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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: March 29, 2019
Communications Officer II
Health & Well-Being
Summary Sentence:
March 30th is National Doctor's Day. Get to know one of Stamps Health Services very own physicians, Dr. Emily Richardson!
Full Summary:
March 30th is National Doctor's Day. Get to know one of Stamps Health Services very own physicians, Dr. Emily Richardson!
Dr. RichardsonMarch 30th is National Doctor’s Day and Stamps Health Services (SHS) is proud to have numerous board certified physicians in a wide range of specialty’s to help serve the Georgia Tech community. They serve students who have a wide variety of concerns, from acute illness to chronic ongoing health issues to wellness and prevention trained in internal medicine, family practice and emergency medicine. We sat down with Dr. Emily Richardson to learn more about why she decided to pursue medicine and what advice she offers to future physicians.
Why did you want to become a doctor?
I have wanted to be a doctor as long as I can remember. My grandparents began having health problems when I was three, and when visiting them in the hospital, I was fascinated with all the medical equipment. Nurses gave me disposable items like hemostats and staple removers, which I used at home to care for my stuffed animals and dolls in my "pretend hospital."
Where did you attend for schooling/residency/fellowship?
I graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2001. I then completed family medicine residency at a large community hospital in my hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina.
How long have you been a staff member at Georgia Tech?
After twelve years in private practice, first in South Carolina and then in Atlanta, I joined Stamps Health Services in January 2016.
What does working in medicine at Georgia Tech mean to you?
Student Health is a unique practice model. We have the opportunity to help guide young people through their transition to adulthood. Many students come to college having never been to the doctor by themselves and are uncertain how to manage common conditions (such as colds) at home. Students can really benefit from learning how to navigate a healthcare visit, how to manage mild illnesses at home with confidence, how to recognize when illness may be more serious, and how to prevent illness through lifestyle measures that promote health. I really enjoy being a part of this learning process, and I am honored to be entrusted with the medical care of young people who may be far from home for the first time.
What do you enjoy most about working with Georgia Tech students?
It's so interesting to hear what students are working on in their research, internships, co-ops, and study abroad experiences. I get envious every time I see a student for a travel visit; they are real globe-trotters! I also love seeing students "launch" into their first jobs successfully after graduation.
What do you do when you aren't working at SHS?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and five-year-old daughter. That's my real full-time job! I also love to read, cook, watch sports, and watch shows on HGTV and Food Network.
What is one piece of advice for college students interested in pursuing medicine?
If you truly want to pursue medicine as a career, don't let anyone dissuade you with talk of how "medicine isn't like it used to be." Yes, there have been many changes, some good and some not. However, medicine will always be a field where you can make a huge impact on other people's lives. It's an unbelievably rewarding career.
Stamps Health Services is open Monday through Friday with the exception of holidays. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with any of the physicians at SHS go to health.gatech.edu to learn more.
