Karen, the daughter of lawyer Ruben Platon and optometrist Yolanda Olivar entered the medical school for a few reasons. "One, I love dealing with different people. Two, having attended exposure and outreach programs in school, I realized that I want not only to influence other people’s lives but to make a difference as well. Third, I was really amazed with the movie Patch Adams and was inspired to be just like him. Fourth, after reading Doctors by Erich Segal, twice, I am determined to cope with the learning, trials and hardships that medical school would bring."
Though she often delves into cerebral conversation, Karen knows how to enjoy her life. She is into dancing and fashion. She loves checking out the latest trends and mixing and matching her clothes. She also loves traveling.
"I’m an outgoing, cheerful and friendly," describes Karen of herself. "I am strongly determined yet at times sensitive and emotional. I’m very easy to get along with and I’m very easy to please."
With her big heart and a big dream to accomplish, Karen values what some people neglect these days – time. "As a medical student, every minute is precious time, especially if there are many things to do that many will benefit from them in the future. "What to specialize on? I’m still trying to make up my mind whether I’ll take dermatology or pediatrics"
Becoming a doctor is not easy. Every step of the way counts. But for Karen what keeps her going is "my patience. It is a key to my success. I may not always do the things I want to do perfectly and may actually fail at times or two, I know that I can stand each time I fall, able to look back and see what I did wrong, and do better the next time." – Jerry Donato