FROM VOLUNTEER TO FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENT

August 7, 2020

Maria Angel, MD

HOW DID YOUR VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE AT NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEM (NGHS) COME ABOUT?

In high school I knew that I was interested in the medical field. I grew up in the Suwanee/Duluth area, so I began researching and discovered the Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) Teen Volunteer program. I applied for the summer program and was accepted!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING?

My favorite part about volunteering was interacting with the patients. Although I did not have a medical role, I was able to serve the patients by providing them with something to drink, or a book/magazine. I really enjoyed hearing their stories and supporting them through their time in the hospital.

HOW DID VOLUNTEERING SHAPE YOUR DESIRE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MEDICINE?

My experience was such a positive one. Everyone was so welcoming! They always had such a positive attitude towards the volunteers. The fact that I was able to be in the hospital surrounded by medicine solidified that medicine is where I belong. My teen volunteer experience served as a spark to encourage me to follow my dreams of becoming a doctor. 

ANY ADVICE FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE MEDICAL FIELD?

I would tell any student that is interested in the medical field to become involved in their community. There are many ways that students can get involved. If medicine is their passion, I would encourage them to follow their dreams!

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AS YOU START YOUR RESIDENCY TRAINING AT NGMC?

I am so excited to be starting my residency at NGMC as a Family Medicine resident. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to be back where my dreams began! I am blessed to be a part of the inaugural Family Medicine class alongside my husband who is also a Family Medicine resident! It has been a long journey to get to this point, but I am so glad that I never gave up. I am excited to serve the community!