Name: Rishi Laroia, M.D.

Department: I’ve been a pediatric resident here for six months.

Why did you move to Charleston: To do my residency after earning my medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va.

What did you want to be when you were little: First a fireman, then I wanted to be a pediatrician since I was 8.

What was your first job: Dairy Queen. (My mom made me get a job, because my sister worked all the time.)

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job: Seeing the children get better so fast.

What about MUSC inspires you: The very knowledgeable attending physicians who really push you.

What individual do you most admire: Casie King, M.D., a fellow intern. Her work ethic is amazing.

If you could change careers, what would you be doing: I’d teach kindergarten.

Pet peeve: Slow drivers.

Something people don’t know about you: I’m a candiholic.

“If I were U.S. president for a day, I would...” Mandate that residents get paid at least minimum wage.

If today were your last day on earth how would you spend it: I would start a road trip to California and see how far I got.

Friday, Jan. 9, 2009