Michaela Short

Program:  M.D./M.P.H.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Tennessee at Martin, Chemistry with a minor in Biology, and Sociology with a minor in Physics

Specialty/Career Plans: OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Orthopedic Surgery, Family Medicine

Extracurricular Activities:  SNMA Chapter President, Continuing Medical Education Liaison for QCOM class of 2024, Diversity Council

Marital Status:  Soon-to-be Married

Michaela Short

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Why Quillen
I chose Quillen because I really wanted to be in a location that is close enough to family back in Nashville, but also, I really loved the Johnson City area.  It reminded me a lot of Martin, TN where I attended my undergraduate university.  It's a much more laid-back city that still offers a lot of the same comforts of home. 

Being a Quillen Student
I really love that administration at Quillen is so open to student feedback not only with course curriculum but also Quillen policies. My classmates are all very supportive of one another, and we have some really great student organizations that are always willing to work together to reach a common goal.

Prior Life

I actually took a gap year between graduating undergrad and applying to medical school. I worked as an Analytical chemist in Nashville and gained some great experience working in labs that I had not had before while working in research labs an undergraduate.  I definitely recommend taking time between starting med school and graduating from your undergraduate program!

Juggling Family and School
It has definitely been challenging to juggle extracurriculars, school, and family time, but I have a really great network of friends and family who I always make sure to carve out time to spend time with or call.  

Words of Wisdom
As someone who tends to put a lot of pressure on themselves, medical school is hard, and it's also a long haul.  Try to learn how to study to pass tests, not ace them (learned this from personal experience my first semester). Grades are important but certainly not important enough to sacrifice your mental and physical health.  You're going to make mistakes, and at times, you're going to feel discouraged. Just remember, there are thousands of people who have gone through this process already who are now successful physicians, and if you trust the process and do your best, you'll get there, too.