Meet Dr. Wichman – Hattiesburg native, internal medicine resident, and lifelong car enthusiast. Here, Dr. Wichman shares about his path to medicine and UMMC, and the moments that have shaped his training along the way.
Tell us about you.
I grew up in Hattiesburg, MS and was raised by two real estate professionals. I have an older brother, a sister-in-law, and a new niece! I knew I wanted to be a doctor early on, and a lot of it came from my Granny simply telling me I would be a doctor one day – so I ran with it. I studied Biology at Ole Miss and worked there for a year after graduation doing recombinant vaccine research prior to coming down to Jackson for Medical School. I am applying for Gastroenterology/Hepatology fellowship this Summer!
Why did you choose UMMC for residency?
UMMC was an easy choice during the match process after having been through several medicine rotations during med school and being around excellent residents and patients who despite complex disease processes, were quite wonderful. I was completely right about what I could expect during my training and have loved my time at UMMC.
Tell us about a memorable experience from training.
One of my most memorable experiences was UMMC intern nights last year – for both positive and negative reasons. My grandfather was in the hospital and was moved to the ICU in the middle of the night while I was at work and was intubated. I learned how willing my coworkers were to pick up my slack, and as a family member, just how compassionate our physicians are. Despite this, the rest of the nights were fun (if you can call it that) thanks to the night admitter and HOG resident. We got some good data logged in the resident memory book that sits in the lounge, which is still fun to go back and look at.
What could you give a 40-minute presentation on with absolutely no preparation?
At risk of sounding silly, I could give (and have given) lengthy chalk talks on the entire Porsche 911 lineup (between educational talks about Cirrhosis, CRRT, or MRSA bacteremia of course). My Granddaddy had a body shop growing up, so I was often around him working on cars, which is where I found my affinity for them.
What are some small things that make your day better?
Lighting a candle, watching some less-than-educational television, exercising, and spending time with my 5-year-old long-haired dachshund, Bolt.
Where could we find you when you are not at the hospital?
Walking the Museum Trail, Fondren Fitness, a local happy hour with friends or coworkers, or traveling.
What profession would you have chosen if you weren’t a physician?
The child in me says race car driver. The adult in me says to jar my homemade salsa and outdo Pace.
Progress Notes 