APMA News - May/June 2017 - 85

Development Update

Highlighting Today's Most Outstanding
Student Scholars: 10 Minutes with Michael Hankins Jr.
Hankins:
Not currently, no. I am excited to tackle
that in my residency!

Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation awards scholarships to exceptional
third- and fourth-year podiatric medical students. In this issue, scholarship recipient Michael Hankins Jr., of Barry University School
of Podiatric Medicine, Class of 2017, talks
about what led him to podiatry and what
makes him stand out from others.

APMA News:
Where did you grow up?
Hankins:
I was born and grew up in Memphis, TN.

Michael Hankins Jr.

APMA News:
Where did you receive your undergraduate education, and what
was your major?
Hankins:
I went to Christian Brothers University in Memphis and
majored in Natural Science. I ended up getting minors in Psychology and Chemistry.
APMA News:
What made you decide to pursue podiatric medicine?
Hankins:
I knew I wanted to work in the medical field when I started college. By working in a local hospital for a few years, I was
able to meet and interact with physicians from many different
specialties. This experience really helped me form an idea of
what type of doctor I could see myself as later in life.
The podiatrists I met were always very humble and likeable.
They never even gave a second thought when I asked to shadow
them on rounds or asked too many eager questions. I really like
the fact that they laid their hands on every patient they saw, but
also made sure to ask about the patient's entire health.
After getting in touch with an alum from my undergrad
college, I shadowed him in his office, and he even took me to
some surgeries with him. This exposure really cemented my
interest and fueled my fledgling passion for podiatry. He recommended I apply to his alma mater, Barry University, and
has kept up with every step of my journey so far.
APMA News:
Are you working on any medical projects or research?

APMA News:
What are some challenges you've overcome or some of your accomplishments?
Hankins:
A big accomplishment for me was getting into podiatry school and succeeding
here. Establishing myself as a leader in
my class and contributing to the different
clubs helped me become a more confident,
well-rounded student.

APMA News:
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Hankins:
I enjoy spending time with my fiancée, reading a variety of (non-medical) books, playing my guitar, and the occasional game of spikeball with my classmates.
APMA News:
What's the hardest part about being a student, and what's
the best?
Hankins:
The hardest thing about being a student is the endurance
required. Knowing yourself and how to adapt when you are
pushed to your limits makes that easier, though.
The best part about being a student is the possibility. If
you take responsibility for your education and really strive to
learn and be a better student, professors and attendings recognize [your efforts], and it makes the entire process that
much more rewarding.
APMA News:
What makes you stand out from others?
Hankins:
I think my attitude toward life helps me stand out. I like
to be the one who is always smiling and making others laugh.
Trying to bring that kind of attitude to the clinic, with every
patient, is important to me.
APMA News:
What qualities would you say make a great physician?
continued on page 86
APMA News May/June 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - May/June 2017