of Medicine – Temple, located on the campus of Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Temple, welcomed its inaugural class in July of 2023. We spoke with class president Travis Harris about his first year as a medical student and why he chose to study in Temple.

What inspired you to choose Baylor College of Medicine - Temple?

I wanted to come to Baylor College of Medicine’s new campus in Temple because of the small, tight-knit community I knew we could build here. I also wanted to be a part of something new, hoping to kick-start our campus by helping organize and build student culture. 

How was your first year of medical school in Temple?

School has been a challenge, yet also very rewarding and exciting. We are so grateful to the Baylor College of Medicine and the Baylor Scott & White faculty who have made Temple a great place to be a medical student. The physicians welcomed the new students in this transition and have been so inviting for us to join in research and shadow within the hospital.

What is something you’re proud of as class president?

 I have such high praise for my classmates, who have rallied around our new campus. Our student body has been hard at work this year to establish a foundation of organizations, volunteering and community partnerships that future classes will get to enjoy.

I have particularly loved getting to witness our student leaders’ efforts to plan Squadlympics. This is a field day event where we compete for campus-wide bragging rights and a custom-designed trophy in the affectionate shape of two hands making a “T,” which we use to show our campus pride with the phrase “T-up.” This event happened in mid-May, and I believe it showed the culmination of pride and community we have built as the inaugural class.

What are you looking forward to next year?

It’s hard to believe we’re getting to the end of the first year of medical school, but it’s been a great year of studying and growth. My classmates and I are excited to welcome the next class of medical students this July, as well as start our next chapter of learning as we begin clinical rotations in October.

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