I wanted to place myself in an environment where I could envision myself being successful, not just during the didactic years but also during clinical rotations and residency. I was impressed with both the rotation sites offered at VCOM and the rotations available among them.
Who or what has inspired you while at VCOM?
I am inspired every day by my classmates, who work hard to succeed and keep it fun along the way. Daily, I am pushed to learn more and better myself as a medical student, and I am surrounded by individuals who strive to build themselves up in the same way. At the same time, there is a shared sense of unity in that we all support each other. It is refreshing to see the encouragement put out by those around me, and this inspires me to be a source of support for both my colleagues and future patients.
How has the VCOM mission inspired you as a medical student?
The VCOM mission emphasizes the importance of remaining community-focused as a physician and providing care where it is needed most. As a medical student, I’ve learned about many areas within the southern region that lack access to both essential and specialized components of care. This mission has inspired me to learn about the gaps that I can help fill in the future and get involved in ongoing projects designed to fulfill this mission. Through VCOM, I’ve gotten opportunities to get involved with the community of Auburn and see where the need is even within the local community. Ultimately, the mission has taught me about the difference I can make as a future provider.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
I had many early influences that inspired me to study medicine, however, I specifically chose to become a doctor once I realized the ability it offered to impact people’s lives on a level more personal than any other. In this field, you learn how to walk with someone through some of the most difficult moments and in turn get them through it. We all experience health care at some point in our lives, and a doctor has the ability to provide comfort and confidence to patients throughout the entire process. The field of medicine is like no other, and I am loving every minute of being a part of it.
Why did you choose VCOM?
I chose VCOM because it truly stood out amongst other medical schools as a place that wanted to see me in their program as much as I wanted to be in it. VCOM not only acknowledged the professional qualities I possessed but appreciated these qualities and desired to see them come to life in their program. Applying to medical school is tough, but VCOM made me feel welcome during every step. I also wanted to place myself in an environment where I could envision myself being successful, not just during the didactic years but also during clinical rotations and residency. I was impressed with both the rotation sites offered at VCOM and the rotations available among them. I felt confident that I would have every opportunity to explore different specialties and discover my talents under the direction of highly competent physicians. I specifically came across a rotation site near my hometown, and I immediately knew this would provide me with a potential opportunity to serve the community I grew up in. I found these opportunities especially attractive and quickly knew VCOM had everything I needed to become a phenomenal doctor.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
I love the balance between a high-energy college town and the small southern community that this area offers and the people within it. Everyone has a friendly nature about them and the community as a whole is very connected. Auburn also boasts some of the best locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops, which are great to have around after a tough week of exams. When football season comes around, I enjoy game days and all the festivities that happen just down the street from the VCOM campus. Just ten minutes in the other direction, you’ll find Chewacla State Park which has great walking trails through the forest. The town really does offer the best of both worlds. There are also many VCOM-affiliated physicians with offices in the surrounding area, providing many opportunities for students to get involved with shadowing and applying what’s taught in the classroom. This area has a lot to offer and is perfect for the life of a medical student.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Free time is a must, and I spend it doing things that keep me feeling happy, healthy, and refreshed. I especially love to get active, which usually looks like taking spin classes, walking my dog at Keisel Park, or taking advantage of the Auburn University Rec Center. I also like to spend time with my friends outside of the classroom and have really enjoyed getting involved in events and socials held by student organizations such as CMDA and ACOP. On long weekends, I drive just a few hours to my hometown which is right by the beach. It really is important to take time to yourself in medical school and there are many opportunities to spend it doing the things you enjoy.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
I see myself pursuing a residency in anesthesiology after graduation. Prior to medical school, I was very in tune with the specialties of primary care but knew little about the practice of anesthesia or its history. Since then, I’ve learned just how phenomenal this specialty is and observed the high level of involvement it allows you to have in patient care. This specialty truly serves as the gateway allowing modern-day surgical interventions to be possible and trains the art and skill of calibrating your actions to the needs of each patient in real-time with instantaneous results. From personal experience, I know undergoing general anesthesia can be scary, and helping patients feel confident about their procedure seems extremely rewarding. I also appreciate the unique role of anesthesiologists in pain management and post-operative recovery, and how much influence they can have on a patient’s experience of care. In this specialty, I will truly get to be there for patients throughout their entire journey.