Humans of MCG
Inspired by Humans of New York City, this project aimed to showcase the depth of diversity and complexity of character among the students of the Medical College of Georgia. Editorials made possible with the help of Jason Moraczewski
Jesse Wayson - class of 2020
“If you don’t put in the hours practicing the piano, you won’t be a good musician. Just like if you don’t put in the hours studying, you won’t be a good physician.”
Jesse Wayson attended undergrad at Valdosta State University. His inspiration to play the piano started when he was only 8 years old. “When I was little I got obsessed with The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack and that made me want to play the piano.” Even as a medical student, Jesse still manages to practice and perform amidst his busy schedule. He performed at the Body Donor Memorial Service last spring and continues to play the piano as a stress reliever. Jesse enjoys playing old hymns and playing modern pop music, particularly songs by Taylor Swift. He is currently learning the songs from Lorde’s latest album Melodrama. Students at Augusta University are very fortunate to have access to a piano that sits in the lobby of the J. Harold Harrison MD Education Commons. When Jesse interviewed at MCG he was in awe and “very excited to see the piano in the Harrison Common.” Jesse draws a lot of parallels between the disciplines of music and medicine. “If you don’t put in the hours practicing the piano, you won’t be a good musician. Just like if you don’t put in the hours studying, you won’t be a good physician.”
Jesse Wayson
MCG Class of 2020
#MoreThanAWhiteCoat
James Dickey - Class of 2021
“When you are playing music, there are a million things in the moment that have to be right.”
James Dickey, a native of Sugarhill, GA, attended undergrad at Emory University where he majored in biology and music. His passion for music was cultivated in middle school when he decided to join the orchestra and play the cello. He never strayed from the cello throughout his youth and was able to use his talents to play in a string sextet while at Emory University. While many students take a hiatus on musical performance in medical school, James still manages to find time to practice and perform. When he is not practicing alone in his apartment or drawing musical inspiration from the duo 2Cellos, he is playing with a group he founded called “The Four Chamber Quartet.” James enjoys the camaraderie of playing with others and the challenge that comes with coordinating a group of musicians. He describes that harmony is the goal of playing with others because “when you are playing music, there are a million things in the moment that have to be right.” This group has already played several gigs, including one at the White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2021. Because of James’ desire to combine the realms of music and service, he also formed an organization called “Music in Medicine.” The goal of this group is to use the talents of students at MCG to perform for patients and families at the hospitals on campus.
James Dickey
MCG Class of 2021
#MoreThanAWhiteCoat
Matt Luo - Class of 2020
“Just a quick tip, one whistle blow means to start shooting, so make sure you're out of the way by then!”
Matt Luo, a native of Alpharetta, GA, went to undergrad at the NYU. Looking for ways to unwind after busy days, he found a hobby. "Yeah, archery has been a great way for me to unwind during med school. It's a low-commitment sport, so it's easy to get a few rounds in between class. Being part of Augusta University, MCG students have access to undergraduate activities and facilities like archery. “We have outdoor practices over by the Christenberry Fieldhouse, and we used to have indoor practices in a warehouse located on the Summerville campus. Since it's a pretty long-distance sport, you kind of just practice wherever you can find space.” Many students came out to give archery a try at the open house late last year. “It was great to see so many people interested. I’m glad we go to show it's not as dangerous as it looks, I promise. Just a quick tip, one whistle blow means to start shooting, so make sure you're out of the way by then!"
Matt Luo
MCG Class of 2020
#MoreThanAWhiteCoat
Rebecca DeCarlo - Class of 2020
“Art is mindless, yet mindful at the same time.”
Rebecca DeCarlo, a native of Gainesville, GA, attended undergrad at the University of North Georgia. Her inspiration to draw and paint came at a young age from her grandmother, who showed her the power of using your imagination. In her earliest years, Rebecca drew with pencil and taught herself how to draw textures by attempting to redraw animals from a favorite animal encyclopedia. From there her artistic repertoire expanded as she began to incorporate colors using acrylic paints and creating works with mixed media. Her artistic drive is unique in that she draws her inspiration to create from others. Whether it be designing a painting as a present for a good friend or crafting a good-bye gift for the esteemed Dr. Pettigrew, she continually uses her talent to please others. She is currently working on a personal tattoo design that encompasses aspects of her favorite things: medicine, adventure, and nature. With much of her time being focused on learning science and medicine, she sees art as a good way to use the other hemisphere of her brain. From her perspective, “art is mindless, yet mindful at the same time.”
Rebecca DeCarlo
MCG Class of 2020
#MoreThanAWhiteCoat
Miller Singleton, Class of 2020
Camilla, GA
“It was around 6:30 PM when they brought her to the hospital. I was with the doctor when they told her she had necrotizing fasciitis and we would have to perform surgery to save her life. We took her back to the OR and immediately began to operate. We had to cut so much skin and muscle out, I could almost see her sacrum. After removing all of the necrotic debris, we could finally notice viable tissue. Her blood pressure remained 60/40 during the entire operation. The surgeon was concerned she had septic shock secondary to bacteremia from her infection. After operating for over an hour, I followed my patient to the ICU until she got settled. A few moments later she coded. Her daughter had signed a do-not-resuscitate order so I stood by her side in her final minutes. I was there for her darkest moment, hoping she wouldn’t die alone. Times like this make you question your own mortality and ability to save someone else. These are the moments when you realize that these are real patients, with feelings, hopes, and past histories. Everyone has to process death in their own way. As part of the medical team you are expected to pronounce death, grieve with the family, and then move on to the next patient—but I’ll never forget her. You always remember the first patient you lose.”
#Morethanawhitecoat #humansofmcg #celebratehumanity#rememberwhywerehere
Joseph Venable, Class of 2020
Atlanta, GA
Joseph grew up with a passion for wood working and crafting. In undergrad, he competed in and won a national woodworking and joinery competition with his rocking chair. Throughout medical school, he continues to finish off an entire dinner set, starting with the lumber, and finishing with the last coat of polish.
Isabella Resta, Class of 2020
Isabella volunteered with therapy dog organizations in undergrad, and continued to do so through medical school. Here she is with Barley, a young therapy dog, early in training.
Ahmed Awad, Class of 2022
Marietta, GA
“The one thing I can say is that during this journey towards medicine, there have been a lot of fleeting external and internal sources of motivation that have kept me going along this demanding road. For reasons I am still making sense of, a 12-year old girl who has experienced the worst kind of losses as a refugee, decided to look up to me, of all people. She decided to pursue a similar future, one that I was only just beginning. The fact that she wants to be a doctor has been the most consistent reminder of the blessing that this opportunity has been. I take a lot for granted, but her words always put things into perspective and keep me going.”
#morethanawhitecoat #humansofmcg #celebratehumanity#rememberwhywerehere
Max Tarica, Corey Stack, James Sullivan
Class of 2020
Fans of basketball and former competitive players, these medical students chose to spend their weekends helping coach a local youth basketball team called Lob City.