Name: Stephanie A. Haddad
Class Year: 2015
Title: Internal Medicine, PGY-1
Organization: Brown University/Kent Hospital
1. In one sentence, what does your job entail?
I work as a resident physician on the medicine team to manage, treat, and take care of patients admitted to the hospital.
2. What planned and unplanned events connected you to your industry and your first employer after Holy Cross? How did you learn/decide it was a good fit for you?
I always thought I would go directly into medical school after undergrad; however, my path to medical school changed when I realized my MCAT scores were not as competitive as I had hoped, and I wanted more clinical experience. I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator/Assistant in Breast Oncology at the MGH: Cancer Center for a little over two years before matriculating into medical school. I gained so much clinical experience in the hospital and outpatient medical settings, which further solidified my desire to pursue a career as a physician. I discovered that medicine is a dynamic field intertwined with pathophysiology, genetics, novel treatments, team-based approaches, comprehensive care, and patient-driven decision making. Working alongside the oncology team, seeing the role of the physicians, and helping to treat patients daily, showed me that becoming a physician was truly the right fit for me.
3. What were you involved in when you were on campus?
I had some of the best experiences at Holy Cross being involved with various committees and clubs around campus. I participated in research with the Bellin Lab and worked as a TA for the Biology Department. I also was the Co-Chair of the Biology Department Student Advisory Committee and Co-Chair of the Bio Buddies tutoring program. Additionally, I was involved with the American Medical Student Association and competed as a dancer on the Holy Cross Ballroom Dance Team.
4. What was your major and how did it affect your career decisions?
I majored in Biology with a Biochemistry Concentration. I always had a passion for science and medicine, and my Biochemistry Concentration further encouraged me to pursue research. Since I worked in a research lab at Holy Cross, I sought a clinical-based research experience within the medical setting. I worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator/Assistant in Breast Oncology at the MGH: Cancer Center helping to run clinical trials. I enrolled and followed breast cancer patients on clinical trials. Along with the clinical problem solving, it was the emotional moments with my research patients that drew me closer to the field of medicine. As I became an integral part of their healthcare team and an empathetic caregiver, I discovered my passion for medicine and research, particularly within Hematology/Oncology. I gained clinical and research experience and solidified my desire to pursue medical school to become a physician. These experiences also contributed to my decision to pursue an Internal Medicine Residency after I graduated medical school and a Hematology/Oncology Fellowship in the future.
5. What are one or two skills that you developed at Holy Cross that you use in your work?
Being a life-long learner and critical thinking
Effective communication and staying connected, the world is a small place
6. What advice do you have for students today?
Follow your dreams! Once you discover your passion, follow it because you will truly enjoy your work every day. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life! Stay passionate and continue to learn daily because this will be the fuel that keeps you going and remember to enjoy all aspects of the ride; it all becomes part of your story.
