Dr. Katie Metcalf has always known she wanted to help people. As a standout student-athlete at USC, she made history as the university’s first Academic All-American in volleyball, balancing the demands of Division I athletics with academic excellence. “I was a kinesiology major and won the award for top student in exercise science,” she recalls. “I was very close to that group of professors and did a lot of research. I always thought I’d become a physical therapist.”

But a pivotal conversation with her academic advisor changed everything. “They said, ‘Why do you want to take orders? Don’t you want to give them?’ That pushed me to consider medical school.” A shadowing experience with an ER physician in Bakersfield sealed the deal. “I loved the energy, the go-go-go pace! ER doctors and OBs have that same fight-or-flight personality. It just clicked.”

Dr. Metcalf credits her USC medical education with giving her the confidence to thrive in any setting. “County Hospital was such a hands-on experience. I put in a central line as a student. You were the doctor. It was a phenomenal education, and a place where you see everything and do everything.”

Today, she’s continuing her journey of lifelong learning through a two-year fellowship in integrative medicine at UC Irvine. “My proudest professional accomplishment is having the courage to go back to school. Furthering my education is important to me.”

For Dr. Metcalf, the strength of the USC alumni network is unmatched. “The thing about SC is the alumni connections, especially in the LA area. It’s second to none. That Trojan Family has been bred in me since I was a volleyball player.”

Her advice to future medical students? “USC is a special place to learn how to become a doctor. You’ll be exposed to everything, and you’ll leave feeling prepared. Lean into the community; it will support you long after graduation.”

Dr. Metcalf supports scholarships at the Keck School of Medicine because she knows firsthand how life-changing they can be. “I was on a full ride in undergrad, and I’m so thankful for that. My family didn’t have the money to send me to a place like USC. We all have to be grateful for the opportunities we were given, and for the doors USC has opened.”

As you celebrate your Keck School of Medicine Reunion Weekend, please join Dr. Metcalf in coming back and giving back.