Randy Miles

Hometown: Green Level, N.C. College and major: Hampton University, Hampton, Va., Chemistry Likely to do on a free weekend: "Play team sports - I love basketball, football, tennis. I also love to read." Guilty Pleasure: "That if I weren't serious about becoming a doctor, I'd probably pursue a career as an NFL coach." Best Advice from Parents: "To be honest and trustworthy, to always give an honest effort, and do things the right way." Grateful for: "My parents, and the way they raised me. They strongly encouraged me to work very hard and to pursue my academic goals. Most importantly, they taught me to always help others, especially those in need."

Meet Randy Miles,
Mayo Medical School Class of 2010

People who dig deep and live large have always inspired Randy Miles of Green Level, N.C., Mayo Medical School student class of 2010.

The African-American educator and writer, Booker T. Washington, is one of the most influential examples of that tenacious embrace of life that Randy finds so compelling. The life story of Randy's grandmother is another.  Both stories helped motivate him to go to medical school after graduating summa cum laude with a chemistry degree from Hampton University in Hampton, Va. Hampton is the alma mater of Dr. Washington - the reason why Randy chose Hampton.

Explains Randy: "Right now, I'm rereading Booker T. Washington's 'Up From Slavery.' It always inspires me. My grandmother's life inspires me too. She worked in the mills. She had a hard life and she raised seven kids - and she got ovarian cancer and died at 54. She didn't have the time or energy or money to go to a doctor for checkups. She's a big part of me wanting to help others know how to stay healthy or get healthy."

Part of the Solution
Growing up in a small southern textile mill town, Randy never heard about Mayo Clinic or Mayo Medical School. Most of the people he knew worked factory jobs and didn't have access to regular medical care, or to high-quality medical care. The medical system he was exposed to early on wasn't one he would want to duplicate - or join. "Just coming from where I come from, and seeing the health care disparities, made me want to be part of the health care solution in this country," Randy says.

Randy's parents always encouraged him to give his best to whatever he tried. "They encouraged me and inspired me and pushed me in my education so I could achieve academically," he says.

Why Mayo Mayo Medical School
While at Hampton University, Randy attended a research conference to explore careers in chemistry. Mayo Clinic had a booth at the conference, and, staffed it with a student pursuing the dual degree of M.D.-Ph.D. that Mayo offers.

Randy was intrigued. He'd never imagined a person could get both degrees at once in an integrated program and have tremendous opportunities open in such a coordinated, purposeful way. "The student was really great, really friendly, and helpful. He got me thinking about Mayo."

The encounter prompted Randy to query the Internet about Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical School. The more he read about it, the more Randy believed Mayo was the right place for him because of the priority it has always placed on patient care. "Mayo has been putting the patient first since day one - that really impressed me - in addition to all the medical and scientific expertise concentrated here in Rochester."

One Concern: Diversity
Randy was initially concerned there would be limited cultural and racial diversity in Minnesota, in general, and in Rochester, in particular. But that concern quickly faded when he arrived in Rochester. "I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the Mayo system handles diversity," Randy says. "Even though Rochester is a small town, there is a lot of diversity at Mayo and I'm really comfortable here."