The Path of a Dancer

Dance has been a part of my life since I could walk. Being an artist has come naturally to me throughout the years, but it was not something I believed that I could pursue for my career. It was not until my clinical rotations that I began to realize that medicine can be art. The canvas of this art is the pathogenesis of the underlying disease making each scenario unique.  

Pathology, like artwork, demands attention to detail, visualization skills and pattern recognition. The scribbles and shades of slide specimens weave intricate stories of life and death. As an artist and a dancer involved in choreography, I understand the importance of minute details such as arm placement or the lighting on the stage. This attention to detail will enhance one’s success as a pathologist. Choreographing a large piece seems daunting at first, but once broken into 8-counts the ensemble comes together easily. Combining small elements to create a bigger image requires visualization skills and pattern recognition. Understanding patterns in movement and melody allows for the memorization of a dance to become second nature. Dancing allows one to envision patterns effortlessly, a skill that is extremely applicable to pathology. 

Pathology and dance are two worlds that I would have never thought I would see as one. Like beautiful choreography, Pathology tells a story. It just takes the right eyes, training, and mindset to see it for its full beauty and potential.

Alexandra Medeiros, St. George's University

Hi, I'm Alexandra! I am from the Central Valley of California and I am currently applying to the 2021 Match cycle to enter my residency in Pathology! In my spare time I love to be outside, do olympic weightlifting, and most importantly, dance.

Alexandra can be contacted via email