Medical school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) just got a leadership boost from Avery Dargie, a Memphian student who has taken on the role of Medical Student Executive Council (MSEC) president in her final year. True to her Memphis roots, Dargie is following in the footsteps of her father, an emergency medicine practitioner and alumnus of UTHSC. According to an article by UTHSC, she's not just eyeing a future in emergency medicine but is also entertaining the idea of staying at UTHSC as part of the academic medical community.
Dargie's ascent through the ranks has been methodical, starting as an MSEC representative in her first year, then serving as treasurer and vice president before reaching the top spot. "MSEC acts like an umbrella," Dargie told UTHSC. "With numerous committees falling under it that allow for leaders to act as a conduit between the student body and faculty." Her engagement has extended beyond just being a communication channel, as she has played a pivotal role in electing peers to diverse subcommittees shaping various aspects of medical education and campus life.
Ben Finder, representing the Class of 2026 as its class president, is another figure in UTHSC's student leadership with no prior leadership background. The close-knit network that Dargie and Finder represent supports the grueling journey of medical studies, making the challenge they claim more bearable. "People like Avery are the ones who step up to the plate and take action when needed," Finder lauded Dargie's efforts in the same UTHSC article.
It's not all about attending classes for these student leaders, as they engage in a mix of voice notes, monthly leadership meetings, and weekly executive sessions. They have created a communication network that serves to facilitate swift collaboration on urgent issues. "What UT Health Science Center has created is a really good community," Dargie said, acknowledging the unique ecosystem where students and faculty work hand-in-hand to improve the institution.
From curriculum adjustments passed through MSEC subcommittees to coordinating student events like the Med Gala, the council Dargie leads plays a significant role. Alayna Robinson, another integral MSEC member, praised Dargie's inclusive approach: "She’s one of the kindest, most genuine individuals I’ve ever met," Robinson shared with UTHSC. Dargie's management of MSEC's responsibilities also comes with balancing academic workload, something made possible by the entire team contributing when it gets busy—a testament to the culture of collaborative effort within the institution.
