South Middlesex Times

Solomon Williams, a top student in organic chemistry at Rutgers University, is poised to make history as he prepares to graduate with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Initially disliking science, Williams found inspiration after failing a biology exam, urging him to delve deeper into the subject he came to find fascinating. His academic journey at Rutgers University-New Brunswick has been noteworthy, culminating in one of the highest grades ever achieved in organic chemistry and earning him the prestigious Wright-Rieman Award in 2023. Williams, set to graduate as the top-ranked student in the School of Arts and Sciences, extends his excellence to Systems Physiology and General Chemistry and has scored within the top 3% nationally on the Medical College Admissions Test.

"Once that happened, I remember that I couldn’t believe I had failed it and thinking that I had to really start trying,” Williams recounted.

Williams' journey is highlighted by multiple acceptances from leading medical schools such as Yale, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania, positioning him to become the first doctor in his family. His aspiration to enter medicine was partly inspired by reading "The Pact" during his high school years, a book recounting the journey of three Black physicians.

“That was when I could see that people that look like me can become doctors,” Williams expressed.

Supported by his family, Williams completed several internships, including at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, further enriching his medical exposure. At Rutgers, he gained significant research experience studying hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy under the guidance of Wise Young.

“Solomon is a highly motivated, diligent student-scholar who demonstrates outstanding character both in and out of the classroom settings," Kamal Khan, Director of ODASIS, commented.

Looking forward, Williams envisions exploring health disparities within the African American community, driven by personal experiences, including the recent passing of his grandfather, an event that has influenced his medical aspirations.

“I want to provide health care tailored to the specific needs of individuals in the Black community,” Williams stated.

Williams is not yet set on a specific field of medicine but is committed to making a difference, informed by both personal and academic insights.