Hometown: Powder Springs, GA
Name of Undergraduate Institution: University of Georgia
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biology Major
Name of Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Contact Info: rhegngi@augusta.edu
Additional Links:
Instagram: @rosieee93
Blog: Rose In Bloom
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
Currently, I’m in my second year of medical school at MCG. I guess since high school I’ve known I wanted to become a doctor, but it did not seem real until I started shadowing in hospitals and seeing what it is a physician does on a day-to-day basis.
If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell her?
Use time more wisely and you will feel less overwhelmed. Believe in yourself and your strengths as a student; you are more than capable.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
If this is truly where you want to be, you will make it. There might be obstacles but if you choose to continue in the direction of your dreams, you will be happy.
What is your favorite thing about your medical school?
The sense of community that I have with my classmates, especially those in our SNMA chapter is irreplaceable. I really feel as though I have a family away from home when I am in Augusta; they make this journey through medical school so much more fun!
What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?
Know all your options, but remember no matter how many places you apply to and get in, you can only go to one. That being said I think it’s important to apply to schools that you actually see yourself attending. I only applied to five schools the second-go-around, based on my mom’s advice, and she was right. Trust in your preparation, and you will end up where you are meant to be.
Did you take some time off before medical school? If so, what did you do during that time?
Yes, I took a year in-between my UGA graduation and attending MCG. I worked at a private practice at an OBGYN/Pediatrics clinic in East Point, GA. I am so grateful for the experience I had in that office; it only furthered my desire to be in the health professional field and to become a physician.
Do you have any passions outside of school? If so, what are they?
I love to cook, and I like photography! Combine those together and you get an Instagram foodie, haha. I’m really into healthy eating as much as I am into baking desserts so I’m very passionate about discovering new healthy dishes, while treating yourself every now and then.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to read at Barnes and Noble with a cup of coffee in my hand on a comfy couch. I also like to cook, and to try new DIY arts and craft projects I find on Pinterest. I like to go for leisurely outdoor runs too, and was able to finish the Augusta half-marathon last year; training for it was hard but a great stress reliever.
What do you feel is the most challenging part of medical school? The easiest part?
- The most challenging I think is keeping myself balanced. Sure there are tons of assignments and challenging material, but I think that is what makes it easy to lose track of how you are doing as a person. Taking care of myself emotionally and spiritually is definitely a priority that I work on every day in medical school, as much as my assignments.
- The easiest part is staying positive. Quizzes every week and finals looming monthly can be intimidating, but I am constantly reminded by people that I meet or patients I see in clinic as to why I chose this path.
In regards to dating, what kind of qualities are you looking for in someone?
Someone understanding of the somewhat unpredictable/busy schedule in medical school. Also, someone who can relax and not take themselves too seriously!
What did you do during the summer before you started medical school?
I took part in the Pre-matriculation program offered here at MCG. It was sort of a medical school “bootcamp” that I would recommend to anyone who has the opportunity because I believe it really aided in my smooth transition into first year.
What do you do to get through the stressful nature of medical school?
I nap. Seriously, I find that most of the time I am stressed is due to the fact that I’ve been working too much and missing out on sleep. Other than that, I will call my family or friends from home; listening to what is going on in their lives keeps me sane, and reminds me that there is life outside of my medical school bubble.
What extra-curricular activities are you involved in at your school?
I am on our class’s executive board as Historian. I serve as Political Advocacy Liaison of MCG’s SNMA chapter. I am one of the curriculum coordinators for a program called TEACH (The Eating and Cooking Healthy) Kitchen, which aims to customize healthy dishes for patients here in Augusta with various medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. I’ve played IM ultimate frisbee and soccer with my classmates. Also last summer some of my friends and I became “expert” indoor rock climbers, haha.
What is it like attending school in your city/town?
There seems to be a lot of health professionals in Augusta, with the OT/PT/Nursing/Dental schools all in close vicinity of one another. I think the community is very supportive of the students and while it isn’t Atlanta, the people here make it fun.
What were some of your involvements in college? Have those involvements helped you in any way in medical school?
I worked around 20-30 hours a week in undergrad and I think that really helped as far as learning how to get work done in a shorter amount of time.
Who are some of your favorite musicians? Favorite books? Shows? Movies?
- Musicians:
- Future, Coldplay, Rihanna, Lauren Daigle
- Books:
- A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
- The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare
- Shows:
- How to Get Away with Murder, Greys Anatomy, Insecure
This is fantastic Rose! Thank you for your thorough answers and for taking the time to talk about who you are while sharing some useful advice with us! You are much appreciated! Your positive attitude will take you to amazing places!
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on February 1st, 2017