Meet Coryn Stephenson: Our October Leading Women

Name: Coryn Stephenson

Major: Health Sciences - Pre-professional with minors in Psychology and Philosophy

Hometown: Kansas City, MO

What are your career/life goals?

My goal is to become a physician in the field of onco

logy. I also would love to publish a book and travel the world!

What is your favorite part about your major?

My favorite part of my major is it combines my love for people and my passion for science.

Tell us about why you chose your major?

I chose my major because I get to learn about biological and physical sciences but I also get to learn about our healthcare system and how I can improve the patient experience as a future physician.

Why did you decide to get involved in O’neal Comprehensive Cancer Center?

I decided to get involved in research at the O’neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Alabama Birmingham because I love learning and gaining new knowledge. Research allows you to immerse yourself in learning something new and then gives you the opportunity to share what you learn with others. I got to see all my hard work pay off when I presented my findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Symposium in Chicago.

What is your favorite part about the research you do?

Research is so rewarding because your takeaways have a real impact on the world. Future patients and physicians will benefit from your findings, which is the best part!

What other organizations or hobbies are you passionate about?

I volunteer weekly at Columbia Urgent Care and I love this experience because I get to work alongside physicians to help care for patients. I’m also in Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity that has given me a community of future physicians and people who are passionate about the same things I am.

How have your experiences in Theta changed you?

Being a part of Theta has pushed me to do things I didn’t know I was capable of. Theta has shown me women who are determined to achieve their goals and has given me the resources to pursue my own goals. Theta inspires me every single day and gives me the confidence and strength to go after my dreams!

What does Theta mean to you?

Theta is where I am pushed to become better every day, but always accepted right where I’m at. Theta makes me feel loved and valued for who I am and has given me a support system I am so thankful for!

Do you have any advice for the underclassmen?

Take risks and don’t be scared to put yourself out there. Try new things, explore your interests, and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Take a trip with your friends, take up new hobbies, meet new people and get out of your comfort zone. This is your chance to learn about yourself and grow, so take advantage of it!

Do you have a specific favorite Theta memory?

My favorite Theta memory was work week and recruitment this August. Although it required lots of hard work, I got to meet so many new people and grow closer with many Thetas in all different mc’s. It was extremely rewarding knowing all our hard work paid off when we got to welcome the membership class of '22 into Theta and I got to add my sweet little Addi to my family!!