Dr. Swearingen’s path to becoming one of the country’s leading urologists has been excellent. He started small, practicing urology in the tiny town of Wheaton, Illinois. But after building up his resume and his client base, he was hired by the prestigious Brightview Urology Clinic, located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, where he continues to practice today. Dr.
Medical School:
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Swearingen attended medical school at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. There, he developed an interest in urology and decided to pursue it as a career. He graduated from medical school in 2003 and completed his residency training in urology at the same institution in 2008. He then joined a private urology clinic in Chicago, where he has practiced ever since.
What I do on a typical day:
On a typical day, I wake up and go for a run. I then shower and eat breakfast. I check my email and return any phone calls that come in overnight. After that, I head to my urology clinic. I see patients all day, perform surgeries, and then wrap up at the end of the day. I usually have dinner with my wife and then relax for the rest of the evening before going to bed.
Why I chose my career path
I knew I wanted to be a doctor from a young age. I loved the idea of helping people and being able to make a difference in their lives. When I was in college, I had the opportunity to shadow a local urologist. I was immediately hooked! I loved the combination of surgery and medicine, and I knew this was the field for me.
Advice for premed students or applicants
If you’re interested in becoming a doctor, the first step is ensuring you’re on the right track in college. You’ll need to take a variety of science and math courses, and do well in them, to show that you have the aptitude for a career in medicine. Also important is gaining exposure to the medical field through volunteering or shadowing opportunities.
These experiences will help you confirm that you want to become a doctor and give you insight into the day-to-day reality of being a physician. As you move through your undergraduate years and take the MCAT, keep your eye on your goal of getting into medical school and becoming a doctor!