After 20 years in the United States Air Force, Dawn Adams enrolled at Ross University School of Medicine (RUSM) to pursue her lifelong dream in Dominica with the Class of 2021, supported from afar by her husband and four grown children. Four years later, she’s ecstatic to join Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, Florida, as an upcoming internal medicine resident.
“I could see my heart jumping through my shirt,” said the future physician about her residency location reveal on March 19, who’s celebrated many firsts this year including a new grandchild. “Life is so great right now. Everything is falling into place. This is my calling.”
Dawn conducted 26 residency interviews but knew immediately that Citrus was the right fit. “There was just that special something; they went out of their way for residents. In my interview notebook, I wrote on the bottom, ‘I think I’m going to be here’.”
Looking Ahead
Appreciating the continuity of care, Dawn looks forward to the challenges of internal medicine as well as witnessing patient outcomes. She is also leaving the door open for her next step, whether it’s a specialty in gastroenterology or becoming a hospitalist. As for location, Dawn and her husband are thrilled, as the beachgoers predicted Florida might become their new hometown. “The stars aligned and now we’re headed there.”
Reflecting on her life journey, Dawn praised her time in the Air Force. “I served my country and was able to travel the world. And that’s where I started my medical career as a physician’s assistant.” She also applauded her fellow Rossies. “I couldn’t have done this without my family and my classmates. We are the most resilient class ever for what we’ve gone through. And now we’ll use what we’ve been through to make the most of what’s to come.”
Learn More
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