Meet Molly Lavaud | Third year medical student

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

Hi Molly, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
Most people pursuing an MD believe (and are usually told) that absolutely everything you do whether in undergrad or during gap years needs to revolve around medicine. And if you don’t follow this rule, you’re not setting yourself up to be competitive when applying. I disagree with this strongly especially since some of my best experiences and most talked about ones had absolutely nothing to do with medicine. Serving in our Caribbean Students Association was one of the most fulfilling things I did in undergrad and it left me with lessons and friends I’ll have for life. I urge everyone to pursue whatever interests you, even and especially when it’s not centered around healthcare.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a first-generation black woman pursuing medicine in America is no small feat. Choosing to document that journey on social media makes it even harder. Even with all these obstacles and statistics stacked against me, I’ve found myself in the midst of things that used to just feel like big dreams. I’m gearing up to finish my third year of medical school at a great institution and I’ve managed to amass a community of over 6000+ people across TikTok and instagram who are going on this journey with me. I’ve learned that being honest to my journey and showing myself grace when I stumble is so important.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Atlanta there is no shortage of things to do, places to eat and things to see. One of my favorite things to do is offer a morning walk on the beltline, gettin our steps in and stopping by to get açaí or coffee and donuts at The Salty Donut. Some of my favorite places to eat include OKu sushi, Lyla Lila, Delbar, Grana, and Barcelona Wine bar – all totally different but equally delicious!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family deserves all the praise. Their unwavering support even when they don’t exactly understand what I’m going through is what keeps me going most of the time, especially those times when I’m doubting myself or this journey. Even with doing social media work my family is always sharing the word and getting me more engagement. I can’t imagine doing anything or being anyone without them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo2medicine?igsh=MWxydHdtaXJjcHNvaA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
@k.images__