Medicine graduate raises bar for
others
by Cindy
AbolePublic Relations
Danielle Towns, M.D., has used the last six years of her life to mold and strengthen her instead of defeating a personal dream and higher calling.
Today, Towns not only celebrates the joy of becoming a doctor, but also is the first person in her family to receive a post-graduate degree.
Drs. Jenny Ariail
and Danielle Towns finally take a break from the books to celebrate her
May 18 graduation.The youngest girl in a family of 11 brothers and sisters, Towns grew up in Lincolnville, a small community located outside Summerville. As a student at R.B. Stall High School, she liked science, especially her biology class.
At Columbia College, she studied biology and worked part-time in the office of Everlyn Hall-Baker, M.D., a family practitioner in Columbia who was among one of the first black graduates of the University of South Carolina’s School of Medicine.
“I saw all aspects of medicine working with her,” said Towns. “I learned that medicine was more than just writing prescriptions and sending patients on their way. She taught me the value of the patient-physician relationship and that listening and talking with patients is important..
In 2000, she graduated with highest honors from Columbia College but was still unsure about her future. Older sisters, Novie and Mabel, who cleaned houses and physician’s offices for a living, supported their sister and pushed her toward her dream. She studied hard for the medical admission test and was admitted to MUSC in 2001.
“The transition from college to medical school was challenging and difficult,” said Towns, adding that she never before has been challenged academically until medical school. “I was unprepared with the level of the work and grasping the material. I felt like I was the only student drowning and struggling on my own.”
She sought help at MUSC’s Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) and eventually worked with Jennie Ariail, Ph.D., the program’s associate director.
“Our students are so used to doing well academically that one of the most difficult things for any of them is to ask for help when they need it,” said Ariail, who has been with the center since 1997. “The Center for Academic Excellence is a vital asset to the college and university’s mission, because it’s composed of faculty who are here to help students succeed and excel. Our offices are always open to them.”
Together, they forged a strategy for success that allowed Towns to adjust to the detail-filled coursework and pace that’s synonymous with medicine’s rigorous basic science years. She learned new test-taking strategies, study skills, organization skills and time management methods.
Most importantly, Towns found a friend in Ariail, who understood her academic challenges and the required mental toughness and commitment that epitomizes a model medical student—something her family could not fully understand or relate to. Every day she tried to achieve a balance between her responsibilities as a full-time student with the responsibilities of her family’s everyday needs.
“Danielle’s family looks to her for help and guidance in almost everything,” Ariail said. “She’s a smart, responsible and responsive individual who grew up with close family ties. She definitely has her place within the family’s dynamics.”
During her second year in school, Towns' mother was stricken with the first of two strokes. Responding to her mother and family’s sudden needs, she left school. Months later, her sister, Mabel, who was as close to Towns as a second mother, fell ill and died unexpectedly. Towns' loss was unbearable.
She took two years off from medical school but remained in contact with the College of Medicine Dean’s Office and Ariail at CAE.
Buried under Towns' emotional layers of strength, responsibility and self-pride was a weary soul whose self-esteem and confidence lay wounded and battered. This was Towns' turning point—a juncture that would allow her to either be consumed by the adversity that surrounded her, or push her toward the dream of becoming a doctor. She summoned her courage and found her second wind.
“I knew I could do better,” Danielle said, speaking about what she saw was lacking with physicians through her mother's and sister’s care experiences. “I wanted to prove to myself and others that I could make a bigger difference if I can just succeed in my goals. I had to get back to it.”
To help her prepare for Step I of the national medical boards, Ariail introduced Towns to fellow medical student and new study partner Apryle Funderburk. Both studied daily and became a mutual support system for each other. They also became fast friends.
“Danielle is one of the hardest working, compassionate and most humble individuals I know,” said Funderburk, M.D., who also will receive her medical degree today. “Danielle always strives to do her best. She genuinely cares for her family and patients, and puts others ahead of herself. I feel blessed to know her.”
When the time came for Town to begin her family practice rotation, she chose a rural family practice experience at Colonial Family Practice in Sumter. There, she got to observe the flexibility of a multidisciplinary team of practitioners and felt right at home. On Match Day, March 22, she discovered her residency match paired her with McLeod Regional Medical Center’s Family Medicine program in Florence. Later, she plans to practice medicine in an underserved area of South Carolina.
“Danielle will make a huge difference in health care, especially in South Carolina” Ariail said. “As an African-American female, she will raise the bar for others to follow and be a strong model and advocate for them also. She’ll use all that passion and knowledge to make a difference in the communities she serves. I’m excited for her and the possibilities she’ll be able to achieve.”
Towns couldn't have made it without:
1. Dr. Jennie Ariail
2. Exquisite Designs Beauty Shop
3. Chocolate
4. Support from family/friends
5. Long drives in my car
Friday, May 18, 2007
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