Tyler Holliday
“I knew I did not want to be in front of a computer all day. I wanted to work with people because I wanted to witness first hand the positive effects that I could have on their lives.”
1. What made you want to get your MD degree at WVU?
I was familiar with the campus from undergrad. I liked the area, and I had other friends who were going to grad school in other departments. It also helped that I was in-state.
2. What made the program so appealing?
Med school is med school no matter where you go. I liked this program because they tried to integrate us into the healthcare setting from the very beginning.
3. What is your favorite part of the program?
Third year should be fun. I enjoy interacting with patients. Also, the 2nd year preceptorship was great. My preceptor helped apply my knowledge from the books to the patients. Moreover, he shifted my interest from surgery to internal medicine.
4. What makes your two clinical years at Charleston so unique from Morgantown and Eastern?
The town is great. There are farmer markets, free concerts weekly (Live at Levee), the Clay Center for Art and Science, and other downtown attractions and events. Overall, Charleston has a more mature atmosphere than Morgantown.
5. What made you want to become a doctor?
I knew I did not want to be in front of a computer all day. I wanted to work with people because I wanted to witness first hand the positive effects that I could have on their lives. Also, my buddy's dad is a Physician Assistant and is one of those people I admire. He told me stories about his job and peaked my interest in the field. I wanted to be a lot like him. He told me that if he could do it over again he would go to medical school instead.
6. How do you balance your home, school, and social life?
Haha, not well. You can study all day and night and you still will not know everything. You need to prioritize. I enjoy being outside and pursuing non-medicine adventures. The main thing is to find out what is important and make time for it. Then fill in the gaps with studying.
7. How did being on the WVU men’s rowing team help you now?
As one of the leaders of the organization, it taught me how to work with different egos as well as how to play off an individual's talent.
8. What do you think about the school's community service requirements?
I like the idea of it. Service is a tenant of medicine, and it is important to incorporate that early on in our journey.
9. What did you think of the week long orientation before you officially started as a medical student?
I enjoyed our trip to Chestnut Ridge Park where I got to spend a lot of time getting to know my classmates and the faculty in a relaxed atmosphere.
10. What are your goals after graduating?
To be happy. Aside from that, it changes often. When I first started, I thought I wanted to do something surgical. However, in my second year, my preceptor was an Internal Medicine resident and he opened my eyes to the field. I’m more unsure now than when I started med school. I’m hoping that my 3rd year will narrow my focus.
11. What is your favorite thing to do outside of school?
I enjoy being outside... swimming, biking, and running, usually with my border collie, Olivia. I try to make time to do a triathlon and a marathon at least once a year.
12. Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about medical school?
First, you have to know that you will work harder than you ever had to before. You will spend more time in front of a book and computer than you thought possible. That reality is not fun. Second, know yourself. Know whether or not you really want this. You’ll have to make sacrifices. Lastly, don’t forget about your loved ones… your family and friends.
- Interviewed summer of 2015