Zheng Pan, Fuld Fellow (ABS Program)

• Program: ABS Nursing
• Hometown: Sidney, NY
• Favorite Self-Care Activity: Singing, dancing and sleeping
• Previous Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University at Buffalo

I chose nursing because I think being able to be with and provide care for a patient at a very vulnerable point in their life would be incredibly humbling and rewarding. I would like to be an advocate for my patients to ensure they receive the highest quality care possible and for them to feel as if they are not alone during a stressful period in their life.

I also love the versatility within the field, which fits my personality because I’m a very spontaneous person with many interests. Due to this, I may work in a couple of specialties before deciding which one aligns best with my personality and interests.

I went to UB for my first undergraduate degree in psychology and wanted to stay within the area for my nursing degree. I feel as if there are ample opportunities for clinical exposure in Buffalo due to the wide array of hospitals within the city. I am also excited to work with the faculty as I feel there is so much I can learn from people who have had years of experience in the nursing field.

I am interested in psychiatry because mental health is incredibly important to me and I believe our physical well-being is connected to our mental well-being. I am also interested in providing health care to communities who may lack access to it. Although these are my interests right now, I am very open minded and my interests may change when I begin my nursing career.

In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and family. I also like to hike, sing and dance. In the future, I’d like to look into global medical mission trips and possibly spend an extended amount of time abroad. I am free spirited and don’t tend to get homesick, so I think this could be a very interesting opportunity to give back to areas in the world that may be in dire need.

My post-graduation plans are most likely to find a job in New York City and live with my parents and spend time with them for a couple years. I would like to simultaneously improve my Chinese language skills to be able to communicate with more patients from diverse backgrounds. I would like to fully address and communicate their needs to other health care professionals.