The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is celebrating its first-generation students with a dedicated First Generation Week, co-organized by the offices of Community Advancement (OCA), Biomedical Education (OBE), and Medical Education (OME).
For first-generation students in medicine (FGiM), the journey through medical school can feel like uncharted territory. At the UK College of Medicine, the FGiM interest group brings together those who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree or the first to pursue a career in medicine. Striving to create a vital community and support system, FGiM serves as a space where first-gen students can share their experiences and advice.
Gabriella Beharry, a second-year student at our Lexington Campus, is the founder and president of the FGiM student interest group. Beharry founded the FGiM group to offer other students a sense of belonging. “My journey has shown me the power of community building,” she says, emphasizing the importance of support networks for first-gen students who may otherwise feel isolated.
Beharry is a first-generation American and the first in her family to pursue a career in medicine. Moving from her home state to Kentucky for medical school was a significant adjustment, but she has embraced the new challenges and opportunities. Growing up with family from Trinidad and Nicaragua, Beharry witnessed firsthand the health disparities faced by vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and refugees.
“I wanted to become a physician to make a positive impact on lives by advocating, educating, and empowering the underserved and minorities who don’t have adequate access to health care,” she explains.
For Hannah Cleary, a third-year student at our Lexington Campus, pursuing medicine is a deeply personal goal. Growing up, her father experienced lifelong health challenges, which exposed her to the reality of chronic illness and ultimately inspired her to become a doctor. “I grew up in a world where I thought that attending my father's monthly doctor appointments and hearing my mother ask if my father took his medicine before eating meals was normal," Cleary shared.
"After a work accident left him permanently medically disabled, he would never allow that to stop him from making a positive impact on every person in his life and every person he ever encountered. I want to become a doctor and be nothing less than the kind of superhero who gives my patients the opportunity to be someone else's superhero,” she says.
But stepping into medical school as a first-generation student presented unexpected hurdles. “One of the reasons why medical school is challenging is navigating some of the hidden curriculum on my own,” she admits, referencing tasks like preparing for licensure exams and establishing professional networks. Without prior family experience to rely on, Cleary has found strength in seeking mentors and building connections.
“Medical school becomes manageable with good mentors and the courage to reach out and ask for help,” she shared. “And it's important to build community with students at your level, but also with students above and below your level in school.”
Beharry also urges first-gen students to lean on one another and recognize their own resiliency. “At times, it may feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but you have earned your place here, and your unique story is your strength.”
For students like Beharry and Cleary, FGiM is more than a student group— it is a lifeline.
“The importance of FGiM is the realization that I am not alone,” said Cleary. “Problems become less challenging when I am not trying to solve them alone.”
As FGiM grows, it continues to support students who are breaking new ground in medicine, empowering them to turn their unique backgrounds into strengths. Through informal meetings, students share resources and experiences, addressing common challenges like imposter syndrome and balancing the demands of medical school with personal lives. By sharing their stories and supporting one another, first-gen students at UK College of Medicine are building a strong community and paving the way for future students who will follow in their footsteps.
What’s happening this week
Join the UK College of Medicine Office of Community Advancement (OCA), Office of Biomedical Education (OBE), and Office of Medical Education (OME) as they celebrate First Generation Week Nov. 4-8!
This week will include fun, community-building activities to recognize and support the members of our college who blazed a trail by following careers in medicine and science! These events will celebrate all first-generation students, including those who are the first in their families to attend college at all, as well as those who are the first in their families to pursue careers in medicine or the biomedical sciences.
Snack Attack
Monday, Nov. 4 | 2:30 - 4 P.M. | MN 136 (Lexington Campus)
Participants are invited to create their own snack bags to kick off the week. Come out to select your favorite snacks and meet other First Gen science and medical learners, trainees, staff, and faculty. Whether you need a break from studying, need a quick 'people-pick-me-up', or just want to connect with folks who might understand your point of view, this event is for YOU!
Wind Down Wednesday
Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 11:30 A.M - 1 P.M. | CTW 127 (Lexington Campus)
Prepare to unwind and relax with UK massage therapists as they offer 3–5-minute massages on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees can also enjoy relaxing music, community-building games, warm appetizers, and visiting therapy dogs for extra comfort. This is an intentional effort to bring first-generation students from the College of Medicine together, while allowing people to come and go as their schedules permit.
Community Lunch
Friday, Nov. 8 | Noon - 1:30 p.m. ET | CTW 127 (Lexington Campus)
Please note: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and this event is RSVP only
This event will begin with a short program transmitted across all four campuses. College of Medicine leaders, faculty, and staff will offer encouraging words of wisdom, hope, and empowerment to luncheon attendees. After the program, attendees will be able to relax and celebrate with a lunch designed with them in mind. Community building, networking, and connections will be fostered in a comfortable environment as we continue to build pride in our First Gen community.
