Welcome back to another installment of our intern spotlight series. In addition to performing a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, our own Dr. David Whiteman prides himself on medical mentoring and helping prepare the next generation of professionals for their careers in medicine. This month, we’re excited to focus on our latest Southern Plastic Surgery (SPS) guest resident, CC. CC has been interning here at SPS while she finishes up her studies at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM). It’s been a real treat having CC in our office learning from Dr. Whiteman and our team. Between her hard work, professionalism, and enthusiasm, she has made significant contributions during her internship and we are proud to call her part of our Southern Plastic Surgery team.
To help everyone get a better idea of who CC is, we had her answer a few questions about her time here at Southern Plastic Surgery and share some of her fondest memories from her internship.
What made you choose a career in medicine?
Having family members negatively affected by the poor healthcare system in Nigeria and the lack of available treatment enabled me to see the importance of health and wellness for every individual, especially those in disadvantaged populations. This motivated me to do my part by working to reach those through healthcare that seem unreachable.
What has been your favorite memory of your internship so far?
I can’t say I have just one favorite memory. I would say crossing paths with caring, intelligent people every day will forever impact me and stay in my memory.
Describe your internship in ONE word.
Enlightening
What skills have you learned that you think will be most valuable in your medical career?
The ability to engage with patients and connect with them personally. This is a skill that I have had nurtured in me that reaches far beyond the world of medicine. I personally believe that many physicians lack the ability to connect with their patients on a personal level.
What has been the greatest lesson you’ve learned so far during your internship?
I’ve learned that unexpected things happen, especially rare ones, and you can’t let this frustrate you. You must roll with it and treat those things as they come.
What has been your favorite part of interning with Dr. Whiteman?
Dr. Whiteman is one of the only teachers that I have had that has actually allowed his students to have real life responsibilities with patients. The interaction he allows his students to have with patients is easily the best experience a student can have, and a luxury that most students are not allowed. He loves to teach and share his knowledge and never allows anything to get in the way of one of his students getting the best learning experience possible!
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far during your internship?
The biggest challenge for me was getting over my initial timidness and becoming more comfortable and confident in what I know and applying it. I feel I have grown a lot in this area during my internship.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope to be practicing sports medicine and starting a family.
When you’re not working, what are your favorite hobbies?
Health and fitness, as well as “trying” to learn guitar.
What is your favorite movie?
The Patriot
Do you have a personal motto?
It’s not by my strength or for my glory!
If you weren’t practicing medicine what would you be doing professionally?
I would either be a sports analyst on a major network like NFL network or ESPN or be pursuing a career in Public Health programming.
What is your favorite weekend activity in Atlanta?
Finding the best desserts all over the city.
Pick one: breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner?
Brunch! I love chicken and waffles!!
It’s always sad to see our interns leave. After mentoring and working closely together, it’s only natural to get accustomed to seeing someone every day and to start feeling like a family over time. With that said, we have only great things to say about our time with CC and we are excited to see where her career takes her. We have no doubt that CC will be a terrific, valuable addition to wherever she ends up. For more information about Dr. David Whiteman or if you are interested in a plastic surgery consultation, please contact Southern Plastic Surgery today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for more plastic surgery tips and updates.