Ask an Alum: Dr. Jaime Flores

Welcome back to our regular "Ask an Alum" feature, where we take questions from students and point them in the direction of one of our distinguished alumni.

Today's alum is Dr. Jaime I. Flores. A kinesiology major and outside linebacker at Maryland, Dr. Flores has traveled across the world caring for underprivileged people.

A plastic surgeon by training, he helped found Global Surgical Outreach, an organization that seeks to perform surgery around the globe as well as provides teaching seminars to professionals who can then perform surgery in their own local cities. He is a full-time Assistant Professor in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Onto the questions...

Looking back, are you happy with your decision to be a Kinesiology major? (Jessie, Kinesiology, Sophomore)

Jessie, I was 100% happy with my decision. It let me satisfy my pre-med requirements yet maintain some sanity to my life with football and friends.

How can students best prepare for the job world? (Christine, Junior, Public Health)

Christine, I always believed in self directed ambition. I went out and sought opportunities, experience, and work. It repays itself 1,000 fold. I donated my time, worked in clinics, ran camps. I called people and ask what else I could do to better improve my chances of getting into medical school. Go get them.

What made you want to travel around the world working with patients rather than just staying in the US? (Raquel, Junior, Public Health)

Raquel, I have always been passionate of helping others. It's my nature. I would love to give free medical care in the states, and I actually do, but only in Maryland where I have a license. Of course, once you go abroad and work your butt off, and see how other people live--no--survive, it really grounds you. I was hooked since my first trip as a senior in college.

How did the Kinesiology program prepare you for what you encountered in Med School? (Michelle, Senior, Kinesiology)

Michelle, knes had a lot of overlap regarding the science classes that I needed for medical school. It also kept my interest high with sport-related physiology.

What was your most interesting or influential class as a Kinesiology major? (Avital, Senior, Kinesiology)

Avital, Psychology of Sport--my teacher was great, and really it made me focus. Excercise Phys was also exceptional.

--
Thank you to Dr. Jaime I. Flores for taking the time to answer our questions. For more information about Dr. Flores, go here.