Open Book . . . Marcy Keddy Boucher, MD

On Wednesdays, the Daily Voice introduces you to a student or resident at UMass Medical School. We’ve asked our subjects to answer a few questions that might reveal a little of their personalities. If you know someone who you’d like to see profiled, let us know at ummscommunications@umassmed.edu.

Marcy Keddy Boucher, MD, PGY1, from Tyngsboro, graduated from UMass Medical School in 2011. She has just started her family medicine residency at UMMS.

Why did you choose UMass Medical School?

UMass Medical School has an amazing, nationally recognized family medicine program. I’m interested in rural medicine and UMass Medical School gives me the opportunity to work and learn in a rural family health center while also learning in an academic, tertiary care center in the heart of a city. The best of both worlds!

Describe yourself in six words or fewer.

Enthusiastic young doctor, wife and mother.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, name three things you would want.

iPhone, sun screen SPF 30, matches

If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be and why?

Oprah. She is a celebrity that has used her position in the public eye to do fabulous things for the world and she uses her voice to educate people about important community issues. She comes across as amazingly centered and insightful about herself. Maybe if I had dinner with her a little bit of these abilities would rub off onto me.

What person or experience made you decide to become a doctor and why?

My mother. She spent a large portion of my childhood battling multiple sclerosis. I loved to help her with her physical therapy and would get excited when her strength improved. I loved supporting her on the quest to improved health. That’s still something I love about medicine—except now I get to support real patients!

What is the most interesting or challenging job (paid or unpaid) you’ve ever had and what did you learn about yourself?

I was a function server at an upscale hotel, waitressing for weddings, baby showers etc. It was so much fun to watch people during life’s milestones and making memories that they would have forever. I learned that I lack some coordination. I was terrible at carrying large trays of food on my shoulder!

What would your fellow residents be surprised to learn about you?

I love to watch the Disney Channel.

If residency at UMass Medical School had not been an option, what would you be doing right now?

I suppose residency somewhere else but if I had never attended medical school, and residency wasn’t an option at all, I’d still be doing something in health care. I think I’d enjoy being a labor and delivery nurse or midwife.

If you could change the world as a physician, what would you like to do?

I’d put an end to childhood obesity. Think about how much healthier populations would be if they started off life on a positive health track!

Most surprising thing you’ve found out about being a resident?

Residency constantly pushes you to new limits, making it both amazingly uncomfortable and thrilling at the same time!

Most surprising thing you’ve discovered about Worcester?

Worcester is the home to numerous interesting discoveries/inventions, my favorites being the smiley face and Valentine’s Day card.