VCOM View Magazine Vol. 12 | No. 1

Adversity

“At first I was very afraid that my career as a powerlifter would never be the same,” she says. “I don’t think I was ever afraid that it would be over completely, but I was definitely preparing myself to not ever fully come back at the same strength and/or intensity.” Her recovery was remarkable. “A few days after surgery, I started physical therapy two times per week, and I religiously completed all the exercises and mobility work that my physical therapist prescribed for me to do outside of my scheduled appointments. My strength started coming back much sooner than any of us expected and four days before my meet in December, exactly three months post-op, my surgeon cleared me to compete in a full meet.” “My prompt recovery and incredibly fast return to powerlifting surprised both my surgeon and physical therapist,” Garden says. “The only explanation my surgeon could think of was that it must’ve had to do with my fitness level and strength prior to surgery.” Allison Garden’s experience as an athlete has had a deep impact on her pursuit of a medical education. “I’ve wanted to be a doctor for longer than I can remember,” she says. “When I was in elementary school, my dad used to let me come round with him at the hospital on the weekends and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. When I was little, I’d tell anyone that listened ‘I’m gonna be a doctor like my dad when I grow up.’ I think my athletic past has absolutely influenced my keen interest in orthopedic surgery. I had my first encounter with an orthopedic surgeon when I was 10 years old, followed by more visits than my parents probably would’ve liked throughout the years.” For Allison Garden, becoming a physician is a lifelong ambition fueled by her passion for sports. Her competitive spirit and ability to surmount seemingly insurmountable obstacles continues to bring her success in the gym and in the classroom. “Physicians are the ones coordinating and leading the care team when forming a treatment plan. Having a patient’s life in your hands is a humbling and rewarding experience and there’s a level of respect that comes with responsibility. Looking up to my father is what put the idea in my head, but ultimately my experiences are what solidified my desire to become a doctor.”

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