UGA student merges world of possibility in her own backyard

What's an artist to do when they want to pursue medicine alongside piano? Choose UGA and continue with both.

Caroline Malcom, a second-year student and Cora Nunnally Miller Scholar in the Fine Arts, is majoring in piano performance in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music while also on a pre-medical track in the Franklin College. She chose to major in piano performance to grow as an artist, by “studying music in its entirety and learning the discipline necessary to perform a challenging repertoire,” she said. 

Initially hesitant to major in piano performance, Malcom was excited to learn that she could major in both piano and pre-med while attending UGA. An important deciding factor for her was when she visited UGA and took a trial piano lesson with Liza Stepanova, associate professor in the Hodgson School.  

“It was hands down the best piano lesson I had ever had. I was floored," Malcom said. "If this level of instruction was in my backyard, I had to take it.” She described feeling connected with the Hodgson school’s encouraging environment and their willingness to meet people where they are. For Malcom, the Hodgson School is a place where everyone, including graduate students and faculty, can come together and collaborate. 

Malcom is living her best UGA life on Myers Quad, enjoying its central location and her favorite nearby place to eat, Snelling Dining Commons, especially breakfast. The tight connections between town and gown have brought opportunities for Malcom in the greater Athens community, serving as one of the local directors of the non-profit Athens PBJs, which provides packed lunches for the homeless. She is excited to be a member of UGA's premiere choral ensemble the Hodgson Singers. “It has always been my dream to be in such a prestigious choir,” she said.

As she learns the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and conducts research through CURO, Malcom's appreciation for pursuing art has only grown.

“I am really grateful that I decided to purse my passion, especially in the arts because sometimes people downplay it,” she said. “Just realizing how crucial it is as a part of humanity, my respect for it continues to grow.” Malcom is quick to encourage anyone interested in art to purse their passion. She sees her arts degree as being very valuable in “learning how to express yourself as a human and carry on the human tradition of beauty and creation.” 

After graduation, Malcom plans to attend medical school and study to become a pediatrician. She hopes to use her experience with music to help in her medical career. “I think studying piano has taught me a lot of discipline and hard work that will carry into my career as a physician” she said.  

In the next few years, Malcom is excited to perform and compete while at UGA. She looks forward to collaborating with other Cora Nunnally Miller Scholars. She plans to teach children piano and learn how to connect with them, a skill that she considers another important component for her future career as a physician.   

Image: Caroline Malcom