Kellee Randle, OMS3
Kellee told me how great it feels to finally flee both Luibel and Everett, her love of children and consequently a prospective medical career in pediatrics, how music can be powerfully soothing to one's soul, and her plans to watch a lot of football this fall!
Kellee, you're finally out of Luibel Hall pursuing your third year rotations. How does it feel? Are you able to contain your excitement?
It feels great! I have been waiting on third year since year one! We would be in Luibel Hall and I’d be talking about third year and getting out of the classroom. It is quite exciting to actually be a part of a medical decision making team. I have patients that I'm responsible for, and I am learning so much. I must admit…I don’t miss Luibel or Everett...not one bit!
Is it difficult not being around your friends and classmates each and every day the way you were in years one and two? That has to be somewhat of an adjustment for you...
Actually, third year is giving me an opportunity to interact with more of my classmates than I did during my first and second years. During the classroom years, I tended to hang out with the same people. Now that I am in third year and not with my closest friends all the time, I am learning more about other people in the class.
Very nice...new opportunities! Have you started narrowing down your specialty options? If so, what are those and why? What factors have helped you formulate your decision?
Well, I have always wanted to be a pediatrician since I was a little girl, but since starting medical school I have been thinking about Emergency Medicine. Internal Medicine was my first rotation during third year and I have discovered that I like it as well. I love children and ultimately I believe I will end up in a pediatric subspecialty like Pediatric Medicine or Pediatric Emergency Medicine. There is just something about children that I find refreshing. I love their honesty and untainted view of things. If you want to know the truth, ask a child.
Think back to your first time in the anatomy lab. What were you thinking and feeling? Were you completely overwhelmed?
I loved being in the lab. I wasn’t scared or apprehensive in any way. I was excited about it and I worked really hard in anatomy. I realized that it was probably the last time that I would see the human body in that way. It is an unusual experience that most people will never get to have.
Who is your all time favorite instructor at TCOM...past or present...and why?
I had quite a few professors that I liked. I enjoyed Dr. Dubin’s style. He made sure that we learned in his CILs, and his passion for our success was evident. I can appreciate that.
I also liked Dr. Spellman...he was entertaining and he taught the endocrine material very well. He made learning fun!
I also thought the pathologists were excellent. Drs. Nizzi, Cunningham and Wasson worked hard to ensure we learned their material.
Any words of wisdom or advice for the first and second year students?
Hang in there! There are days when you question yourself. You will question your decision to enter medical school and you will wonder why you are putting yourself through the rigor. I’ve been there...but at the same time, I know there is nothing else I would rather do! All I can say is, it does get better; it will be worth it in the end. Take the first two years in stride...one day at a time. Graduation will come sooner than you think!
What do you like to do in your spare time...in the event you have some time to spare? Or, what do you wish you could do if time allowed?
I spend time with my family and friends. They have been a large part of this medical school experience. When I am not actively studying. I love to hang out with them. Even though I have learned how to go to dinner and study at the same time [smiles]. I never go anywhere without something to study. I also love reading, listening to music, and sleeping! My bed is one of my favorite places to be [smiles].
I love my bed, too! Anything you would like to share with us...perhaps an unusual talent or skill that nobody knows about...come on, don't be shy!
I love kick boxing! I used to train 3-4 days a week when I lived in Philadelphia. It's a great stress reducer and it kept me in great shape. Most people don’t know that I played basketball for a few weeks in a world tournament in Belgium before starting college.
What are you most looking forward to this fall when the temperatures finally drop and the leaves begin to fall from the trees?
FOOTBALL! To me, Sundays are for church and football...I can’t wait!
If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three items with you, what would those items be and why?
My computer...because I must stay connected to the world. I would also take my iPOD. Good music can get you through any situation; it’s a form of healing for me. I would also take my photo album since it contains pictures of all my favorite people and some great memories.
Doctors on TV...Scrubs, House, ER, Grey's Anatomy, Doogie Howser reruns?
I love Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. I know they're not realistic...but they sure are entertaining! I have both shows on TiVo!
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Thanks, Kellee! It sounds like you have your feet firmly planted on the ground and a very good idea about your future plans. Now that you are in year three, enjoy every minute; it will fly by! I know that your kind and gentle personality will be a perfect fit for a career in pediatrics. Best wishes to you!
-Eryn Loney, Director of Program Development
