Helping people with musculoskeletal problems reduce their pain and live a better life full of mobility is a professional goal that UNC School of Medicine 4th-year student Spencer Sullivan is pursuing. Originally from Franklin, Indiana, he shares more about pivotal moments that led him to want to pursue a career in orthopedics.
UNC School of Medicine 4th-year student Spencer Sullivan has plans to pursue residency in orthopedic surgery. He shares why the collaborative culture at UNC inspires him and what led him to choose the path to become a doctor.
Q. What interested you the most in high school and college?
My interests evolved significantly between high school and college. In high school, I was actively involved in sports, playing both volleyball and soccer, but I was also passionate about music and performing arts, participating in my school’s choir, musical theater, and even competitive show choir. When I got to college, my focus shifted more toward sports medicine. I worked as a student trainer for Wake Forest’s football and men’s soccer teams and joined a co-ed service fraternity, which kept me engaged in community service throughout my undergraduate years.
Q. Why did you choose to become a doctor?
A key turning point in my journey came when I dislocated my left shoulder 17 times, requiring two surgeries and numerous visits to sports medicine specialists. This experience, and the care I received, inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, particularly in orthopedics. My personal experiences with injuries deepened my appreciation for the essential role doctors play in helping others, and it ultimately led me to focus on orthopedic surgery. I was drawn to the ability of orthopedic surgeons to address musculoskeletal issues directly and restore function. A pivotal moment in my journey occurred when I had the opportunity to rehabilitate an elite soccer athlete following patellar stabilization surgery. We worked closely together, executing an intensive training regimen, and the highlight of that experience was witnessing “my patient” take his first step on the field, confident and pain-free. From surgical fixation to the moment of return to play, orthopedic surgery not only restores function but significantly enhances a person’s quality of life.
Q. What is the most interesting part of medical school at Carolina?
One of the most interesting aspects of UNC School of Medicine is the strong collaborative culture that permeates the entire program. During the preclinical years, students frequently went out of their way to help one another, whether by explaining difficult concepts or sharing resources. This spirit of teamwork continued into the clinical years, where my peers often offered their time and expertise to tackle challenging patient cases, always striving to provide the best possible care. I often highlight this collaborative environment when speaking to prospective students, as it is one of the standout features of UNC School of Medicine.
Q. What do you plan to focus on after med school?
After medical school, I plan to pursue a residency in orthopedic surgery. I am excited to continue building on the skills and knowledge I’ve gained throughout my medical training and apply them to improving patient outcomes in this dynamic field.
Q. What is your career goal?
After completing residency, I aim to pursue a fellowship and become board-certified in a subspecialty of orthopedic surgery. Currently, I have a particular interest in sports medicine and pediatric orthopedics, though I remain open to exploring other subspecialties that may capture my interest during residency.