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Kayla Vasilakis
Hometown: Lynbrook, NY
B.S. Biochemistry, Boston College 2015
Quinnipiac University Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine Class of 2022

My name is Kayla Vasilakis. I am an Ensign in the US Navy Medical Corps, and a student in the Health Professions Scholarship Program. I grew up in Lynbrook, NY, graduated from Boston College and I am currently a fourth year medical student at Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine.

Tweet Question #1: Why did you pursue medicine?
After working as an EMT, and as a high school science teacher, I wanted to chase a hands-on career in both health and education. Beyond the classroom, I wanted to be surrounded by others who shared my commitment to service, adventure, and curiosity. As much as I loved the relationships I formed with my students, the moment’s I’ve had with patients have been life- changing.

Tweet Question #2: Why did you join the military?
I sought community that I could be apart of, not only during medical school, but through residency, and beyond. I desired opportunities for camaraderie, engagement and professional growth. And, I wished to optimize my physical, mental, financial health. Doing each of these well during medical training without compromising education opportunities and hands-on experience seemed impossible until I interviewed Female Military Officers as part of my capstone research.

I conducted interviews with 50 female physicians across our 50 states— and I was introduced to many women in uniform. It was then that I learned there were female physicians who trained at the best military medical facilities on shore, at sea and in the field. And, these women were mothers, daughters, and wives. They were surgeons, pilots, and divers. They participated in Combat care and Humanitarian Care. They studied everything from tropical medicine to aerospace medicine, and Pediatrics to Geriatrics.

They valued preserving lessons of the past, improving care in the present, and anticipating challenges in the future.

But above all else, they really loved their jobs. I wanted all of that too.

Tweet Question #3: Why do you wish to pursue a career in a surgical specialty?
After my first third year clerkship, my 23 year old brother suddenly died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and I had no idea how to reconcile my place in healthcare.
After his funeral, I decided to jump right back into my surgical clerkships. I sought time in the OR to escape my grief. But, for me, the “Time-Out” before a surgery seemed sacred.
The ceremony of draping our patient, identifying our goal, and working with members of the team to achieve that goal felt cathartic. Knowing my patient— inside and out— and assisting with concrete physical work for their care was truly satisfying. And, it made me feel grounded and connected to medicine again.

Facing the unpredictable with vulnerability and bravery is true challenge, but it’s also one of my greatest strengths. At that time, personally, I was grieving the sudden loss of my sibling, yet some how professionally, in the OR I felt my heart freaking out with joy. And for me, that’s a feeling worth chasing

It is with a great sense of honor and privilege that I can serve within the Military Health System, and that in the midst of adventure and opportunity, I can still focus on what really matters: caring for our Sailors, Marines, and their families. I am honored to serve as an officer in the Navy. And, I’m really excited to begin this residency application season.

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