Camden Student Overcomes Challenges to Enter Medical School

Cam’ron Klotz, a first-generation college student from Camden, New Jersey, has begun his journey at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. His path to medical school was marked by significant early challenges, including academic struggles during his freshman year of high school. Klotz credits a strong support system, which he calls his 'village,' for his success in pursuing his childhood dream.

Early Struggles and Academic Turnaround

Cam’ron Klotz faced a difficult start during his freshman year at Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School in Camden. He was frequently late to school, primarily because he was responsible for preparing his younger siblings for their day before attending his own classes. This led to him failing his first-period health and physical education course.

A warning from his teacher, Karen Borrelli, served as a turning point. Klotz committed to improving his academic performance. He embraced the challenge and, by his graduation in 2018, he had become the valedictorian of his class.

"I took the challenge and said I was going to be the best," Klotz recalled in a recent interview. "I didn’t want to fail."

The Influence of a Supportive 'Village'

Klotz attributes his achievements to a network of individuals he refers to as his "village." This support system played a vital role at various stages of his educational journey. He hopes his story will motivate other young people in Camden and serve as a role model for his 10 younger siblings.

His journey towards medicine began in sixth grade at Riletta T. Cream Elementary School. Alongside his best friend, Jeremiah Garcia, Klotz joined an after-school tutoring program. This program was founded in 2012 by Brian McCauley, who was then a Cooper medical student.

Both Klotz and Garcia shared the ambition of becoming doctors. They wanted to demonstrate that individuals from Camden could achieve significant academic and professional success.

"We wanted to stand out. We wanted to be the example," Garcia stated. "Even though we come from Camden, we can still persevere."

Mentorship and Personal Inspiration

The experience profoundly affected Klotz, now 25 years old. He saw the medical students as role models and aspired to follow in their footsteps. This early exposure solidified his determination to pursue a medical career.

McCauley maintained contact with Klotz over the years, offering continued guidance and support. He later wrote Klotz's medical school recommendation letter and even purchased a suit for his admissions interview, demonstrating a deep commitment to his mentee's success.

"He’s more than anyone else ever could be," McCauley remarked about Klotz. "Having a doctor like him is going to help so many people."

Klotz grew up in Camden's Centerville neighborhood, raised by his single mother, Maria Navarro. His mother's career as a home health aide inspired his interest in medicine. He observed her dedication to her patients, noting her efforts to build relationships and provide care when others were absent.

Navarro, 45, had also once dreamed of becoming a doctor. She instilled a caring spirit in her son from a young age. She sees Klotz's pursuit of medicine as a continuation of her own aspirations.

"It’s like God has a sense of humor. He will use your children to carry out your dreams," Navarro said. "I’m just amazed at the man he has become."

As the eldest child, Klotz took on a nurturing role for his siblings. His paternal grandfather also provided significant support, stepping in due to his father's long-term incarceration for drug and weapon offenses.

Overcoming University Challenges and MCAT Hurdles

After graduating from high school, Klotz enrolled at Rowan University with his childhood friend, Jeremiah Garcia. Klotz, a biochemistry major, initially struggled with the transition to university life. He often felt out of place, particularly as he was frequently the only student of color in some of his classes. His grade point average (GPA) dropped from a perfect 4.0 in high school to 2.4 at one point.

A crucial realization helped him regain his focus. He stopped comparing himself to his classmates and began to trust in his own abilities. This shift in mindset was pivotal for his academic recovery.

"I’m good enough. I belong here," he recalled thinking.

Both Klotz and Garcia graduated from Rowan in 2022. They then pursued different paths for the first time. Klotz went on to the University of Pennsylvania to earn a master’s degree in public health, while Garcia completed his graduate degree at Rowan.

After working for three years at a nonprofit organization in Camden, Klotz decided to apply to medical school. His initial attempt at the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) resulted in a low score. His academic adviser discouraged him from retaking the exam, leading to feelings of despair.

"It felt impossible," Klotz said. "You could literally give up."

However, he persevered, studying for another year and retaking the MCAT. His score significantly improved, leading to acceptances from both Cooper Medical School and Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. He chose Cooper Medical School, marking a major milestone in his journey.

Entering Medical School and Future Aspirations

In August, Klotz participated in the white coat ceremony at Cooper Medical School, officially marking his entry into the medical profession. He is one of 118 students in his class, scheduled to graduate in 2029. At 25 years old, he is among the older students in his cohort.

Although his mother could not attend the ceremony, his dedicated "village" was present. This included his paternal grandfather, Charles Klotz Sr.; his girlfriend, Ashley Floyd, who is a third-year medical student; his former high school teacher, Karen Borrelli; and his best friend, Jeremiah Garcia.

Winona Wigfar, who mentored Klotz in Rowan’s CHAMP/GEAR UP enrichment program, expressed immense pride in his accomplishments.

"He worked hard all the time and always said he wanted to be a doctor," Wigfar stated. "I’m so proud of him."

Klotz plans to specialize in either pediatric or emergency medicine. Susana D. Collazo, a Brimm High School alumna and a pediatric attending physician at Cooper, sees a bright future for him.

"He’s going to become a very kind, committed, and compassionate physician," Collazo predicted. "This is his calling."

Klotz’s journey highlights the impact of resilience and community support in achieving long-term goals. His story serves as an inspiration for many, particularly those from similar backgrounds, demonstrating that significant obstacles can be overcome with determination and the right network of support.