Dr. Nick Chamberlain, PGY-IV fellow in Infectious Diseases, shares about his love for infectious diseases, UMMC, and Kobe Bryant. 

What do you like most about UMMC?

My family and friends have always been important to me.  Aside from the added benefit of being located right here in my hometown, one of the things that I have always really loved about UMMC is the sense of community. It truly feels like an extension of home.  Over the years, I’ve gotten to meet and work with some amazing people, and I’m truly grateful for that.

Share a memory of your time here and someone who has been a mentor or made an impression on you.

One of the proudest memories of my time here so far actually happened not that long ago.  I recently saw a patient in the hospital who had been diagnosed with PCP pneumonia.  He had been previously diagnosed with HIV 6-7 years prior but had been unable to get access to HIV medications or care due to being incarcerated.  Our team treated his PCP pneumonia and got him on HIV medications. Fast-forward a few months, and his viral load is now undetectable, and he feels great!  I cannot begin to explain the impact his immense gratitude has had on me, but seeing his improvement and cases like his are exactly the reason why I chose to devote myself to HIV care.

With respect to mentorship, the lifetime award goes to my late mother, Jean Chamberlain, who found a way, despite life’s circumstances, to provide for me, my sister (Daphne), and brother (Marcellus) as a single parent all while caring for her own aging mother.  I’m certain that there were many instances where “tired” wouldn’t even begin to describe how she felt when leaving work late, but she found a way to attend every performance, sporting event, spelling bee, etc.  In retrospect, I learned the value of hard work and sacrifice from the example she set, and it is something I will carry with me for the rest of my days.

Professionally, I would have to thank Dr. Leandro Mena for introducing me to the world of HIV/STIs and serving as a valuable resource and friend over the years.

You are known for being a very efficient clinician. What’s your secret?

I often start my work for the following day early (usually the day prior) which really helps as far as feeling prepared during rounds, developing plans, and when answering questions/concerns from patients and their family members.

When did you know you wanted to pursue Infectious Disease fellowship?

I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in Infectious Diseases after encountering my first case of newly-diagnosed HIV in a young woman at the Crossroads Clinic at the Jackson Medical Mall.

What could you give a 40 minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?

Kobe Bryant’s career as a Los Angeles Laker.

What are some things that make your day better?

Spending time with family, particularly my niece (Casey) and nephew (Collin), and eating junk food (pizza and cheesecake) after a long workday always makes things better.

What profession would you have chosen if you weren’t a physician?

I really enjoying going to different places, so I would definitely be a professional traveler if I wasn’t a physician.