DURHAM -- Throughout the spring and summer, GoDuke.com will continue to spotlight different Duke women's soccer alumnx. Our next update is with Molly Mack, a 2012 Blue Devil graduate that was a member of the 2011 squad that advanced to the NCAA Championship in Kennesaw, Ga.
GoDuke.com: Since graduating in 2012 what have you been up to?
Molly Mack: Since graduating in 2012, I stuck around Duke for one extra year (not ready to give it up!) and worked as a Clinical Research Assistant for Dr. Peter Smith in the division of Cardiothoracic Surgery. I continued some similar work after moving back to Dallas, Texas prior to enrolling in medical school at the McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. I graduated medical school in 2018 and moved to Pittsburgh, after matching into pediatrics residency at the UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. I completed residency in 2021 and was honored to serve as Chief Resident for a year for the same program. I matched into the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship at UPMC as well and am currently a second-year fellow. I plan to complete another fellowship in Pediatric Palliative Care, after completing PHO fellowship in 2025. I am also currently completing a masters in medical education. I plan to practice as a pediatric oncologist with a focus in leukemia and end-of-life care.
GD: How has it been in the medical field over the last number of years since COVID came about and having to deal with that?
MM: Being a pediatrics resident during the peak of COVID was a really unique experience. I was so inspired by my adult colleagues who were unfazed in the face of some unprecedented experiences in the medical field. It was a different experience within the children's hospitals during that time and continuing to navigate the long-term effects have been a learning experience both medically and who we are as a society. I met a number of very resilient patients and colleagues during this time.
GD: How much did the CAPE program at Duke help you get a head start working in the medical field?
MM: I am so grateful to Terry Kruger (TK) and both Dr. Friedmans for providing me with mentorship and inspiration to eventually become a doctor. The early emphasis on relevant clinical exposure gave me experience and perspective that not only supported my application, but continues to influence how I interact with patients today. At the time, I lacked confidence in interviewing, and TK sat with me and mentored me through that fear. I learned how to channel success and confidence in other areas into this key area because I had someone who believed in me.
GD: You have a number of former teammates in the medical field. Are you able to keep in touch with them?
MM: It has been so much fun to watch so many teammates find such success in the medical field. We have ladies in all areas of the country in all kinds of specialties making a huge difference. I was very lucky to see both Maddy McEwen and Kendall Bradley when they came through Pittsburgh, while interviewing for residency and fellowship positions.
GD: I know the end of your soccer career didn't finish like you wanted with injuries, but how much did you enjoy your Duke soccer experience?
MM: I did not have the soccer career on the field that I had hoped while at Duke, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I am so grateful to have been part of that team and to continue to be part of the DWS family. I had the chance to watch some incredible athletes and humans and learn really important lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience that are a huge part of who I am today.
GD: Do you keep in touch with former teammates and head coach Robbie Church these days?
MM: I was excited recently to bring my husband to Durham for the wedding of my former roommate and lacrosse team member, Hannah Fisher. We got to see Robbie and some new impressive improvements to the facilities, celebrate with old friends and teammates, stop by shooters, AND see DWS beat UNC in Chapel Hill. I have loved keeping in touch with so many former teammates, watching them find success and grow their own families. Ashley Zaslav was a bridesmaid at our wedding this past October, and we convinced Avery Lautmann to make the trip from California as well!
GD: What are some memories you look back on during your time at Duke?
MM: I will forever be so proud to have been on the roster for a team that was a National Finalist. That team was a really special group. Rihanna's "We Found Love" will always hold a special place in my heart.
To stay up to date with Blue Devils women's soccer, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWSOC".
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