Just a few weeks ago, the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) M.D. Class of 2024 received their residency program assignments in various fields of specialty, taking a significant step forward in their journey towards becoming physicians.
Standing at the threshold of her residency at the Swedish Medical Center – First Hill in Seattle, Washington, Taree Chadwick, a fourth-year M.D. student pursuing family medicine, is preparing to embark on a new journey, one that promises to shape her into the physician she is destined to become.
Reflecting on her time at UNR Med, Chadwick recalls the challenges she has overcome and the unforgettable experiences that have solidified her passion for medicine.
On the brink of this new chapter, Chadwick is filled with optimism, an unwavering determination and a heart brimming with compassion, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead on her path to becoming a doctor.
Why did you decide to become a physician?
“My first introduction to health care was when I shadowed a family medicine doctor in rural West Virginia prior to going to medical school. I had been working in the theater industry in Chicago after receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater production and realized that working on crew behind the scenes caused me to miss out on intimate human connections. When I worked with the rural family doctor, I saw for the first time how much of an impact a physician in this setting could have on an entire community. He took me on a house call with him, I saw him treat an entire family, and I saw just how important and trusted he was to his entire community. I knew before going into medical school that this was the space where I could make the biggest impact on another individual and it was where I belonged.”
What specialty or area of medicine are you most passionate about pursuing, and what draws you to this field?
“I knew from day one of medical school that family medicine was for me. I wanted to be able to do a little bit of everything and treat people of all ages. As I moved through clinical rotations in school, I was one of those students who enjoyed every rotation. I always thought ‘Yeah, I could do a little bit of this’ – and the more and more I found myself learning about what family medicine was, the more my passion for it grew. We are the only specialty that gets to see pregnant people, deliver that baby, and then see that baby in the newborn nursery and clinic, and continue to follow that patient into high school and college, through adulthood and all the way until the end of their life. We get to do a little bit of everything – be a team doc for a sports team, care for gender-diverse individuals providing gender-affirming care, talk end of life plans with a family, see immigrants and refugee populations, talk family planning, we can work in emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, hospitals and continuity clinics, we can do all of it!
“Within the last two years, I have also been able to see how family medicine physicians can use their voice in the community, state and federal levels affecting change and advocating for patients. And being able to see how my voice as a future family physician can be used and trusted in these spaces is exciting and one of the big reasons I continue to be motivated and inspired by this specialty.”
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your medical education and how did you overcome it?
“At the age of 27, I decided to change my career, move across the country and put all my money back into school. Going back to school to pursue medicine was one of the scariest decisions I could make. No one in my family has ever had a career in the health care field, let alone become a doctor, and I did not know anyone I could reach out to. Returning to school for a post-baccalaureate and learning how to be a student of science was a big shift and I struggled with confidence and finding a mentor. Luckily, I had a strong sense of the reasons why I wanted to do this in the first place and that has fueled me through some of the hardest times this journey has put in front of me.
“I struggled with imposter syndrome – that feeling of never knowing if you are cut out, in the right place, deserving of this opportunity, etc. We all do. And that feeling never goes away. It follows you into residency and out of residency and even after years of practicing. What I struggled with was figuring out how to remind myself that I am deserving of this and have worked hard to be here. I think that one of the hardest things about medical training is that little voice in the back of your head that creeps in from time to time giving you doubts about it all. But because I have this strong sense of why I wanted to do this whole career shift of going back to school to become a doctor, I can lean on that when times get hard. I remember the human connections I am making, the impact I am having on another person and a community, and just how important this work is. And that keeps me going and keeps that little voice at bay.”
Can you share a memorable experience during your medical training that has significantly impacted your journey as a future physician?
“In my first year of medical school, I was encouraged by Daniel Spogen, M.D., to apply for a student leadership position with the American Academy of Family Physicians. I was lucky enough to receive the Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG) regional coordinator position. In this role, I helped build a network of medical students interested in the specialty of family medicine and created resources and workshops for students. From there I was able to run for a national leadership position and was elected as the National FMIG Coordinator which oversaw that team of regional FMIG coordinators. In this role, I was able to engage in more of the organizational side of the AAFP while serving as a voting member on commissions and in the Congress of Delegates. In July, I was voted to become the only student member of the Board of Directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians. In my current role as the student member of the board, I provide the student perspective in high-level decision-making discussions. I participate in AAFP Board deliberations and facilitate discussions with AAFP commissions, forums, senators and representatives on Capitol Hill. This role has shown me how I can use my voice as a trusted member of the community to advocate and promote health policy. And it is my future goal to continue this type of work throughout my career.”
What advice do you have for future students interested in becoming a doctor?
“In a somewhat clichéd manner, I realized I want to leave this world knowing I made a significant impact on someone else’s life. Family medicine, with its variety of challenges and the unpredictability of each patient’s case, continues to fuel my passion for learning and prevents burnout. Listening to patients from historically marginalized populations and finding ways to amplify their voices with equity and cultural humility is what fuels my commitment.
“My transition from theater to medicine might seem like a bold and risky move. However, it was a leap that felt right and aligned with my passion. I left a career that provided a stable income, dived further into student debt and dedicated my late 20s and early 30s to school once again. Looking back, I would choose this path repeatedly because I know what choosing this path means to me in the long run. And it is easy to choose a path when you are continually inspired and motivated by it.
“For those thinking about joining this profession – it’s a long road but entirely worth it. It is not easy, and times can get harder than you thought possible. But know that you will be joining a group of passionate individuals who have been down the road before and can support you along your journey. Find your mentor. Find your support system. And find your why. I say if your ‘why’ is strong enough, you can and will overcome any obstacle. All challenges have solutions. Even for those whose journeys differ from mine and who always knew medicine was your calling, find your ‘why.’ In challenging times, remind yourself why you chose your path and let that be your compass."
