Meet Dr. Mary Ranie McDonald – Mississippi native and UMMC medicine/pediatrics intern whose path in medicine is rooted in mentorship, service, and a love for life beyond the hospital.
Tell us about you.
I grew up in the nearby town of Madison, MS, and I attended Madison Central for high school. I went to Mississippi State for undergrad and continued my tour of Mississippi academics at UMMC for medical school.
Why did you choose UMMC for residency?
The residents and faculty I worked with during my med school rotations taught me so much, both in clinical knowledge and in life outside campus. Many of the staff here balance patient care, education, family life, volunteer work, etc. in a way that I hope to emulate. I knew that UMMC saw the breadth and depth of illness needed to train a capable, well-rounded physician, while also often serving a vulnerable patient population.
What is one thing you would tell the incoming interns about what is to come?
This next year will be challenging and humbling yet so rewarding. You will get to have your own panel of clinic patients trusting your guidance in the everyday. You will get to counsel patient families in the hospital and lead discussions regarding patients’ goals and care plans. It will be hard and tiring, but it is such a privilege to be someone’s physician!
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
During my senior year of high school, I had an awesome mentor at my church who taught a weekly class where she walked the senior girls through the entire Bible. I learned about the history surrounding Biblical times, the connections between the Old and New Testaments, and the promises yet to come. It was so thorough and impactful that I could speak on it extensively!
What are some small things that make your day better?
I consistently look forward to my morning cup of coffee and walking the dogs when I get home. In between those two things, some highlights include grabbing a coffee with a co-resident, playing the daily NYT games, or enjoying free lunch at conference!
Where could we find you when you are not at the hospital?
I am likely on a trip somewhere, whether taking a weekend getaway to visit a friend out of town or using a vacation week to travel with my husband/friends. Some of our favorite spots are skiing in Whistler, Canada, and sitting on the beach in Destin, Florida!
What profession would you have chosen if you weren’t a physician?
I would probably own a thrift store/consignment shop. I enjoy revamping old fashion pieces and finding vintage decor for our house. In my spare time, I like giving old pieces of furniture a fresh coat of paint to up-cycle them!
Progress Notes 