Elizabeth Plumer

Through the Independent Study and Mentorship program offered by Frisco ISD, I am studying surgical oncology. I have always been incredibly passionate about serving and helping those around me. I chose to pursue surgical oncology because it is a field that is never stagnant- it is constantly shifting and changing as new research and publications are brought to light. There is so much left to be discovered about cancer, and I enjoy learning as much as possible. Not only that, but I believe that the field of surgical oncology offers a fantastic opportunity for me to make a difference in the world, and to make a difference in the world while doing something that I love. 

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I chose to take Independent Study and Mentorship because it offers fantastic opportunities to gain entry into the medical field. Medicine is such a competitive field, and I believe that the skills and real world professional experiences I will gain from this class can give me an advantage. This class can also help me to gain a solid foundation in a rapidly shifting field, as well as confirm that this field is something I want to devote my life too. With a medical education becoming so expensive, it is incredibly beneficial to be confident in the fact that I want to become a surgical oncologist, rather than spending 16 years educating myself about a profession I later decide isn’t right for me.

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After high school, I plan to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I will graduate as a University Scholars major and will be dancing for Baylor as a member of the Baylor University Songleaders Dance Team. From there, I would like to attend medical school, ideally returning home to Dallas to attend UT Southwestern Medical School. After graduating medical school, I plan to complete a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in surgical oncology. From there, I hope to help in the research that allows oncologists to determine how aggressive a tumor is, as well as predict how a tumor will develop and grow through the identification of protein markers.  

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My mission in ISM is to expand my knowledge regarding pediatric oncology and discover what it takes to become a successful surgical oncologist. Through my research and the guidance of my mentor, I will strive to push myself out of my comfort zone, obtaining professional experience and the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a future in the medical field.