The AAMC team sat down with elite gymnast Leanne Wong, a member of the 2022 and 2023 gold-medal winning World Championship U.S. women's gymnastics team. Leanne discusses her medical school aspirations and what it’s like to navigate her gymnastics career while being on the premed track at the University of Florida.
- What led to your interest in medicine?
My interest in medicine came from growing up in a family of doctors. I have always dreamed of becoming a doctor from a young age. Both of my parents have PhDs, are medical research scientists, and conduct clinical trials for drug development. My dad and grandfather have MDs, while there are also a lot of doctors and dentists on my mom’s side.
I have been interested in becoming a sports medicine physician after being a gymnast since I was five years old. As an athlete for over 15 years, I have learned about the human body and seen how the teamwork aspect of medicine works. I’ve seen how doctors, surgeons, athletic trainers, and physical therapists all work together as a health care team. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to “shadow” the USA Gymnastics team doctors, Dr. Faustin and Dr. Casey, at National Team Camps, competitions, and international assignments. I get to see what their role is and how they help athletes in the sport.
- How do you think your experiences competing as an elite gymnast will benefit you as an aspiring and future physician?
Gymnastics has taught me some valuable lessons, which I wrote about in my book, My Journey: Trust the Process. I published this book in March of 2024 and share how I reached the highest level of gymnastics, the life lessons learned, and about the sport of gymnastics for those who may not know much about the sport. I’ve been given an opportunity to learn about perseverance, hard work, determination, teamwork, communication, and both mental and physical toughness through gymnastics, which are all great skills physicians need to have as well.
- Is there anyone in the field who has inspired you?
When I started college, I was debating between a health and business major. I knew I was interested in becoming a doctor one day, but I also started my business, the Leanne Wong Bowtique, a month before I met the University of Florida team doctor, Dr. Gravely. I got to talk to her during our travels to an away competition, where she shared that she was also a collegiate gymnast before becoming a doctor and gave me some great advice and encouragement. Ultimately, I continued to take the premed route.
- What advice do you have for other athletes that want to pursue medicine but are hesitant to do so because of the time commitment of their sport combined with premed coursework?
For other athletes who want to pursue medicine but are hesitant to do so, just know that the premed track and being an athlete is a lot to balance. College teaches you a lot about time management and dedication. I stay motivated by staying busy, continuing to always work toward my goals, and remembering that medical school will always be there. It’s important to enjoy the journey to becoming a medical doctor and stay excited about helping your future patients.
- What helps you manage your stress and stay motivated?
One of my creative outlets is my Leanne Wong Bowtique. During high school, I took a fashion and interior design class, and for one of the class assignments I designed an outfit and made my very first handmade hair bow. Ever since then, I started wearing them to every practice and competition, and I just become known as ‘‘the girl with the bow.” A lot of girls started asking about them and requesting their own, which gave me the idea to launch the bow business. Since then, I’ve expanded to bows in every color you can think of, bows with different designs, leotards that I designed, apparel, my journal, and my book. I most recently launched the Leanne Wong Foundation on September 20, 2024. My mission is to joyfully and gratefully provide resource partnership for those experiencing a lack in the necessities of life.
- What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
For someone who wants to follow in my footsteps, I believe choosing a university where academics and athletics are top tier is crucial for athletes pursuing a career as a physician. While many athletes get recruited for their athletic abilities, it’s important to think about your academic goals and choose an undergraduate university that has programs and resources to support your success in both academics and athletics.
To learn more about Leanne, follow her on Instagram, Twitter/X, or visit her website.