My 46th guest is Brittany, a 3rd year medical student, who hopes to to pursue a residency in emergency medicine and work for Doctors Without Borders.

Hi Pauline! First of all would you like to tell us something about you?

Hi! My name is Brittany Ladson and I am a 3rd year medical student at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am a currently rotating at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI. I am hoping to pursue a residency in emergency medicine and work for Doctors Without Borders in a resource limited, Spanish speaking nation.

When did you start your Twitter account? How did you get the idea?

I started it 3 years ago when I started medical school to document my journey.

Can you tell us something about how you balance work and private life? 

Striking balance is the hardest thing for me but I find that making a realistic schedule for myself and keeping myself accountable for my daily goals makes it possible to have both an academic life and a social life.

During your academic studies how many women were in course? Why in your opinion?

My medical school is 50/50 male/female. For the first time in history, there are more women enrolled in medical school than men!

Have you ever felt harassed or being kept apart as a scholar because you are a woman?

In the medical clinic, I am frequently called a nurse instead of a medical student even though we wear completely different uniforms. This can be discouraging at times and makes me question how much I belong to the medical community.

How did you become passionate about science? 

I have always loved science! When I was younger and thinking about what career I wanted to pursue, I really had no idea but I knew it had to involve science! I started shadowing at a nurse home and hospital and fell in love with the art and science of medicine instantly!

Would you like to talk briefly about your job?

I am currently a 3rd year medical student. As a student we are getting first hand experience with starting peripheral IVs, doing EKGs, and even participating in surgery. It is very diverse as a student and you get to learn a lot from the residents and attending physicians you are working with.

Thank you so much for your time. Lastly, can you give any advice to girls interested in STEM?

Don’t sell yourself short early! This is your only life, there is no practice round! Give it all you’ve got and never, ever give up!

Follow Brittany on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook.