A Dose of Bliss: FAMU Student Among 14 Selected for Elite UM Summer Program
For Bliss Quant, a rising third-year biology pre-medicine student at Florida A&M University, medicine has always been more than a dream; it’s a calling. This summer, she took a major step toward her future career by completing the prestigious Health Careers Motivation Program (HCMP) at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine.
The competitive, tuition-free program selects only 14 students nationwide to participate in hands-on clinical experiences, lectures and immersive simulations. For Bliss, being chosen from a pool of hundreds was a moment of affirmation.
"We shadowed physicians in emergency medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine, some of the hardest opportunities to get as a pre-med student," she said. "It felt so surreal to see medicine up close and learn how residents train."
Fueling a Passion for Healthcare Equity
Bliss's passion for healthcare stems from personal experience and a deep desire to make a difference. Growing up in the Bahamas, she witnessed the gaps in her country's healthcare system, a reality that became especially personal after losing her godmother due to medical disparities.
“Trying to change that is something that motivates me daily,” she said. “Everyone who knows me knows I want to be a doctor, not just to treat patients, but to advocate for people who feel overlooked in healthcare systems.”
With that motivation in mind, Bliss spent her Christmas break searching for summer medical opportunities. After discovering HCMP through the Association of American Medical Colleges website, she applied to multiple internships and was overjoyed when she received the acceptance letter from the University of Miami.
“It was such an amazing feeling knowing I was chosen out of so many,” she said. “I felt seen, like my goals mattered.”
Bliss Quant (third from right) took a leap of faith — and landed among just 14 students
chosen for a competitive summer medical program at the University of Miami. (Photo
special to FAMU)
More Than Medicine: Lessons in Humanity
While HCMP provided invaluable medical exposure, Bliss says one of her most meaningful takeaways was seeing the human side of healthcare.
“Watching doctors comfort patients, even in fast-paced emergency rooms, reminded me that medicine is about more than treatment,” she said. “It’s about connection.”
Bliss was also inspired by the medical students and residents who mentored her throughout the program.
“They shared their journeys with so much honesty and showed me that the path to medicine isn't always linear," she said. "Some of my peers were 30 or 40, restarting their careers, or parents who had taken time off. It reminded me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself."
Balancing It All with Grit and Grace
While excelling in HCMP, Bliss was also finishing a separate internship with Morehouse, a demanding balancing act that pushed her limits.
"Some nights I would go to bed at 2 a.m. after finishing research, then wake up at 5 a.m. to shadow at the hospital," she recalled. "But I kept pushing because I knew who I was doing this for — my community, my family, and every young Black girl who needs to see someone like her in a white coat."
As the only HBCU student in her cohort of 14, Bliss represented FAMU with pride and determination.
“Opportunities like this don’t come often for students like us, especially at underfunded schools or smaller pre-med programs,” she said. “But we still find a way to shine.”
Bliss’s impact during the program didn’t go unnoticed by her fellow cohort members, including Carjae Dumcombe, a University of Miami student who also participated in HCMP this summer.
“Bliss was always on time and fully engaged throughout the entire program,” said Carjae, “She took detailed notes during every session and approached each opportunity with genuine interest. It was clear that she’s passionate about becoming a doctor and making a real difference, especially in addressing healthcare disparities in the Bahamas.”
Bliss Quant shadowed physicians in emergency medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine,
during her internship over the summer. (Photo special to FAMU)
Advice for Future Applicants: “Tell Your Story”
To other pre-med students considering similar programs, Bliss emphasizes the power of authenticity.
"Even if you don't meet every requirement, apply," she said. "Be honest about your story, goals, and how the program can help you grow."
She also encourages students to use LinkedIn to connect with past participants and explore programs listed on the AAMC website.
"You only need one yes," she said. "I got rejected from so many internships, but that one, yes, changed everything.”
Bliss's journey from the island of the Grand Bahama to the Hill and now one of the nation's top medical institutions reflects how one can find their purpose.
"This summer confirmed that I can do this," she said. "It reminded me that this dream is real and I'm already walking in it."
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
