Hometown: Powder Springs, Georgia
Name of Undergraduate Institution: Duke University
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Major: Sociology, Pre-Medical concentration; Minor: Spanish, Chemistry
Name of Medical School: Wake Forest School of Medicine
Residency Program: Anesthesiology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Favorite Quote: “I love to see a young girl go out and grap the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” – Maya Angelou
Contact Info: byoung@wakehealth.edu
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
I am currently a PGY – 2 or 2nd year Anesthesiology resident. I decided to pursue a career in Anesthesiology because it’s honestly the best medical specialty and the embodiment of how I envision myself as a physician. I love the acuity of care and the need to establish patient rapport quickly while constantly working with your brain and hands to get the job done. Every case in the operating room allows you to see physiology and pharmacology unfold real time in front of your eyes, and every decision you make absolutely matters for patient safety and outcomes.
If you could go back and have a chat with your 1st year postgraduate self, what would you tell her?
Love more. Laugh harder. Live with no regrets. Otherwise I would say, keep doing what you’re doing girl! You’ll be proud of the 30-year-old woman you’ve become.
Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?
Ask yourself, “is there if there is anything else I would do or any other place in the world I would be?” before submitting the application to schools. It’s okay to live your life, then come back to it when you’re ready. You’ll find that the time spent on your journey will give you a different perspective and personal growth that is invaluable.
I taught 8th grade Physical Science and 10th grade Honors Chemistry through Teach for America for 3 years before coming to medical school. I found that I not only taught my students life lessons but that they also taught me lessons that I utilize each day. Not giving up in the face of challenges, owning up to my mistakes, starting each day anew and fresh, and constantly striving to be my best self have carried me a long way.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was from my uncle while I was preparing to go off to college. My undergraduate institution, or any for that matter, could be intimidating to a freshman. He reminded me that I was accepted on my own merit and had a seat at a prestigious institution just like the students sitting beside me who had gone to top private schools or were of more affluent backgrounds. He made sure that I knew that I was no less academically inclined to compete and could excel in any environment as long as I worked hard. I pushed aide any self-doubt and made sure that I was not only my own constructive critic, but most importantly my biggest fan.
How do you manage to balance your work life and your romantic relationship?
One day at a time. You have to prioritize, realizing that you will not get everything done in a 24-hour time period. Start with what’s most important and/or time sensitive and be meticulous about setting deadlines and meeting goals. Don’t be hard on yourself and internalize that you are only human; so get some good rest and be ready to work at it again the next day.
Do you have any passions outside of treating patients? If so, what are they?
Dancing. Watching movies. Reading. Spoken word and writing poetry. Spending time with my husband, family, and friends.
Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?
Whitney Houston. Monica and Outkast, I was born in ATL; Everybody knows that we make great music. This list could go on honestly…
Book: ‘Their Eyes Were Watching God’ by Zora Neal Hurston
I have a Black movie collection that is legit. I keep my Harry Potter movies on the next shelf lol.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful responses with us Brittany, you're very much appreciated! Battling self-doubt is definitely an important nugget of advice that the vast majority of us can relate to, and the wisdom of taking things one day at a time cannot be underscored enough! It has been awesome watching you mold into a physician these past few years and I know that you will continue to excel as you advance even further into your residency program!
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Posted on May 9th, 2018
Excellent post, very enjoyable and informative, not to mention. Brittany is my niece whom I am very very proud of, blessed and highly favored by God. She has maticulous hands, and a strong passion and dedication to serve in her field, always perfecting her craft! Heaven smiles. Auntie Wanda