Before entering medical school, Bryan received her nursing degree at USA and later worked as a nurse in the intensive care unit at the USA Medical Center. During that time, she returned to school to pursue her graduate degree in nursing.
Now, Bryan is using her nursing background to help her succeed in medical school. “The nursing track helped me understand the importance of taking care of patients and has really helped me become a well-rounded physician,” she said.
Bryan was selected for the Regan Robinson Scholarship in part because of the service she participates in outside of the classroom. “I’ve always loved volunteering,” she said. “I like to help people. It’s my nature to do so.”
Bryan served for two years as logistics chair for the USA Gumbo Chili Showdown, an event that supports the Regan Robinson Scholarship. Prior to medical school she organized the Kidney Early Evaluation Program, which was responsible for screening patients for kidney disease. In addition, Bryan has helped coordinate seminars for local dialysis patients and has supported the Transplant Olympics.
“My main interest is nephrology,” Bryan said. “I like the challenge, as well as the continuity. I look forward to working with these patients over time and helping them manage their illness.”
The Regan Robinson Young Scholarship was created in memory of Regan Robinson, a medical student at USA who was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer in 2003 at the age of 23. She used her own experience to help others cope with illness. In 2007, just months before her graduation from medical school, Regan passed away. Her empathetic spirit and drive to continue medical school while completing chemotherapy made her an inspiration to fellow students, faculty and staff. The scholarship provides assistance to a rising senior medical student who embodies Regan’s spirit and character.
Bryan said she was honored to receive an award that recognizes Robinson’s qualities in others. “I like to stay behind the scenes, but to be recognized was really nice,” she said. “Regan had a difficult plight, and it is very humbling to be recognized in her honor.”
This year’s Gumbo Chili Showdown is slated for March 26. For more information, contact Katy Lalor at klalor@gmail.com.
