Mayo Clinic Alumni Association – Know Your Board – Megan Melody, M.D.

Provides leadership | Makes policy decisions | Decides strategic direction and vision

Megan Melody, M.D. (I ’21)

Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education representative

President, Mayo Fellows’ Association, Mayo Clinic in Florida

Resident, Department of Internal Medicine

Mayo Clinic

Jacksonville, Florida

Residency: Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Jacksonville, Florida

Medical school: Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida

Graduate: Master of Science, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida

Undergraduate: College of The Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts

Native of: Windham, New Hampshire

 

Why medicine

My dad was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was 6 and with acute myeloid leukemia when I was 11. Having a parent who was ill and ultimately died sparked my interest in medicine. I took time between college and medical school to make sure my interest in medicine and patient care was strong and not solely motivated by my childhood experience. The hours and time commitment a career in medicine requires necessitates that the decision to pursue it can’t be based on sentiment alone.

During college I worked as a phlebotomist and EMT to experience health care professions. That helped me get jobs as a clinical research coordinator — first at Massachusetts General Hospital and then at the University of South Florida while I pursued my master’s degree; and as a clinical trials coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.

Having worked in those health care careers before medical school helped me learn about and value those roles and the wonderful career opportunities they provide. I really appreciate that each member of the health care team plays a valuable role in patient care.

Pursuing my master’s degree helped me make sure I was ready for the academics required in medical school. I simultaneously got my master’s degree, worked full time and planned my wedding.

Why Mayo Clinic

The Internal Medicine Residency Program at Mayo Clinic in Florida is very strong. On interview day, the faculty and staff were so approachable. It’s obvious that they’re invested in residency training and patient care.

Before beginning residency, I was pretty certain I wanted to pursue oncology ultimately. The Mayo Clinic patient population is unique, and internal medicine residents get exposure to those patients, including oncology. It’s rare that you get to manage complications of malignancy and chemotherapy during residency. I knew I’d have a very strong internal medicine foundation if I trained at Mayo, regardless which subspecialty I chose.

Also, my husband and I are from the East Coast and wanted to stay in the eastern U.S. Mayo Clinic in Florida was a perfect fit.

Your work

I’ll complete residency in spring 2021 and am pursuing hematology/oncology fellowships at major academic medical centers where I can continue my research in liquid tumors.

Ultimately, I’d like to specialize in malignant hematology at an academic medical center, with time carved out for research and some teaching.

Alumni Association

Mayo Clinic alumni are a valuable resource to current Mayo trainees, and we share common experiences. As president of the Mayo Fellows’ Association at Mayo Clinic in Florida, I’ve benefited from the stories alumni have shared during our “My Story” events. Hearing about their struggles has helped me in my career.

Off duty

Before medical school, I did a lot of theater — singing and acting. It requires practice and a significant time commitment. I hope to resume that interest after my medical training is complete. In the meantime, I enjoy reading. I’m very into crime novels and often read them on the beach. During the pandemic quarantine, I’ve become more interested in cooking. And I try to run several times a week. I hate it, but I do it.

Fun facts

I sang opera in high school. And no — Melody isn’t my maiden name. I married a Melody.