Taking the Leap: A Profile on Katie Zhang

A healthcare consultant dreams to become a doctor.
Most people would not leave a successful career for a new career path with a long school commitment and a high dropout rate. However, Katie Zhang, a 25 year-old 1st-year medical student at the MCG-UGA Medical Partnership did just that. Zhang's interest in science began in her early childhood after her family moved from China to the United States when she was 5. Both her parents always encouraged her to research science topics that interested her. Zhang's mother taught her multiplication tables at home when she was only 5 years old-two years ahead of the rest of her class. Knowing so much about math, sometimes she was bored in class, and eventually she got into trouble with her teacher at school, as Zhang recalled with a smile.
After a successful 3 years career in the healthcare consultant field, Zhang felt the need for a change. In addition to exploring her natural curiosity about science, she wanted to "make a mark on this Earth, and have a meaningful impact on people's lives." She is excited about the prospect of working with talented people in the medical field and also wants to be the physicians' voice in discussions about the future of healthcare in this country.
Her family, though, had reservations when she first mentioned the idea of going to medical school. However, they are very supportive of Zhang's decision now since they have seen how much Katie likes medicine and the happiness medical school has brought her. On September 25th, Zhang's father flew from California to attend his daughter's White Coat Ceremony in Augusta, GA, with all the family members.

[@mexifrida]

really gives me an idea of the process. great interview.