Dr. Jennie Tuazon

Class of 2005: B.A. in Psychology

Where have you worked and/or studied since you graduated from USC?

In the year between graduation from USC and entrance into medical school, I worked at a health clinic in Los Angeles County.  I graduated with an M.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine in May 2010.  I will be completing my general adult psychiatry residency at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt in May 2014 and will return to the USC Institute of Psychiatry, Law, and Behavioral Science at the Keck School of Medicine in July 2014 to complete a one-year fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry.

What was the most beneficial thing you did as a student at USC to prepare you for post-graduation?

Participating in the Psychology Honors Program with Dr. Farver.  The skills I learned during the program–from an examination of the scientific method to the review of research design and eventual creation of an independent research thesis with the aid of faculty advisers and my fellow peers–are ones I continue to utilize in my career in medicine.  It was also an amazing academic community where I experienced what it meant to critically discuss research and to work collaboratively with people with a passion for psychology.

What course did you enjoy the most?

My favorite courses were abnormal psychology and forensic psychology, both of which influenced my current career path.

If you were an undergraduate again, is there anything that you would do differently?

If I could do it over again, I would participate in a semester abroad.

Have you won any awards, accolades, etc. after you graduated from USC?

I was awarded the David Mortimer Olkon Award for the most outstanding student in Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neurosurgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine commencement for the Class of 2010.  I am also currently serving as the Chief Resident of Sheppard Pratt.