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Changing the Narrative

Darin Gilchrist is an MD-PhD candidate at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program, studying breast cancer metastasis. He plans to become a Surgeon Oncologist-Scientist focused on identifying novel mechanisms to improve therapies that prevent and more effectively treat cancer metastasis. Outside of school, Darin is passionate about mentorship, serving the community, working out, indulging in the DMV food scene, and spending time with friends and family.


Read more about Darin in our Q+A below, and take a look at his spotlight feature in our November issue of En Root!



This month's theme is all about tapping into your unique value in order to pursue purpose-driven work. Tell us how this theme has played a role in your personal or professional life.


The theme is truly the story of my life. Growing up had its fair share of challenges. My family moved quite often and I had to constantly learn to adapt to new environments. I was a kid that, amidst the instability, found stability in becoming an avid learner who excelled as a student. I was interested in just about everything. I loved art, wanted to play football, enjoyed debating interesting topics, but eventually I fell in love with science and medicine. I started the journey to pursue an MD-PhD and become a physician-scientist. I am now an MD-PhD candidate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine Medical Scientist Training Program where I am just a few years away from reaching that goal.


For so long, I thought you had to choose your career path and all the other interests were put on the back burner or the personal interests had to be kept separate from my professional life, but, I later realized that was far from the truth. No, I did not become an artist, but yes, I communicate my science through creative presentations and express my passion for artistry through graphical abstracts and figures that summarize my data. No, I did not become a lawyer, but I am an aspiring physician-scientist determined to be a relentless advocate for my patients and their rights to equitable healthcare. No, I did not become a football player, but yes, I love sports and they ground me amidst life’s stressors and provide a shared hobby to connect with people I encounter. And maybe I was a bit talkative as a kid as I tried to find my footing in new spaces, and maybe I’m still a bit talkative now, however, I am also someone who welcomes collaboration, who is confident in science communication, who is compassionate in patient care, and most importantly enjoys mentorship and giving back to those that will come after me. Now, none of this would have been possible without the people in my corner who encouraged me to pursue my interests, led me to the right resources, imparted wisdom through mentorship, pursued similar goals as me, and uplifted me when I felt like giving up. Remember, you are who you surround yourself with.


Furthermore, my roots have enabled me to be adaptable in any situation I encounter, comfortable interacting in new environments, and able to overcome obstacles in both my personal and professional life. Moral of the story, every aspect of your identity, everything that makes you you, your passions and interests, the experiences, both good and bad, are a part of your story and build you into someone uniquely capable to identify and excel in your purpose-driven work.



At OutGrowth, we believe in designing the space and time to reimagine the path forward. How do you think that the way in which we approach our career paths can impact our lives?


I am a strong believer in purpose-driven work. Pursuing a career that is birthed from passion and purpose brings joy to waking up each day to work hard, enables us to overcome the challenges we face along the way, and invigorates a desire to recruit and mentor those that will come after us. Work is a significant part of everyone’s life, and when you enjoy what you do and why you do it, that joy radiates into other areas of our lives, even reaching the people we encounter on the job.



What is one hard lesson you learned in this past year that contributed to your growth?


Isolation can feel just right when you're going through a lot and the demands of your personal and/or professional life seem insurmountable. Or maybe it doesn't feel right, but it's too hard to fight out of it. Speak up and seek out help when you need it. When life is life-ing, adulting gets difficult and you’re trying to face it all, it can be surprisingly easy to find yourself alone, even within community. Fight the urge of isolation and the I can do bad all by myself attitude. Find someone, tell someone, hire someone (a therapist), go to church, pray, read, listen to music, just find a few minutes a day to relax, do, or think about something that gives you a few moments of peace. As I faced one of the most difficult seasons of my life, I found myself trying to battle out of isolation and to seek help. I've started therapy, worked towards growing in my walk with Christ, and found time to engage in the activities and relationships I care about. Though the season is still tough, I find myself feeling a bit better and empowered to see the season through.



What is one competency or skill you hope to develop in 2024 and beyond?


Coding. Technology is advancing further and further each day. We are witnessing artificial intelligence become more and more integrated into our daily lives from our phones and search engines to even patient triage. Clinicians are leveraging AI to read and assess X-rays and other imaging modalities. Researchers are leveraging AI and coding to examine big data and run complex analyses. I need to develop this skill to enhance my abilities as a physician-scientist in training and expand my competency in applications requiring coding skills and knowledge of AI.



What inspires you?


I am inspired by the 3%. Well, the less than 3% of doctors that are Black men. I am inspired by the mission to change that narrative. To transform the image we see when we imagine a doctor. To inspire a generation to say they want to become a doctor and believe it within themselves as a realistic career aspiration. To bring joy to patients who see themselves in the doctor providing their care, especially in a day and age where we desperately need to rebuild trust in the medical institutions. And ultimately, to make a positive, lasting impact on my community that changes the life of even a single person for the better.



At OutGrowth, we believe in preparing the next generation of leaders. What is one resource you'd recommend to those looking to carve out the time for growth in the next year?


Podcast: The Leader’s Cut with Preston Morrison



What's next? What are you excited about in the coming year?


If all goes well with science, I am excited to write and publish my first first-author manuscript on my thesis research. It is a requirement to graduate from the PhD program, so I look forward to reaching that milestone.

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