Meet Dr. Natalie Rudsenske, second year fellow in Allergy and Immunology, die-hard Mississippi State fan, and new mom. Here, Dr. Rudsenske shares about her path to allergy and UMMC and some of the things that help keep her grounded.
First, tell us about you.
I am a second year fellow in the Allergy/Immunology division. I was born and raised in Jackson, MS where I went to school at Jackson Academy and then undergrad at Mississippi State University. I came back to Jackson afterwards for medical school, and then stayed for my pediatric residency training, and now fellowship all at UMMC! My husband, Ben, grew up in Madison but we didn’t meet until college. He went to dental school here at UMMC and is now an associate at a practice in Madison. We just welcomed our sweet little boy, JT (short for John Taylor), into the world in September of this past year and he is our absolute pride and joy. Apart from trying to keep a tiny human alive, in my free time I enjoy baking, and doing anything outdoors but especially playing golf and pickleball!
When did you know you wanted to pursue Allergy/Immunology?
I was a little later in my decision to go into Allergy/Immunology. I had always considered it (being the sneezy allergic girl that I am) and always enjoyed immunology (being the nerd that I am). I did a rotation late second year of pediatric training and was hooked from then on! I really enjoy treating our patients because I love seeing how their quality of life can be improved. Also, we see some really interesting and rare immunodeficiencies on the pediatric side which is interesting to learn about in a textbook and then care for in real life.
What advice would you give to the interns?
Keep in touch with your family and friends because they got you to where you are today and will continue to be there for you through the highs and lows of residency. Also, talk and interact with your patients for the people they are, not the diagnosis you are treating. You will be a better physician and caretaker for them if you can.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on without preparation?
I could give a 40 minute presentation on Mississippi State athletics, no doubt. I was raised a die hard Mississippi State fan and grew up going to almost every football and basketball game with my dad. And yes, it is hard continuously having your hopes built up and then crushed each season (until our 2021 baseball National Championship title, finally!).
What is something you wish you knew more about?
How to get your baby to sleep through the night. Trust me, you can take all the classes and read all the books but the baby is gonna do what the baby wants to do. And that’s mostly partying at 3 a.m.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Any and all smiles and giggles from JT, multiple cups of coffee, hugs from my dog, and getting out in the sunshine with my husband.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t know.
Most people probably don’t know that I love to play golf. I have been out on the golf course with my dad since I was two years old. I play left-handed, which has always been a little odd considering the only other thing I do left-handed is swing a baseball bat.
Progress Notes 