For Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Surgery resident intern Chris Gough, MD, choosing a residency program came down to three key factors: program culture, strong fellowship match rates and academic opportunities. When faced with the decision, coming to Indianapolis for surgical residency was a no-brainer.
“From my first interview to my last, I simply felt at home,” Gough said. “I found Indiana listened to my interests, goals and passions and seemed excited to help me accomplish my dreams. Indiana was an easy choice.”
Gough, an Atlanta native, discovered her passion for surgery through a close personal experience with a surgeon. She was inspired by the opportunity to help patients achieve their goals and play a pivotal role in improving their quality of life.
“I realized the unique opportunity and privilege it is to help guide someone through operative intervention, or the ability to conversely aid the patient in accomplishing their goals without proceeding with surgical intervention,” Gough said. “I was impressed with the surgeon’s ability to listen to me and help provide a path, which did not include surgery.”
Gough’s journey to surgery began at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, where she discovered her interest in pediatrics and expanded her pediatric research portfolio. As a standout medical student, Gough was recognized with the Dean’s Clinical Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha honors, which are awarded to students who display excellence in scholarship and professionalism in advancing the field of medicine. At the end of her medical school career, Gough found IU to be a perfect fit.
“Research opportunities played a key role in my decision, and Indiana proved it would be able to provide me with incredible resources, including research mentors and connections in every field I could want to pursue,” Gough said. “As a hopeful pediatric surgeon, I found Indiana had a strong history within the pediatric surgery fellowship match, much like they do for any competitive field of interest. And, most importantly, I received feedback from mentors who I also considered friends who highly encouraged me to pursue further academic development at Indiana.”
Now, a few months into her intern year, Gough feels confident that she made the right choice in coming to the Midwest.
“In my short time at Indiana, I have been met with so much kindness and encouragement, not only from my co-interns and residents but also from program leadership,” Gough said. “I started on a night float service, which I think could be isolating as a new person to the city, but my seniors, co-interns and faculty consistently took the time to check in with me and see how my experience had been thus far. I found this is the kind of program that is always going to have your back.”
As for Gough’s vision as a future surgeon, she hopes to make advancements in the field, drive innovation and make an impact on patients’ health care journey.
“At the end of the day, my goal within surgery is simple: to serve my community,” Gough said. “I want to inspire others as all the incredible mentors I have had thus far have inspired me. I want to leave the world of surgery better and stronger than where I found it, and I want to help make our communities stronger and healthier.”
