Conversations With An Alum – Victoria Regan, M.D., ’87, Pediatrician
What is your fondest memory of your time at McGovern Medical School?
The best part of being a student at UTMSH was the camaraderie with my classmates that was there when I was a student and continues today. It is so nice to run into a former classmate and reconnect as if it was just yesterday. I never felt there was this need to compete with my classmates – we were all going to graduate and succeed in medicine. I think this is still true today – when I run into a classmate, there is not the need to brag about our career but rather talk about family or other personal issues as well as share our joy of being alumni of McGovern Medical School.
What are your hopes for today’s McGovern Medical School students?
I hope they can continue their passion for medicine as a career choice and be the best doctor they can for their patients.
Who is your mentor?
I have had many, starting with my mother who always told me I can do anything and to always go after my goals. Growing up in the 70’s, I was influenced by the feminist movement and really did believe a woman could do any job as well as be a mother and a wife.
Dr. Susan Denson and Dr. Sharon Crandall (UT neonatologists) were mentors to me during residency
What is a day on the job like?
It is very rewarding. My practice is primarily office based and I see patients as young as a few days old to college age. Visits include both well baby/child as well as sick visits. I enjoy the privilege of teaching young families about normal health and development and being able to see these children grow up. Sick visits can include simple things like rashes and ear infections to more serious issues like asthma. I also see my patients in the hospital and usually round during lunch. I also am an active member of my hospital staff and attend hospital committee meetings early in the morning before clinic or dinner meetings after clinic.
What skill is most vital to your job?
Listening. It is critical to take the time to listen to the concerns that the parents of my patients voice as well as taking the time to listen and play with my patients, putting a child at ease in the doctor’s office. I always need to gain the trust of both the parent and the child.
What’s on your iPod?
I don’t have an iPod but do have an eclectic mix of music on my iPhone. I like pop and rock music from the 70’s thru today. My favorite artists include Madonna, Whitney Houston, Donna Summer, Barry Manilow, Billy Joel, Foreigner, the Eagles, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Foo Fighters, Nickelback, Mumford and Sons and Imagine Dragons.
What is the one thing you can’t live without and why?
My faith in God; with God in my life I can do anything; without Him, nothing.
Who would you most like to meet (alive or deceased) and why?
Mary, the mother of Jesus. Growing up in a Catholic family and going to Catholic school, she was always an inspiration yet a mystery to me.
What has been your greatest adventure?
Going to Notre Dame. I was ready to leave my family in New Jersey after graduating from high school and knew I wanted to go to Notre Dame. But that decision began the adventure of my life – I met my husband there, followed him to Texas and began the adventure that is my life today.
What is your favorite word?
Love