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EU Alumni Perspective: Megan Rooney Thompson

Name: Megan Rooney Thompson, MD

Graduation Year: Dec 2006

Major: Biology

Current Position: OB/GYN Physician and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine

City and State: Springfield, MO

 

Tell us about your career and what you do now.

 

As an OB/GYN, I care for the health of a woman through her lifespan.  I perform surgery, deliver babies, perform office procedures, and provide general office-based medical services to promote women’s health.  I serve as an associate professor of clinical medicine for the University of Missouri Springfield Clinical Campus, provide educational lectures for the community, and serve on international surgical mission trips.  I am married to a wonderful man and have a delightful son named Connor.

 

What is your favorite memory from Evangel?

One of my favorite memories from my time at Evangel was a cultural exchange trip to England sponsored by Dr. Steve Badger (who would later officiate my wedding).  Our group was in England over the Thanksgiving holiday and we shared with our British friends our traditions for giving thanks.

 

How did Evangel help you identify/develop your calling?

 

The first medical mission trip that I ever attended was during my senior year at Evangel.  Dr. Rick Honderick sponsored the trip of college students and medical professionals to a rural area of South Africa.  While on the trip, the Lord confirmed for me that medicine was to be my path.  I also learned from Dr. Honderick that a Christian doctor supports the emotional and physical demands of a medical career with prayer.  I was accepted into medical school at the University of Missouri the day after I returned home from South Africa.

 

How did your experience at Evangel prepare you for life after graduation?

 

I tell my medical students to never stop learning.  My time at Evangel prepared me to be disciplined for a lifetime of study and fostered a joy in learning.

 

 

What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?

 

Be a humble learner.  Embrace Philippians 2:3 and think of others more highly than yourself.  Look for ways to learn from everyone around you because they all can teach you something valuable.

 

What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?

 

I look to hire applicants with the ability to be kind to people of all walks of life and with an eagerness to go beyond what is required by the job description.