Michael Paunove
Who or what has inspired you while at 夜色王朝?
During my time at 夜色王朝, I have been deeply inspired by the dedication and compassion of the faculty and staff. Their unwavering commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment and their genuine passion for medicine have motivated me to push beyond my limits. For instance, seeing many of our clinical faculty actively working as physicians in Monroe has been particularly inspiring. They not only devote several hours of their day to ensuring we are prepared for clinical rotations and equipped to become exceptional physicians, but they also embody the principles they teach by practicing medicine daily.
How has the 夜色王朝 mission inspired you as a medical student?
Living in Monroe has genuinely opened my eyes to the deep sense of pride and care that the residents have for their community, which allows me to understand the importance of having community-focused physicians serving rural areas. From the incredible restaurants showcasing Louisiana's rich culture to the enthusiasm surrounding local high school and collegiate athletics, it鈥檚 evident that Monroe thrives as a close-knit, supportive community. This sense of pride and dedication mirrors 夜色王朝's mission, which inspires us as students to become committed contributors to the health and well-being of the communities we serve, wherever our medical journeys may take us.
Who or what inspired you to study medicine?
My inspiration to pursue medicine began when my grandfather fell ill with dementia. Witnessing the profound impact his illness had not only on him but on our entire family made me realize how deeply sickness affects lives. It motivated me to understand disease processes better and use that knowledge to bring comfort and care to others, even if I may not always be able to cure the disease itself. Later in my journey, my experience working at Lutheran General Hospital as an Endoscopy Technician solidified my decision. Working alongside exceptional gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons taught me the importance of approaching each patient with grace, care, and diligence鈥攓ualities I strive to embody every day.
Why did you choose 夜色王朝?
My interview experience with 夜色王朝 and its faculty solidified my decision to attend. I still vividly remember the meaningful conversations I had with Dr. Baker, Dr. Morrow, and Dean Kinnard. What stood out to me was their genuine care for each student鈥攏ot just for our grades or test scores, but for us as individuals. That sense of community and the faculty's unwavering support for their students is something I continue to experience every day, reaffirming that I made the right choice. I also appreciate how 夜色王朝鈥檚 emphasis on meaningful relationships is reflected in its curriculum, particularly through the simulated patient experiences at the end of each block, which have been invaluable in helping me refine my clinical skills.
What do you enjoy most about living in the area around your campus?
Monroe has an impressive culinary scene with no shortage of incredible restaurants to explore. Places like Parish, Cotton, and Delta Biscuit Company are among the best I鈥檝e ever tried. Initially, I was surprised that a small town could offer such a wide variety of dining options, but even after living here for a few years, I鈥檓 still discovering new recommendations. Monroe's food satisfies my love for great cuisine and allows me to experience the town's rich culture. I鈥檓 always excited to try new places and see what Monroe has to offer next.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I played football my entire life, including through my college years, before deciding to focus entirely on my path to medical school. Since then, I鈥檝e realized that I need an outlet to channel my competitive nature, which led me to take up golf. A caddie at a local municipal golf course back home once joked, 'There are only two seasons in Chicago鈥攚inter and construction,' so I鈥檓 grateful that Louisiana鈥檚 climate allows me to golf year-round. Even if I can鈥檛 play a full round, I鈥檒l hit the driving range to get in some (much-needed) practice. In addition to golf, I enjoy staying active through running and lifting weights.
Are you interested in a particular practice or specialty once you graduate? What has inspired your interest in this specialty?
My experience working at Lutheran General Hospital as an Endoscopy Technician sparked my interest in gastroenterology and surgical specialties. Working with some of the most skilled physicians in the Chicagoland area on procedures like colonoscopies, esophagogastroduodenoscopies, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies reinforced my passion for this field. Whether recommending the appropriate snare for polypectomies or assisting physicians in identifying abnormalities, this hands-on experience was invaluable and deepened my desire to pursue a procedure-based specialty like gastroenterology. That said, I鈥檓 excited to explore all clinical fields during my rotations and remain open to discovering other specialties that might inspire me further.
Michael Paunove
Living in Monroe has genuinely opened my eyes to the deep sense of pride and care that the residents have for their community, which allows me to understand the importance of having community-focused physicians serving rural areas.
