Christen Chehardy

Christen Chehardy's journey to medicine started in the gym. Years of gymnastics training sparked her curiosity about the human body, leading to a high school internship that solidified her desire to pursue a career in medicine.

"I interned at a dermatology practice during my senior year, and I just loved it. I also volunteered at hospitals. I found I had a profound interest in medicine, learning about the human body, and treating people."

But when it came time to choose a major, Christen took an unexpected route. Encouraged by her father’s advice, she enrolled in the E. J. Ourso College of Business rather than pursuing a traditional science degree. She chose to major in entrepreneurship, a field she credits with teaching her "not what, but how to think."

"It was a calculated risk. I didn't know anybody who was majoring in a non-science field. I felt a little alone in that aspect, and I didn't really know how medical schools would view it."

As a true entrepreneur, Christen understood that taking risks must be supported by commitment and a well-planned approach. Since there was no overlap between the entrepreneurship curriculum and the pre-med track, she augmented her minor in biological sciences by taking additional courses. This involved summer school and a heavy course load.

When she received her medical school acceptance, the risk proved worthwhile.

“I've learned so much. I really do love being a leader. I want to own a medical practice and use the skills I've learned in the business college for that.”

Christen also put those leadership and business skills into practice outside the classroom. As vice president of finance for her sorority, Delta Gamma, she helped manage an organization of 370 members and a $1.4 million annual budget.

"It taught me so much about myself, professionally and personally. I had a lot of responsibility. I was involved in every facet of the chapter since everything involves money. It taught me a lot about managing an organization, but not just that, managing people as well."

Christen’s commitment to service also extends to the Brain Exercise Initiative, a campus organization that supports individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Inspired by her grandmothers’ battles with the disease, she joined the group as a freshman. Volunteers visit memory care communities and engage residents in simple activities designed to stimulate cognitive function.

"It’s a progressive disease. There’s no cure, and it doesn’t get better," Christen said. "But stimulating their minds through activities and simply being a companion really makes their day. After the first time I volunteered with residents here in Baton Rouge, I just wanted to keep going back."

Now serving as president, Christen has helped expand the organization’s membership and community outreach and has developed a leadership style grounded in empathy.

"This experience taught me how to lead in a different way," she said. "You’re working with volunteers who are supporting people in very vulnerable stages of life, so you have to lead with compassion. That’s something that will be incredibly important when I become a physician."