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B: What drew Lexi and I both to COM is that it is Maine’s only medical school and has a strong emphasis on medicine in rural communities. Lexi and I both want to stay in Maine if possible and return to practice once we’re finished our education. We want to serve the communities that we grew up in and give back.
Tell us about your experience in going to medical school together.
A: Going to medical school together has been a wonderful and wholesome experience. It’s been a really cool journey to not only grow together as students, but turn into literal adults that are doing really important things together. We are also recipients of the Doctors for Maine’s Future Scholarship, which has been cool to experience together. We’re really proud to be from Maine and representing our state.
B: Starting the most difficult chapter in my life with my best friend has been the biggest gift. Going through this together means that we understand the stress and pressure and can support each other in the best way. I also have a built-in study buddy!
What ways do you decompress or create balance in med school?
A: It depends on the day, but usually I’ll turn to some yoga or baking to decompress. If I’m on my way to school during block week, I’m probably jamming to some Pitbull music (and I know Brooke is, too). It’s our pre-exam routine. Besides that, we enjoy going out after a long block week to celebrate.
B: I enjoy spending time with my friends and partner to decompress and take my mind off things. One of my favorite things to do after a long day is to come home and watch something; I am a sucker for reality TV! But when the weather is nice and I have more time, I like to go for a motorcycle ride.
How will you continue to support each other throughout your time here at UNE COM?
A: I think Brooke and I will continue to do what we always have. We work well together, and I know I will always have a study buddy, someone to bounce ideas off of, and someone to get me back on track when I’m distracted or am having a tough day. Having someone that not only understands exactly what you’re going through, but also understands how you operate, has been a lifesaver.
B: Just being there for each other for support and encouragement is the biggest thing, and that will never change!
A: My ultimate goal is to stay in Maine to practice as a Family Medicine physician and eventually open my own practice. More specifically, I think direct primary care would be a cool format of care that would fit well into what Maine needs. Brooke and I joke about matching into the same residency location – it would be the perfect capstone to our journey together. Either way, I know we’ll both end up back here together.
B: In 10 years, we both should be done with residency, so I hope we are practicing in the same area of Maine and still able to see each other frequently!