From Meharry to Plastic Surgeon: Dr. Triggs’ Journey to the OR

In this episode of the Mission to Medicine Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Triggs, a board-certified plastic surgeon and proud Meharry Medical College graduate, to talk about his journey from medical school to the operating room. We dive into: ✨ His path to choosing Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 🔥 How he navigated the competitiveness of the match 🧠 What it truly takes to stand out as a med student 💪 Overcoming obstacles, mentorship, and building confidence 💼 Life as a plastic surgeon from the clinic to the OR 🎓 Advice for premeds, med students, and future surgeons Whether you’re dreaming of a surgical career or looking for inspiration on your medical journey, this episode delivers motivation, transparency, and actionable gems. If this inspires you, LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to help support the Mission to Medicine community and bring more stories like this to future healthcare leaders. 📲 Follow Mission to Medicine: IG: @Mission2Medicine TikTok: @MissionToMedicine YouTube: Mission to Medicine 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts (if applicable) #medicine #plasticsurgery #meharrymedicalcollege ________________________________________________ Timeline: 1:30 What got you interested in medicine and where did you go for undergrad? 6:00 Meharry known for building and producing resilient physicians. What was it like during your first two years of medical school and ultimately choosing your speciality? 8:52 Plastic surgery is one of the most competitive specialties to match into. What steps did you dotage to make yourself competitive? 10:12 Today there seems to be a focus on research and networking in order to match. What advice do you have for students who do not have a home program and how can they foster these important relationships? 13:15 What strategies and tips do you have for students approaching standardized exams such as STEP 1 and 2? 17:35 What was the match day experience like for you? 19:45 Can you share a memorable moment from Plastic Surgery Residency? 21:48 How do you take feedback and not take it personal in training? 23:50 Plastics is a blend of precision of art and creativity. How do you blind the balance of the two? 24:59 What does representation mean to you personally? 27:20 What does mentorship mean to you, who are the mentors who have impacted you, and how do you pour back to the next generation? 29:00 Beyond the OR - How do you balance your personal brand, business, and family life? 31:00 What does success look like to you beyond the outside of the title of being a Plastic Surgeon? 33:28 what inspired you to start your own podcast and where do you see it going? 34:57 What piece of advice do you have for aspiring and future doctors who are on their mission to medicine?