Member Spotlight: Meet Melissa Pelkey
We are excited to introduce this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Melissa Pelkey. Melissa is an MD candidate in the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine's Class of 2024, and she recently secured a first-place prize during our 2nd Annual Poster Symposium.
In her interview for our Member Spotlight, Melissa shares her excitement about being a young professional in the world of medicine, and her enthusiasm for patient care is infectious. While reflecting on her third-year rotations, Melissa shares the positive impact her mentors have on her outlook on medicine: “The degree of expertise and confidence that I have observed in my attendings… makes me excited and motivated to be pursuing medicine.”
What inspires you?
I have been consistently inspired by the physicians I have worked with throughout my third-year rotations. In talking with patients and serving on their treatment teams, I have gotten to really understand the impact that physicians can have on patient’s lives and the deep sense of gratitude they experience when they find a doctor they feel is competent and caring. The degree of expertise and confidence that I have observed in my attendings in combination with their genuine caring about both their patients and learners makes me excited and motivated to be pursuing medicine. Although to them it may be just another day doing their job, to me it is confirmation that I chose the right career.
If you weren't pursuing medicine, what would you be up to right now?
If I was not pursuing medicine, I would likely be in another health-related field such as working as a dietician or even opening a fitness center and health food cafe! On the side, I would write a food blog with a combination of healthy recipes and also restaurant reviews, something I hope I can still pursue as a hobby later in my medical career. Health and wellness are so incredibly important, I can’t imagine working in anything else!
What is one message you would give to your 18-year-old self?
It is okay to take your time in achieving your long-term goals and enjoy the development process. Especially in medicine where the training is so long, I often feel a sense of racing toward the end, going from undergrad to medical school, to residency, and maybe even fellowship, counting down the years until I reach the goal of attending. Now that I am nearing the end of medical school, I wish I had more time in my formal education years. I would tell my 18-year-old self it is okay to take an extra year or two to explore interests outside of medicine and work on developing myself as a learner and person.
What do you like best about living in Arizona?
I love the sunshine and all the outdoor activities! Hiking and paddleboarding are some of my favorite things to do on the weekends. Coming from the Midwest I still have not gotten used to having access to an outdoor pool all year, I still feel like I am living on vacation!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I speak Spanish! I started studying when I was young and majored in Spanish as well as Biochemistry in college.
How do you unwind after a stressful day?
My first stop after a long day at the hospital is the gym! I love group fitness classes like HIIT and Spin not only for the workout but for the fun and positive community they provide. I always feel de-stressed and re-energized after a good workout.
How do you define success?
To me, success means having a career in which I am both directly impacting the lives of others and also contributing to the improvement of my community on a larger scale. In addition to actively creating change, I believe a successful career is one that also creates a sense of fulfillment and self-worth. Lastly, I think success is multidimensional and should include finding joy both professionally and personally.
Why is ArMA important to you and your colleagues?
At this stage in my career, ArMA is especially important to me as I am preparing to become a practicing physician and learning how to navigate the field of medicine. So much of what impacts the day-to-day life of medical professionals is outside of the content taught in medical school. Being part of an organization that is involved in public policy and advocacy is especially important to me as medical legislation has a profound impact on the way I can practice in the future and the care I am able to provide my patients. Additionally, as a new healthcare professional, being a part of ArMA provides connections to mentorship and guidance from experienced clinicians and leaders, an invaluable resource at this early stage in my career.
