In this new Vital Signs series, we feature 3rd-year medical student Blair Byrd, from Snow Camp, North Carolina, who shares about her love for art and what led her to want to become a doctor.
In this new Vital Signs series, we feature 3rd-year medical student Blair Byrd, from Snow Camp, North Carolina, who shares about her love for art and what led her to want to become a doctor. As Blair raps up her third year, her future plans include studying pathology through the Henderson Fellowship in the Department of Pathology.
Q. What were you interested in in high school and college? Did you always want to be a doctor?
I was interested in science and art in high school, so I started college with the intention of becoming a medical illustrator. I realized that I wanted to do something that improved another person’s life, so I switched to the pre-medicine track. I still love art and I own a small live wedding painting business, where I travel to various places every month and paint at weddings. However, I know that ultimately I am where I need to be — learning to be a great physician so that one day I can play an integral part in improving someone’s life.
Q. Why did you choose to become a doctor?
I chose to be a doctor and go to medical school after my father had a heart attack. It took a couple of years after this event to realize that I wanted to go into medicine. I was always worried that I had not made the right decision to switch to the pre-med track, but once I became a nurse aid, I knew I had made the correct choice. I loved talking to people and being there for them during hard times. I wanted to be a part of their treatment team and make decisions to improve their health, so I chose to become a doctor.
Q. What is the most interesting part of medical school at Carolina?
The opportunities we have to collaborate with people in so many different fields. It has been a blessing to work with experts in various specialties throughout the hospital.
Q. What do you plan to focus on after med school (residency in what and where)?
I am about to wrap up my third year of medical school, so I am still in the process of completing rotations. Next year, I plan to study pathology through the Henderson Fellowship in the Department of Pathology at UNC. After, I will return to complete my 4th year of medical school and apply for residency.
Q. What is your career goal?
My career goal is to be passionate about what I do and provide quality care to my patients!