Brigham Young University junior Ian Atkins, a passionate aspiring doctor, first discovered his calling at just 11 years old, a moment that has shaped his life ever since.
Raised in Texas by a single mother, Atkins’ initial spark for medicine ignited when a family friend skillfully treated his broken arm after a particularly adventurous attempt to leap off his bed.
Atkins’ resolve to pursue a medical career strengthened profoundly following the tragic drowning of his younger brother, Jaylen, who fell into a pool at a very young age. After being rushed to the emergency room, the heartbreaking reality set in when doctors could not save him.
He recalls the dismissive attitude of the healthcare professionals at the hospital, a memory that haunts him to this day.
“To an 11-year-old kid finding out, like, this is my first experience with the actual death of somebody I knew and loved. ‘Sorry, it just happens,’ wasn’t a good enough answer for me,” Atkins expressed. “I was not okay with that, and I couldn’t believe that the life of the person that I held so dear was trivialized to just another day in the office for somebody else.”
Emboldened by this experience, Atkins set his sights on becoming a doctor, yet the journey has been fraught with challenges.
As an African-American individual often faced with the stark reality of limited representation in the medical field, he has navigated numerous obstacles to find essential resources to achieve his ambitions.
“People who look like me usually aren’t in those offices,” he said, highlighting the need for greater diversity within the profession.
Currently pursuing a dual major in biology and chemistry along with a minor in sociology at BYU, Atkins is now in the process of applying to medical schools with great determination.
In addition to his rigorous academic pursuits, Atkins actively engages with BYU’s Student Activities team, showcasing his dedication and leadership skills.
“Ian is probably one of the most passionate people that I’ve ever met. He commits himself 100% to everything that he does … and I think that passion drives him to succeed,” said Annie Walker, a fellow member of the Student Advisory Council for BYUSA who has had the privilege of volunteering alongside Atkins. “I think naturally he has that personality where he is able to thrive and flourish in the things he’s involved in.”
Within the Black Student Union club, Atkins serves as the vice president of activities, a role in which he takes charge of planning events and addressing challenges facing the club.
His colleague Alicia Goff, who collaborates with him as the vice president of advertising, affirmed, “He isn’t afraid to speak his mind to give his opinion, and he’s just, he’s such a bright soul.”
Through her work with Atkins, Goff has gained insights into her own ambitions and aspirations.
“He has a set goal, and he’s going towards that goal with nothing getting in his way. And I feel like that’s one thing I really admire about him, and one thing I want to encompass in myself,” Goff added.
Beyond his numerous academic and extracurricular pursuits, Atkins finds joy in expressing himself through various forms of music and cultural exploration. He is especially passionate about advocating for people of color in medicine and other facets of life.
“I am so passionate about music and really, just like any opinion that I have, if you know me, you know I am sometimes very opinionated,” Atkins revealed, showcasing his vibrant personality.
He often engages in discussions with his peers and fellow members of the Black Student Union on these vital topics, forging deep connections with those who share his passions.
Ultimately, Atkins has a clear vision for himself: to uplift and inspire others through his work.
“I don’t think I’m a special guy who’s got like, this insane, like gift to be something else, to be something more, but I do believe, like, if I really want to try and do something, I can,” he reflected. “I want to prove that to myself, because once I do it, that opens the door for so many other people to do it.”
Atkins is committed to pursuing his dreams while motivating his peers to chase after their own aspirations as well.
“We need people from all walks of life, everywhere, who give us a different perspective and allow us to see the whole picture, because we get colors that paint every single color for that picture, and that’s what’s important,” Atkins stated passionately, underscoring the necessity of diversity in all sectors of society.
What are the key benefits of advocating for diversity in the medical field?
The importance of being an advocate for diversity in the medical field.
**Interview with Ian Atkins, aspiring doctor and Brigham Young University junior**
**Editor**: Ian, thank you for joining us today. Your journey to becoming a doctor is quite inspiring. Can you tell us a little more about that moment at age 11 when you first discovered your passion for medicine?
**Ian Atkins**: Thank you for having me! That moment was pivotal for me. When I broke my arm and our family friend treated it, I was amazed at how someone could use their knowledge to help others. It made me realize that I wanted to be in a position to help and heal people, just like he did.
**Editor**: You’ve faced significant challenges in your journey, especially after the tragic loss of your younger brother, Jaylen. How has that experience shaped your determination to pursue a career in medicine?
**Ian Atkins**: Losing Jaylen was devastating, and it exposed me to the reality of healthcare in a way I wasn’t prepared for. When the doctors couldn’t save him, their dismissive attitude really struck me. It made me passionate about ensuring that no family has to experience what I went through. I want to be a doctor who values every patient’s life and takes their experiences seriously.
**Editor**: As an African-American student in a predominantly white institution, what challenges have you faced in navigating your path to medical school?
**Ian Atkins**: It’s no secret that there’s limited representation of people who look like me in the medical field. It’s been challenging to find mentors and resources that understand my journey, but it has only strengthened my resolve. I believe we need more diversity in medicine to better reflect the communities we serve.
**Editor**: You are actively involved on campus, serving in leadership roles like the vice president of activities in the Black Student Union. How do these experiences shape your outlook on your future career?
**Ian Atkins**: Being involved in student leadership has been empowering. It has helped me develop essential skills, like public speaking and event planning, which I know will be useful as a doctor. More importantly, it has reinforced the idea that advocacy and support systems are critical in overcoming barriers—for both students like me and for our future patients.
**Editor**: Your fellow students, like Annie and Alicia, speak highly of your passion and drive. How does their support influence your journey?
**Ian Atkins**: Their support means the world to me. Having a strong community around me has been crucial. It reminds me that I’m not in this alone and that we can uplift each other. Their encouragement drives me to keep pushing forward, not just for myself, but for those who I represent.
**Editor**: what message do you want to convey to young aspiring medical professionals who may be facing similar challenges?
**Ian Atkins**: I want them to know that their dreams are valid, and their experiences matter. It’s essential to be resilient and to seek out mentors and allies along the way. The medical field needs diverse voices, and it’s up to us to pursue those dreams and make the change we want to see.
**Editor**: Thank you, Ian. Your story is deeply inspiring, and we wish you the best in your journey to becoming a doctor.
**Ian Atkins**: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.
