Newest Faces of McGovern: Kayla Evans
What inspired you to want to pursue a career in medicine?
When I was growing up, I watched as a close family friend struggled with miscarriages and high-risk pregnancies. While I was too young to fully understand, I distinctly remember the genuine impact her physician had made during a time of hardship. She felt supported unconditionally by someone who was dedicated to establishing a strong foundation of trust and taking the time to truly listen to her concerns.
Later, as I intently began to pursue a career in medicine, I had the privilege of shadowing several physicians who demonstrated a similar commitment to forging genuine connections with their patients. Witnessing the direct role compassion plays in healthcare enlivened my desire to pursue medicine and play a leading role in the patient-care process. As I imagine my future in medicine, I can envision myself forging the same long-term patient-care relationships through meaningful interactions and intentional conversations. In addition to the technical expertise that comes with practicing medicine, I aspire to develop the strength and devotion to grieve with patients in their heartbreak and rejoice with them in their triumphs.
Why did you choose McGovern Medical School?
Growing up in Houston, I always envisioned myself establishing my career in my home state, and although my family was relocated to Louisiana, my desire to return to Texas has never wavered.
I was motivated to pursue my medical education in Texas, and specifically Houston, out of an immense desire to serve the community that has given my family so much. Growing up, I had dreamed of working in the Texas Medical Center at the center of interdisciplinary innovation and collaboration, and I vividly remember the day I told my premedical adviser I had my sights set on McGovern Medical School.
For me, choosing McGovern was centered around the culture. McGovern hosted the most welcoming interview day experience, and engaging with the students and faculty highlighted the school’s dedication to fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment. I could clearly envision myself as a student at McGovern.
Now, having the opportunity to train in the Texas Medical Center is a dream come true, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to study medicine at McGovern.
What motivates you?
My motivation stems from my desire to continuously challenge myself to grow personally and professionally. I am a firm believer that how you do anything is how you do everything. By holding myself to this standard, I aim to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to each task and opportunity, no matter how small. I strive to demonstrate respect for my work, myself, and others by staying dedicated and genuinely engaged with my commitments. In consistently pursuing my full potential, I believe I can best serve others and give back to my community.
Who is your hero?
My hero is my mom. She is the most dedicated, patient, and admirable woman I know who gives so much of herself to her family. We always say, “It’s not broken until mom says it’s broken,” and time and time again she proves that sentiment to be true.
Over the years, my mom has been my number one supporter. My mom teaches me what it means to be selfless and to care for others unconditionally; I have always admired her ability to put others first. I look up to my mom in so many ways, and I aspire to live up to the example she has set for me.
What is your ultimate goal for your career in medicine?
At the intersection of medicine and public health, primary care physicians play a crucial role in recognizing how social factors influence patient outcomes. I intend to use this unique perspective to inform how I care for my patients, considering the impact of their backgrounds and lifestyles on their health. Collaborating with a committed network of physicians and public health experts, I aspire to incorporate community health initiatives into my future practice to support the health and well-being of my patients through education and advocacy.
Additionally, I have recognized the value of communicating with patients in their native language. Having engaged in medical Spanish curriculum and experiences throughout undergrad, I am eager to integrate experiences into my medical education and training that will allow me to continue to develop my interpersonal skills in Spanish and provide empathetic and equitable care for the Spanish-speaking community. With the ultimate goal of practicing medicine in Texas, I intend to work toward achieving the level of fluency necessary to become a certified bilingual physician.
What kind of emotions do you feel as you’re ready to begin medical school?
As the first weeks of classes approach, my emotions are a combination of excitement, anxiousness, and gratitude. I am so excited to have arrived at this point in my journey in medicine, and I am eager to hit the ground running and make the most of these next four years. At the same time, I am truly in awe of the opportunity to engage with world-class physicians and learn alongside such a diverse student body.
Already, I can feel that the environment cultivated at McGovern is special, and I am grateful for the opportunity to nurture my passion for medicine with the support of the faculty and my peers.
What are you looking forward to most about medical school?
I am most looking forward to embracing the endless opportunities that await me as a medical student. From exploring the Texas Medical Center to forming life-long friendships with my classmates, I look forward to working toward my dream of becoming a physician and making a difference in my community.
As a lifelong learner, I am excited to dig into the knowledge and skills that are central to the medical school curriculum. My passion for science and my insatiable curiosity drive me to learn as much as I can over these next four years as I look forward to growing into the physician I aspire to become.
If you had to pick a medical specialty right now, what would it be and why?
Over the years, women’s health has become a deep passion of mine that has driven me toward a career in medicine. While shadowing an OB/GYN in Louisiana, I recognized the impact of caring for women through each stage of life. I am drawn to obstetrics and gynecology because I desire to serve as a passionate advocate for my patients throughout their lifetimes and make women’s health a priority in my community.
I intend to pursue a scholarly concentration in women’s health at McGovern to further develop my understanding of the health disparities impacting women and investigate ways that we can improve patient outcomes. I look forward to engaging with women’s health initiatives in the Houston area while further exploring my interest in OB/GYN, and I am eager to observe medicine and various specialties through the lens of the Texas Medical Center.
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