We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hennelie Hawes a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Hennelie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

Before medical school I was an NFL Cheerleader with the Minnesota Vikings. My time with the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders was one of my favorite jobs to date, but little did I know at the time that it would also turn into one of the most impactful jobs I have ever had. As an NFL Cheerleader you hold a very public and professional profile. Whether in uniform or not, there are eyes on you at all times, and your words, behaviors, and attitudes are being watched by many people from all different angles. How you carry yourself on or off the field is not only a representation of you, but of your team, and ultimately the Minnesota Vikings Organization as a whole. This role came with a lot of weight and pressure that I did not expect, but what I learned from the professional aspect that came with this job is something I will carry with me as a physician, and something that translates quite well to that role as well.

As a physician, you are viewed as such while you have your white coat on at work, as well as the second you leave for the day. Your job as a physician doesn’t end when the work day ends – if friends or family members need help they will call to you, or if there is an emergency on a plane, they will call for a doctor to help. The famous saying in medicine is that your white coat never comes off, and this could not be more true. You are viewed as a physician whether at work or not, and therefore need to carry yourself as such both ‘on and off the field’.

Hennelie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a current 3rd year medical student! For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to become a doctor. Medicine has always been my passion and calling in life. The road thus far has not been an easy one – there have been many failures and set backs, including when I did not get into medical school the first time I applied. However, something I am most proud of is the resiliency I have had throughout it all. Any journey worth taking will have its obstacles, and it can be extremely tough to get back up again. Many times, medical school feels like constantly being beaten down…once you have conquered one obstacle the next is thrown your way with no time in-between. I am the type of person who fully invests themselves into the things they care about, and fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor is one of them. The road has not been easy, and will continue to be that way as I finish out my last two years of medical school and then face residency, but it is all worth it knowing that I will one day get to look my patients in the eyes and introduce myself as Doctor while they trust me to take care of their healthcare needs.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

It’s no secret that the journey to become a physician requires an immense amount of knowledge and training. Equally as important, however, is the ability to be personable. All physicians have the necessary knowledge and training required to do their job, but not all are personable. What makes a patient feel safe, heard, and understood is when they have a doctor who listens, is relatable, and can share in their feelings. A doctor who cares is a good doctor. It truly is as simple as that, yet this humanistic aspect is something that cannot be taught. It is my goal as a future physician to build strong relationships with my patients. One that makes them feel seen and heard. One that has a strong foundation of trust, even in the most vulnerable of situations. To me, that is what makes a good doctor a great one, and I hope to become the best doctor I possibly can be.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

100% yes – I would choose this profession every time. For me, there was never a Plan B. Medicine is my calling in life and I truly cannot imagine myself doing anything else. It is such a rigorous and lengthy journey, but whenever it gets tough (which it does more times than not), I think of my future patients and know that it will all be worth it one day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: hennelie_hawes
• Other: TikTok: @hennh_