Hope Dominique’s interest in a career in medicine derives in part from her own personal health struggles and the desire to pay it forward. The South Carolina junior cross country and track student-athlete knows she can empathize with some of her future patients since she’s been on the other side of the stethoscope.
“I have had a lot of injuries and health struggles that I’ve had to see a lot of doctors for, and a couple of them have been very impactful for me,” said Dominique, who is studying exercise science and is considering medical school or physician assistant school after graduation. “I want to give back by working in the medical field. It doesn’t have to be in sports medicine. Pediatrics is another area I would be interested in. I just want to have an impact on people’s lives through healthcare.
“I’ve had a lot of setbacks that kept me out of running. I’ve learned not to take being healthy for granted. Just being able to compete and train is something I’m very grateful for.”
Dominique started running competitively at a young age and had some struggles in fueling her body properly for her sport.
“I’m a perfectionist, and I fell into the trap of trying to do everything right, so much so that I had to be hospitalized,” Dominique said. “I’ve had to see different specialists to make sure I was on the right path and staying healthy. Coming to college, I’ve continued to prioritize my mental and physical health. Dr. (Zoe) Foster is one of our team doctors, and she has been very helpful. The resources here are really good, and I have felt very supported during my time at USC. Between the dietician that I see (Kristin Coggin), Dr. Foster, and the coaching and training staff, they’ve been great at making sure I’m doing well in multiple aspects. It has made me more grateful for my health.
“I have a hard time being vulnerable, but I want to show that it’s possible to come out on the other side of a rough time, find balance, and be successful. And if sharing my story can help at least one person who may be struggling, it’s worth it.”
Dominique has flourished in her sport and in the classroom. She was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll last spring and has been one of the Gamecocks’ top cross-country runners this fall. In the first two meets, she finished second overall at the Winthrop Invitational and was fourth at the Carolina Challenge to help South Carolina take first place in both outings.
“It…