I have always been interested in Emergency Medicine due to my dad's work as a firefighter, and I love the excitement and variability that the Emergency Room has to offer.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
I feel so lucky to be at the VCOM Carolinas campus surrounded by so many great people, both students and faculty. I truly feel inspired by many of my professors and especially Dean Cannon! They have been so supportive of us and teach us to be competent and caring doctors. Dr. Cannon always says, "bloom where you are planted" and has been encouraging us since day one at VCOM. They are great doctors and great people, and I feel lucky to have them as our leaders. They also give a lot of time to volunteer outside the class, and I hope to one day have as much of an impact as they do!
How has the VCOM mission-inspired you as a medical student?
As I said, I truly feel honored to be at this school with great students and faculty. I loved the emphasis on outreach and volunteering in the VCOM mission. While at school here, you realize it is not just a statement, but something that students and faculty actually live by. Students are so eager to volunteer and help out in the community at all times. As students, we definitely have limited time, but my classmates always try to make time for volunteer opportunities. Whether it is helping out at the free clinic in town or volunteering to play baseball with special needs children, it is evident that everyone loves to help others, and it is a great reminder of why we went into this career!
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
I have wanted to become a doctor since I was 10 years old. My parents have both been in the medical field since I was very young, and they also happen to be the people I look up to the most. My dad was a paramedic and firefighter for most of my life, and I loved hearing his stories. He truly sparked my interest in emergency medicine. After college, I worked in an oncology clinic, and I loved working with the nurses and the patients every day. I developed such meaningful relationships with those patients. I confirmed that I definitely wanted to be a doctor to help improve people's quality of life to the best of my ability.
Why did you choose VCOM?
VCOM definitely stood out to me when I came to the interview. After studying International health and Spanish at Clemson, I was very interested in the outreach and medical missions at VCOM. Also, I loved the small community feeling and the family atmosphere. I originally interviewed at the Auburn campus, but when a spot opened at the Carolinas campus, I felt it would be a perfect fit for me to be back in South Carolina. I could not be happier here and have definitely been enjoying my VCOM experience!
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
I have really enjoyed living in the small town of Spartanburg and exploring the area! Spartanburg has plenty of things to do, but not too much for us to be overwhelmed and distracted. There are a lot of great restaurants and outdoor spots to hang out with friends. Another great thing about this area is that there are many close places to travel to for a short day trip or weekends like Greenville, Charlotte, and Asheville! I think that Spartanburg is the perfect place to live during med school.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I love to workout and hang out with my friends. I love going to Cyclebar and also to the YMCA here in Spartanburg. It has been a great way for me to relieve stress and clear my mind before studying. Also, I have been fortunate to find a great group of friends here at VCOM! It has been great to have a support system through school. We all remind each other that a little break from studying is good for the mind and encourages each other through the more difficult med school parts.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
My two interests are currently in OB/GYN and Emergency Medicine, but I am keeping an open mind! I have always been interested in Emergency Medicine due to my dad's work as a firefighter, and I love the excitement and variability that the Emergency Room has to offer. After joining the VCOM OB/GYN club and learning more about the specialty, I have become very interested in that as well and interested in women's health advocacy!