Stitching Together Basic Science and Surgery

Dr. Darden with her mentor, Dr. Philip Efron. Credit: Courtesy of Lyle Moldawer, Ph.D. “I’m an African American woman from Memphis, Tennessee; you don’t see very many people like me in medicine or in science,” says Dijoia Darden, M.D. She’s working toward becoming an academic physician, which will allow her to treat patients, teach, and conduct research. “I’m hoping that as an academic physician, I can inspire other women, especially women of color, to pursue things they’re passionate about.” A Path to Medicine Dr. Darden was drawn to science from a young age, inspired by her microbiologist mother. She recalls that her mom often helped her create science fair projects, including one where she grew penicillin-producing bacteria taken from a lemon. Later on, during her high school summer breaks, Dr. Darden worked in a lab that studied how certain genes might contribute to cancer. Those early experiences fueled her passion to major in neuroscience in college, but focusing purely on science left her feeling like something was missing. After a friend suggested that she explore medicine, she began shadowing several doctors and soon decided that a medical career was the right path for her. She completed medical school and a year of preliminary general surgery residency at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, and then a second year of residency at the University of Florida, Gainesville. When she applied for a third year, h...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Being a Scientist Profiles Sepsis Training Source Type: blogs