Cecelia Brown

Program:  M.D.

Hometown: Lake Wales, FL

Undergraduate School and Major: FSU, Chemistry

Specialty / Career Plans: Military Medicine

Extracurricular Activities: Street Medicine IG, Surgery IG, hiking, biking, running

Marital Status:  Married (long distance)

Cecelia Brown

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Why Quillen
Quillen combines a quality education with a tight knit, family feel. Classes are small and well adapted to meeting the needs of the community.

Being a Quillen Student
The class of 2024 is experiencing a massive shift in student life from the class of 2023 due to COVID. Not attending lecture aside from anatomy lab (half attendance per session) has some significant challenges, not least of which a sense of isolation. Quillen faculty and staff make a concerted effort to combat that sense of isolation, but our class (2024) has also been especially keen at closing the gap between computers. Expect some differences in what you expected your medical education to look like, with some pleasant additions alongside the challenges. You don't have to study every waking moment and you will have time for hobbies, but you will also have to study many weekends! Balance is key and by the second semester, many of us are finally zeroing in on that balance.

Juggling School and Family
Especially hard for long distance relationships. Distance learning makes getting to your family and spending real quality time a lot easier. Some small tidbits of advice: consciously choose them at least once a day and learn to show that; understand that sacrifices must be made both in school and in relationships to balance the two effectively and appropriately communicate your struggles and choices to your family; talk often and show love whenever possible; be honest and open.

Prior Life

I served 8 years active-duty Army as an aviation officer and flew Blackhawk helicopters. Before commissioning, I got my MS in Analytical Chemistry at FSU. I came in later to medicine and am admittedly older than many of my peers, but I have had the privilege of living in Germany, Alaska, Alabama, and Washington State, and of traveling across the country and Europe multiple times.

Words of Wisdom
Everything is a balance- whether it be between you and a significant other or you and your school. Your mental health must be at the front of your mind every day when dealing with the struggles of this path, and you must find those you trust to confide in when you feel the balance slipping and taking a toll on your resolve. However small you keep your circle of support; it must be strong, and you must also show that you support those you lean on. Quillen admits an interesting group every year, but so far, I have noticed that one thing we all have in common is devotion to each other and our community.