Tamyka Agnant’s journey to medical school is one of perseverance and inspiration, spanning two continents and fuelled by a desire to give back to her community.
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tamyka moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, in 2016.
After completing her undergraduate studies at Tulane University, she’s now preparing to embark on a new adventure at The University of Queensland Medical School - Ochsner Health in Australia.
For Tamyka, entering the world of medicine was not an obvious path.
“There are no other doctors in my family. I didn’t really know much about what it takes to be in medicine or to be a physician,” she explained.
That’s where Ochsner’s pathway programs, like OASIS, STAR, and OPTIMUS, made all the difference.
“By going through those pipelines, I was able to see exactly what a physician does and what goes into preparing to become one,” Tamyka said.
“It answered a lot of my questions and allowed me to see others who looked like me succeed on this path.”
These programs provided Tamyka with hands-on experience and invaluable mentorship.
“We practised clinical skills, like doing IVs on mannequins and running codes in simulation labs,” she said.
“We also talked to medical students to learn what it’s like to be in medical school.”
The Ochsner Academics Summer Internship for Students (OASIS) offers undergraduate students a chance to gain clinical and academic experience in medicine.
Participants engage in clinical shadowing, departmental tours, lectures, simulations, and panel discussions.
The program is available to Ochsner employees’ children and through OPTIMUS, which introduces underrepresented students to medicine.
OASIS 2025 will run from June 9 to June 20, providing opportunities to interact with physicians, explore cutting-edge technologies, and build a foundation for medical school.
The STAR Program is tailored for high school students, offering cost-free exploration into healthcare through a rigorous summer curriculum.
STAR focuses on scientific research, practical medicine, and leadership development. Participants conduct experiments, learn advanced medical techniques, and develop professional skills, all while gaining exposure to careers in science and medicine.
Ochsner Program To Introduce Medicine to Underrepresented Students (OPTIMUS), founded by Dr. Tamika Webb-Detiege, aims to eliminate healthcare disparities by increasing diversity in medicine.
It provides education, hands-on simulations, and mentorship to underrepresented students.
This program is central to Ochsner’s commitment to fostering diversity in healthcare professions.
Tamyka’s passion for medicine stems from her experiences in Haiti, where access to healthcare was severely limited.
“I saw how much this impacted my friends and family, and it showed me how detrimental the lack of healthcare can be to daily life,” she said.
This early exposure to healthcare disparities inspired her to pursue a career where she could make a tangible difference.
As she prepares to head to Brisbane, Tamyka is filled with excitement and a touch of nervousness.
“I’m excited to meet my classmates! They’re from all over the world,” she said.
Beyond academics, she’s eager to explore Australia’s natural beauty, from botanical gardens to scenic parks.
Looking to the future, Tamyka hopes to return to New Orleans to practice medicine.
“After spending so much time here, I’ve grown to love it. I have a lot of friends and some family members here as well,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, she credits the pathway programs for giving her confidence and direction.
Her advice to others considering similar opportunities is simple but powerful: “Go ahead and apply! If you’re accepted, take the opportunity. You’ll gain invaluable experience, get your questions answered, and meet people who are already on the path you want to follow.”
For more information about the OASIS, STAR, and OPTIMUS programs, visit their official pages to see if they might be right for you.
Each program offers unique opportunities to learn, grow, and take steps toward a fulfilling career in healthcare.
Tamyka’s experience highlights the importance of programs that connect students with resources, mentorship, and real-world exposure, encouraging aspiring healthcare professionals to pursue their goals with determination.
