Meet Dr. Chaning Burnett, categorical PGY-3 in internal medicine, mom, and soon-to-be Geriatrics fellow. Here, she shares her path to Geriatrics and UMMC for training.

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Tell us about you.

I grew up in Ruston, Louisiana and went to Louisiana Tech University. A fun fact is that I’m actually a third generation LA Tech student! Go Dawgs! I then went to Louisiana State University Health Sciences in Shreveport for Medical School. 

Why did you choose UMMC for residency?

As a third year medical student, I realized I wanted to specialize in geriatrics and that I could get there by 1 of 2 pathways: family or internal medicine. And I chose internal medicine when I discovered all of my patients would be age 18 or above ;). I chose UMMC for residency after meeting the geriatrics faculty and learning about the MIND Center and realizing that I too wanted to be a part of that community. 

Tell us about a memorable experience from training.

I think the moments I’ll remember most from training are the collection of all the small enjoyable moments going to grab coffee and making lifelong friends that I wouldn’t have otherwise met (lookin’ at you especially Henna!).  

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

I never know if this question is about medicine or non-medicine, but I’m going the non-medicine route – I could give a 40-minute presentation on coffee. My husband professionally roasts coffee, and I could go from Farm to Coffee Mug!

What are some small things that make your day better?

A nice mid-afternoon London Fog always brightens my day.

Where could we find you when you are not at the hospital?

When not at the hospital, you can find me at home playing with my son Leighton or in the kitchen meal prepping for the week #MealPreppinMama

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

At this point, if I were not in medicine, I think I’d open a catering business and focus on larger family meals that can be put in the freezer and pulled out on a rainy day.