Meet Kayla McEady | Medical Student at PCOM-GA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla McEady and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Proverbs 16:9 which basically says “I chose my path but God ordered my steps”, is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible. I wrote this scripture on my graduation cap when I graduated from Oakwood University and it has been such an important verse to me since then. Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor. I knew it was not going to be an easy path, but I knew with God’s help, I would be able to accomplish my goals. Majoring in Biology in undergrad and now being in Medical School is not easy, but I keep this verse in mind so I can continue working hard and persevering. This verse is meaningful to me because it shows how if our plans align with God’s plans for our life, He will open doors and make it possible for us to accomplish our goals. regardless of how hard or impossible it may seem to us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am currently a medical student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM-GA). Getting to this point in my academic career was not an easy feat at all. Certain events in my life such as my dad having prostate cancer, shadowing various physicians, and volunteering at one of the top trauma hospitals, Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, GA, led me to wanting to become a physician. God has always blessed me to do well in school from when I was a young girl. I graduated from Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy (GAAA) as the Salutatorian of my class. I went on to Oakwood University where I majored in Biology. I graduated Magna Cum Laude and was an Alpha Chi Member, Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) Member and Secretary, Chemistry Teacher’s Assistant, and my senior class Social Vice President. During my time at Oakwood, I was accepted into competitive summer research programs. I ultimately conducted research at Vanderbilt School of Medicine and presented my research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Although I had amazing grades and a great resume’, one of my first challenges was the MCAT, which is an exam for students applying for medical school. I had to take the exam twice because my score was not competitive enough. The second time I took the exam, my score actually dropped by 1 point. I was so discouraged to the point where I even considered changing my career interest. I was working as a Medical Scribe at the time, and decided to apply again after retaking the MCAT. During my second application cycle, I was placed on the waitlist at the school I currently attend, PCOM-GA. Just a few days before orientation, I received the call that changed my life forever. I was accepted into Medical School! Medical School has not been easy, but I have finally gotten into my rhythm of what study methods work best for me. I knew it was God’s plan for my life to be a physician after I was finally accepted into school. Receiving my white coat, I was reminded that God opened so many doors for me to be where I am today. It is such an honor and privilege to wear my white coat, and I am committed to becoming the best physician I can be. If you are interested in being a physician, please remember that no MCAT score, no GPA, and no bad interview, can prevent you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. If He wants you to be a doctor, you will become a doctor.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am currently a Medical Student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM-GA). Getting to this point in my academic career was not easy at all. I’ve had days where I was stressed or emotionally drained. I’ve felt discouraged and wanted to change career paths when I did not get into medical school after my first try. If it wasn’t for God reminding me through different doors that opened that this is where He called me to be, I would have given up a long time ago. My parents and sister have always been my number one supporters. They continue to support and encourage me because they want to see me succeed and accomplish all of my goals. My boyfriend knows exactly how to make my day better whether that’s by being my personal chauffeur and driving me to school on the days I don’t have it in me to drive, or by bringing me lunch or roses. My friends from college who were also on the same journey towards becoming a physician were also understanding what I was feeling. We supported each other during study sessions for the MCAT. My professors at Oakwood University were always there to offer advice to me when I needed them. My extended family and church family continue to send me encouraging texts and pray for me when they hear I have an exam coming up. If it wasn’t for all of the support and support I receive from my family and friends, I wouldn’t have gotten to this point in my life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting from out of state, I would first take her to go shopping at Perimeter Mall. After we’ve shopped till we dropped, we could grab food at one of my favorite restaurants, the Cheesecake Factory. Another activity we could do during the week would be going to Puttshack. I enjoyed their putt putt because it was very interactive and fun! We could eat food from there after we were done playing. The next day we can go to Slutty Vegan and get one of their burgers and fries, then chill at home and have girl time. The next day we could go out to the movies and grab lunch while we were out. The next day we could go get manis & pedis, then go out to eat for lunch or dinner. Her last day in town, we could go out for brunch at a nice spot in Sandy Springs or Midtown.

Website: https://linktr.ee/kmceady99

Instagram: kaylaaxcierra

Linkedin: Kayla McEady

Other: Please check out my LinkTree where I have links to receive discounts from companies I am an ambassador for! Here’s the link! : https://linktr.ee/kmceady99

Image Credits
Kayla McEady