Name: Isaiah Cochran
Social Media: IG: isaiahtrailblazin FB: Isaiah Antoine Cochran
Undergraduate: Waynesburg University, Class of 2015.
Medical School: Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Class of 2019.
Tell us about yourself?
I was adopted at the age of 18 months to my wonderful mom. I grew up in a single parent home with a mom who was a teacher. I never thought I was disadvantaged because my family was so tight and we would always help one another. My mom’s siblings would always help my mom with raising us if things got tight. I didn’t envy those who had a dad. My mom did an awesome job, I believe. I am currently a 4th year medical student who will be pursuing a career in Family Medicine. My goal is to have a clinic that serves the LGBTQ and AA communities. I hope to get involved in politics and become a senator and provide a different prospective as a physician. As a gay black man, I feel like I have a lot of insight that does not cross the minds of other people. Ultimately, I want to get involved with motivational speaking to help inspire people who come from the communities I represent and am a member of. The goal has always been to pay it forward. As Michelle Obama said, “when you open a door, do not close it behind you, leave it open for others.” This is why I decided to run for the American Medical Student Association president, which I was so lucky to get. I am currently AMSA President Elect and will be able to help so many premedical and medical students, as well as begin to open doors for a future career in politics.
Why did you choose to go into medicine?
Medicine was something I decided to do, because it is a stepping-stone to my end goal, again which is to pay it forward by helping all people through philanthropy and medicine. Medicine is fascinating to me, but it is also a platform to have my voice heard more. Having an MD, I believe will allow me to help people, because of the respect that comes with having an MD.
How did you decide what specialty to go into?
I chose to go into Family medicine, because it now makes sense to me that I am meant to be in the trenches while I practice medicine and help the underserved. It is about paying it forward and I would love to be the doctor that all of the blacks and gays recommend for people to go to. FM will give me the chance to open my doors to those types of patients and I am excited to do that. I also like how much medicine I get to see in FM and being able to build a relationship with a family and work as more than just their doctor, but as a confidant, a part of the family team. I also want to help the youth in my communities due to my own experiences.
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to pursue a career in medicine?
This is going to be simple, but pursue medicine, because YOU want to, not because of what someone else wants you to do. If you study hard you will make it. Please ask more questions by messaging me at cisaiahvs60@gmail.com! Also join AMSA PLEASE, and follow us on IG: @amsanational.
What or who inspires/motivates you?
I am motivated by seeing disparity in the world, as long as that exist I am going to be working to better things. I am also motivated by my mom, Serena and Venus Williams, the Obama’s, Ghandi and MLK.
Anything additional you want to add or share with others?
Lastly, remember we are all a team, if we work together this world will be better, it is the little things that count, if you see someone in need, don’t just walk by, if you see a rug that could cause someone to trip, fix it. It is the little things that lead to the big things that will change the world.
Mahogany & Medicine 