The Nevada Sagebrush

Lauren Mattingly, a 25-year-old MD, was one of three students at the University of Nevada School of Medicine to be matched to a residency early.

When Lauren Mattingly was a little girl she always went to the library and looked through science and medical books, dreaming of studying science when she grew up.

Mattingly, 25, is one of three fourth-year Nevada School of Medicine (UNSOM) students that learned their “match” results early. Usually students don’t see these results until March, but finding out early puts them in an elite group. The results come from the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and inform medical students where they will spend the next few years training.

Mattingly successfully applied to a residency program at the United States Naval Medical Center in San Diego. She will be practicing in the field of pediatrics, beginning in June. As a recipient of the US Armed Forces HPSP scholarship, she was allowed to receive her match results early.

Mattingly said she was very pleased with her match results and that she was matched to her top-choice program.

“It is both a humbling honor and an incredible opportunity to be entrusted with the care of our military service members’ children and families. I look forward to training in pediatrics at one of the premier Navy hospitals in the world,” she said.

Mattingly was not always as sure of her career path. At the age of 16, she got a job as a hospital orderly but thought medical school was impossible  due to financial issues. However, a local surgeon noticed her interest in medicine and allowed Mattingly to observe his surgeries and taught her about anatomy.

After working hard in high school, she received the millennium scholarship and attended the University of Nevada, Reno. Once she turned 18, Mattingly decided medicine was the right career path for her. She began working nightshifts as an EMT while taking undergraduate courses during the daytime.

Mattingly said that although her school course load was rigorous, it was worth the extra effort.

“Of course there were times I felt like giving up. However, it was also at those times that I learned some of the most valuable lessons of my life. When you fail, it forces you to regroup, adapt and overcome,” Mattingly said.

Most of her three-year residency in San Diego will be dedicated to taking care of patients, and, while on call overnight, she will sleep at the hospital to be in close proximity to her patients.  Up to 80 hours per week will be be in close proximity to her patients.  Up to 80 hours per week will be required of her. After her residency she plans on entering a fellowship in which she will be trained in another specialty of medicine: allergy and immunology.

Mattingly, who would like to become certified in allergy and immunology, has enjoyed her time during her training at UNSOM. She hopes to eventually return to the Nevada School of Medicine and become a faculty member.

“I was drawn to medicine because it is a unique field that requires problem-solving skills, utilization of basic science and clinical knowledge, and meaningful human interaction,” she said.
Two other graduating students from UNSOM also placed in the competitive Military Residency Match. Kevin Gamett will complete his program at the University of Virginia, while Erik Olson will enter the same residency program as Mattingly in San Diego.

Peggy Dupey, Nevada School of Medicine’s associate dean for admissions and student affairs, said Nevada’s medical students are known for placing in the most competitive residency programs.
“Kevin, Lauren and Erik and the residency programs into which they matched represent an exemplary balance of determination, intellect and dedication to medicine. The School of Medicine community will proudly follow these outstanding young physicians -in-training as they begin the next chapter of their professional lives,” she said.

Results from the National Residency Matching Program will be formally announced to students March 18. Celebrations will be held at UNSOM campuses in Reno and Las Vegas.

Lauren Mattingly
Age: 25
Major: Medicine (MD)
What she does: Was chosen early for a medical residency at the United States Naval Medical Center.

Kayla Johnson can be reached at news@nevadasagebrush.com.

Related Posts:

• No Related Posts