Grateful Tiger Conversation: Christian A. Farley Nieves

Christian A. Farley Nieves
Medical School Development Gifts Fund
Utuado, Puerto Rico
First-year student

Q: What has receiving this scholarship meant for you?

A: Receiving this scholarship means I have been given an opportunity by people invested in the future of medicine. It is by this generosity that I can attend medical school. This kind gesture allows me to focus on studying medicine without worrying about external matters, such as finances.

Q: What are your career goals?

A: I always wanted to help older people. In order to do this, I first considered going the route of a geriatrician. Once I learned that a urologist also works with geriatric patients, I pursued mentorship in that field. Katie Murray, DO, a urologic oncologist, taught me about both the work she does for her patients, many of whom are older people, as well as how to continue doing research as a physician.

Q: What are your extracurricular activities and hobbies?

A: I am currently the vice president of the School of Medicine’s Christian Medical Dental Association chapter. I am a member of the Geriatric Scholars under Kevin Craig, MD, and a student member of the American Medical Association and the Missouri State Medical Association.

Q: What else can you tell us about yourself?

A: The most influential factor in my decision to attend the University of Missouri School of Medicine was the culture I noticed in the faculty and staff. When I visited, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the faculty and staff were not above laughing with and personally helping the medical students. Every medical student I spoke with told me that it was a pleasure to study medicine here, and I agree wholeheartedly.

Q: What message would you like to send to your scholarship sponsor?

Thank you for helping me get closer to my goal of becoming the first doctor in my family. By helping me with this scholarship, you are placing your trust in me with the future of health care. That trust is not misplaced. In my time as a medical student and later as a doctor, I will uphold the values of the MU School of Medicine, give back to the community and make you proud to have helped me along the way.