Former Bulldog defensive back Andrew Johnson went on to pursue his medical degree at the Georgia Regents University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, but that wasn’t enough. He’s taking a break from that to pursue an MBA at UGA before starting his residency.
Hometown:
Indiana, Penn.
High School:
Oconee County High School
Degree objective:
M.D./MBA
Other degrees:
B.S. in biological engineering with a concentration in biomedical engineering
Expected graduation:
Spring 2016
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
* GRU Medical Scholar Dean’s Summer Research Fellow (2012)
* Research involving Depth Penetration of Near Infrared Spectroscopy in the Obese
* Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship (2011)
* University of Georgia Academic Roundtable Honoree (2009)
* Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll (2007-2009)
* Defensive back on UGA football team (2006-2009)
* Member of 2006 Chick-fil-A Bowl, 2007 Sugar Bowl, 2008 Capital One Bowl and 2009 Independence Bowl teams
* Football letterman (2009)
* Iron Man Award (2006, 2008)
* National Football Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete (2006)
Family Ties to UGA:
None.
I chose to attend UGA because…
UGA is just an amazing university with so many opportunities. But I have to say David Gattie in the College of Engineering is the person who really sold me. I was interested in engineering coming out of high school, and he told me about how great an opportunity it would be to study engineering at UGA, and every word he said proved true.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
The Ramsey Center is still one of my favorite places, whether to get in a good workout or play some pickup basketball. I also have to admit Saturdays in the fall are pretty exciting as well.
When I have free time, I like…
I am a tech junkie and a movie buff. I really enjoy looking up the latest gadgets and also making sure I have seen all of the action flicks that I can.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
… decide to go to medical school. The commitment is something you cannot fathom until you go down that path. You begin to realize that how hard you study and prepare is not only indicative of your “success” but more importantly that the lives of others are dependent upon the knowledge you gain.
My favorite place to study is…
You cannot beat the seventh floor of the main library. There is a desk next to a window that overlooks campus. It’s peaceful and really puts you into study mode.
My favorite professor is…
Very tough question. I’ve had many great professors, especially in the College of Engineering. I can honestly say each professor I had there would bend over backward for you, with Sidney Thompson, David Gattie and Mark Haidekker immediately coming to mind. While in medical school, I have to say I have really enjoyed the tutelage of Dr. Michelle Monteil. She teaches immunology and is passionate about the subjects she teaches and also concerned about making sure students master the material. She has been an invaluable mentor whom I greatly respect.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… Billy Graham. The wisdom he holds would be invaluable to listen to. He embodies what it means to live a Christian life and be a true leader. He leads thousands upon thousands and yet has remained humble and respected. He also asks and seeks the answer to many of the questions I also find myself asking.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… find a cure for each sub-type of breast cancer. We have made great progress, but it still has such a profound impact on so many women.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… develop a fund for nonprofit clinics like Mercy Center. They do so much good with so little funding, and there are many similar clinics throughout the country. It would be amazing to walk into those clinics and tell them they do not have to turn away patients because they cannot afford more patient visits or are limited by space or full-time help.
After graduation, I plan to…
For me, this is less of an abstract question because after my degree I will continue my medical training in a residency program.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… the 2007-2008 year in athletics. We won the Sugar Bowl; my roommate, Chris Hill, was national champion in throwing the javelin for the track team; and my now-wife Grace Taylor (Johnson) won the national championship on balance beam while the Gym Dogs also won another team national title—all while the event was held here in Athens. Great times.