episode 2: samUEL mordechaev
jANUARY 17, 2024
Interview by pRIYANKA gERA
Edited by Michael Fortunato and Priyanka Gera
Photo by Ivan Dominguez
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.
What is one thing someone should know about Brooklyn?
It is underrated. I say that because it is right next to Manhattan, but it has a lot of heart.
What did you do in your gap years before medical school?
I did not take any. It’s a funny question to ask. I didn’t think I needed gap years. I graduated with spare time, in 3.5 years instead of 4. The pre-health office of my school––Hunter College––was very supportive.
Are you going to be the first doctor in your family?
No. My brother, Emanuel, is an M4 at this school, so he will technically be the first. He took a research year because he wants to do ophthalmology so he is now in his fourth year.
Are you leaning toward the same field?
My brother is heavily persuading me. I don’t know if it will work. I am very open minded, and I don’t have my sights set on something in particular just yet [pun intended?]. There are a few specialties that have caught my interest from what we have learned so far, radiology being one of them.
Are you an artsy person? Because I have heard that artsy or creatively-inclined people find themselves in radiology
Relative to most people, I wouldn’t consider myself creative. I have dipped my toes into songwriting here and there, but nothing major.
When did you start writing your own songs?
Just like a lot of other things in my life, this was inspired by my brother. We are only 4 years apart and we have similar interests. He got into rap music at 13 and I immediately followed. He started writing his own music, and then so did I. I was about 15.
Do you have a particular song that sits close to your heart, or is your favorite?
Very much so. When it comes to rap music, to simply put it, there are two paths: you can brag/boast or you can talk about meaningful situations. I tended to deviate more toward the latter because I have always been a sentimental person. I like to write about experiences that were painful as a way to cope and express myself.
Branching off of your own work, is there any other creative media (book, art, music) out there, music or not, that speaks to you? Or inspired you in some way?
The Midnight Library” [by Matthew Haig], a book gifted to me by my friend for my birthday (June 6). Of course I associate the book with that person and that person means a lot to me. By extension, the book means a lot to me. That friend taught me a lot about spirituality and how to embrace my spirituality. The book also deals a lot with that. It is a good read, but it depends on your headspace. In medical school the assumption is that people are always going through difficult things, and are always in a difficult headspace. If you don’t mind reading about sensitive topics, then it is a great short read.
So it seems like this is an important gift you received from someone, but what is your favorite gift that you have ever gifted to someone?
I love this question, because I love gifting things. I just keep outdoing myself each time. I have to come up with the next best thing. I made an early friendsgiving gift for my college friends. It was a custom designed hoodie. We all used to go to the Regal movie theater a lot. So I got us this hoodie that says “Regal Raiders Club.” My friend had come up with the name in our group chat a while ago so I brought it to life. I gave everyone jersey numbers on the back, and the numbers meant something to everybody.
You put a lot of thought in this gift.
I did. 😊
Speaking of friends, what is a friendship dealbreaker for you?
There’s a lot of them. I’ll say disrespect. I wouldn’t associate myself with people I find disrespectful to begin with. But, even if we pass that hurdle, people can be disrespectful toward you and I think respect is this active thing you need to always keep in mind. It is a conscious decision to make to consistently keep yourself in line. It is a boundary.
Your favorite quote from a movie or book? Or a phrase that has stuck with you?
I am a big Star Wars fan so there are some great quotes. I am going to search for it so that I don’t mess it up. The quote is from Master Yoda in Episode 8, The Last Jedi, “Luminous beings we are, not this crude matter.”
What does this mean to you?
I think there is more to life than this, what we have here. There are some pieces of art that make me recognize that better than I typically would. Star Wars being one of them.
What are your thoughts on the newer Star Wars?
I love them. I am a Star Wars apologist––I will defend everything Star Wars, no matter what.
What is the most spontaneous thing you've ever done?
Oh, easy. Speaking of Star Wars, I went on my first solo trip to Anaheim for a Star Wars Convention. The reason I would consider it spontaneous or ambitious is because it was a big commitment, and I did it during medical school app season. It was a bold choice. I made great friendships there. Network isn’t the right word, but it was a lot of fun. I did it again this year––I went to London for it. The next stop is Japan in 2 years, April 2025.
Speaking of traveling, what are three things you always travel with?
I don’t want to say clothes; that’s not fun. Activated charcoal. It’s very specific, but very necessary. Whether someone has had too much to eat or the wrong thing to drink. Youth to the People; it’s a green-colored cleanser. And cologne. Funny enough, the same person who gave me the book introduced me to the cleanser and cologne. I’m a creature of habit. If something works for me, I don’t like switching it up. I get the same cologne everytime.
Cats or dogs?
Cats. My dad would never get a dog because we live in an apartment. By nature, I am a cat person, but I do want both when I get older. I would get them at the same time so they could be friends.
Do you have any phobias?
No. I wouldn’t appreciate falling off a cliff, but I wouldn’t say I am scared of heights. No irrational fears.
What are you feeling grateful for today?
My Patagonia.
If flowers could talk, what would they sound like?
It depends on the flower. I wouldn’t think of flowers having their own voices, but rather their own music because they seem to fit different moods. I would say roses are Michael Jackson––a classic. Venus Fly traps would play no music at all. Daisies would probably be Taylor Swift.
Three foods you dislike.
That’s hard. I love food.
Okay, so then three foods you love, if that’s easier.
I actually used to hate olives, but I like them now. I never used to appreciate them. I also like lagman––a cultural Uzbek soup. The noodles are so good. It’s from Uzbekistan. Also, Chipotle. I am doing a complete 180º 😂
Are you a bowl or burrito person?
Depends on the day. I used to religiously get bowls. But it has changed. For candy, I love Reese’s Pieces. It’s a safe bet.
How do you take your coffee?
I am not one of those people (with a particular coffee order). I have a Nespresso machine, so I make my own coffee. I upgraded from my Keurig; I guilted my parents into getting me one since I got into medical school. I use whole milk or almond milk and creamer. I like coffee in volume, like soup. You don’t have soup in shot glasses.
Words of advice to future M1s.
Be kind to yourself. You will make mistakes, but doing so is necessary for you to navigate what medical school is. No one gets a seamless transition. You will come across obstacles that challenge you, but it happens to everyone, so don’t feel alone.
Contact Sam at smordech4@student.touro.edu.
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