What does the name of your blog mean?

Marg, The Med Beauty is the name I came up with that ties my beauty and natural hair influencing to my medical school journey. I’m a beauty influencer turned medical student so I really wanted a name that embodied and included both parts of what I enjoy. 

Why did you start this blog?

I started Marg, The Med Beauty because I knew I could be a vital resource for individuals just like me. I took a VERY non-traditional route to get into medical school. Three gap years to be exact. During that time, I did a graduate program, shadowed a physician and other health professionals, worked in the healthcare field, and so much more! Check out my blog post titled, “My Journey to Medicine” for all the details. According to AAMC’s Matriculating Student Questionnaire, most students (first year M.D. students from 2017-2019) took at least one gap year before matriculating into a medical program. While you’re in college, you have all the advisors, upperclassmen, and support you need. But what about once you graduate from college? You’re commonly seeking assistance either from your prior undergraduate advisors or medical school admissions teams, both of which are bombarded with lots of other premeds. 

During my journey, I would have liked another non-traditional student that has been accepted into a medical program to talk to: for encouragement, advising, guidance, tips, etc. That’s where I come in! I hope that by sharing my story and how I got in as well as offering advising, I can help others and be a reminder that, “If she can do it, so can I!” 

Why does your blog have a beauty aspect? Why not just focus on medicine? 

During my gaps years before going to school, I became a beauty influencer. I started my first brand ambassadorship for Shea Moisture, a natural hair & skincare company, in April 2019. I loved it and still do! It gave me the opportunity to develop as a person with my natural hair. My natural hair journey (as with most naturals) is a journey full of self acceptance and patience. It also gave me the opportunity to develop authentic relationships and grow a community on Instagram. I am also currently a brand ambassador and affiliate for three other small Black-owned businesses. 

So with this passion in mind, I thought, “How could I help others with medical school endeavors without giving up something I really enjoy while also making it all tie together and make sense?” Well, if you really think about it, feeling and looking good is actually quite important to reaching any goal. Beauty is not just makeup and hair products. It’s truly about feeling confident in your own skin, hair, and body no matter the shade, curl, or size. Studies show that high self-esteem and self-confidence are related to good mental health, higher educational achievement, higher literacy, better physical health, and better economic standing (source). Self-esteem, self-confidence, and success really all go hand-in-hand. And so should my blog. 

What’s your educational background?

In May 2017, I graduated with a BA in Chemistry and Spanish (double major) from Trinity University, a small liberal arts private institution located in San Antonio, Texas. Immediately after graduating, I enrolled at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Graduate School and earned a Graduate Certificate in Biomedical Sciences, Clinical and Translational Sciences Track (a 1-year program). Once finished with that program in May 2018, I started working at UAMS as a Research Assistant doing community-based, cancer disparities research. In August 2020, I will start working towards a degree in medicine (M.D.) and a Master in Public Health (MPH) at UAMS. 

How can I talk with you about my journey thus far to medical school? I’d love help in my specific situation. 

I am happy to advise non-traditional students and be a soundboard that you can bounce ideas off of to make sure you are on the right track! Hover over the Medicine tab then select Pre-med Advising. Let’s set up a Zoom meeting! My advising sessions are free! If you are financially able and would like to support my work with Marg, The Med Beauty so I can continue advising and providing vital info for you guys, I happily accept donations of any size (big and small are appreciated)! Select the link here or head over to the Advising page to donate. Thank you for your support! 

I love and believe in your work! How can I support you?

If you love the work of Marg, The Med Beauty and believe it truly can help so many people, share us with those you know! Know of someone interested in going to medical school? Send them our way. Telling them to look us up and sign up for an advising session! You can also donate to the cause via PayPal through this link. (Donations of all sizes accepted and greatly appreciated!) Thank you for any and all support!

I have a question about one of your Instagram or blog posts. What’s the best way to contact you?

If you have a question over a specific Instagram post, please just comment right under the post on Instagram. Blog post, just comment under that blog post. 

Do you still work with brands? 

As an influencer, I welcome brand collabs from all industries! Just email me at info@margthemedbeauty.com . I’m always open to opportunities. If your company/service is a good fit for me and my audience, we can work together to handcraft an awesome collaboration!