Introducing Paige, a fourth-year medical student at Noorda-COM!
What motivates me every day, on my journey to becoming a physician?
I get to wake up every day and be grateful that my brain and body work well enough to be a medical student, because eight years ago, I couldn’t even fathom becoming a physician due to my health. I’m motivated to study the brain and the body so that someday I can help someone else, just as someone else did for me.
Following my concussion recovery, I was able to fulfill a longtime dream: becoming a member of the BYU Cheer Team. What once had seemed impossible was suddenly an integral part of my life. Being a member and captain of this team was a dream come true, and only made possible by those who study the brain and body.
What is one thing you are most proud of?
I am proud of the personal development that has happened on this journey. Because I never “planned” on growing up to be a doctor, I really made that choice as an adult. Once I did, I finally felt like my life and career were headed in the right direction. I had some huge hurdles to overcome, but realizing that by becoming a physician, I was becoming the best version of myself allowed me to stay dedicated and inspired along the way. Finding something that sets your soul on fire makes it easy to stay motivated and love the effort, even when it’s hard.
Why did you choose Noorda-COM?
I love osteopathic medicine, and I have for a long time. Most of my favorite physicians have been DOs, and when I decided to apply to medical schools, that was an incredibly important factor to me. I wanted to continue the hands-on skills I had learned and utilized in the sports medicine field as an athletic trainer.
When/how did you decide you wanted to be a doctor?
Following my brain injury recovery, I started a master’s degree in athletic training. As I discussed career goals with some of my mentors, I began to recognize that the impact I hoped to have in the field of neurological rehabilitation was beyond the scope of the degree I was attaining. I was encouraged to consider more schooling. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wanted to become a physician, which honestly scared me. I had just gotten to the point where I felt like I could be somewhat successful in school after years of struggling, and now I had this huge weight of a career plan shift in my head. Once I made the decision, however, I knew it was the right choice for me.
It may go without saying, but I’m passionate about long-term brain injury rehabilitation, especially in the setting of sports concussions and neurological rehabilitation for athletes. I’m also really passionate about lifestyle medicine. I want patients to live well, and I enjoy helping people understand how to care for their bodies for longevity and find joy in eating well and moving well. The area of medicine that encompasses my passions exists in the area of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. I will be applying to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency programs this fall.
