What do you get when you combine a Olympic Athlete and Stethoscope?  You get Dr. Kamali! Kamali Thompson is currently a MD/MBA Candidate at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and is on the road to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo as a Team USA Sabre Fencing champion!  Kamali is also studying to become a orthopedic sports medicine surgeon.  Read below on tips on surviving the medical professional and the athletic world.

1) Why did you choose your profession?

I have wanted to become a doctor since I was a child going to the pediatrician. There was a certain satisfaction I received after visiting my doctor and knowing I was healthy and going to be okay. After completing my surgery rotation in medical school, I decided to become an orthopedic surgeon. I discovered I loved being in the operating room and would still be able to spend time with my patients during office hours.

2) What is the favorite part of your job?

This year I am doing research in the sports medicine division of orthopedic surgery. As a medical student, this is one of the most exciting years because I have finally found a specialty I am passionate about and I am spending 100% of my time learning about orthopedic surgery.

3) What is the most difficult part of your job?

As a medical student, the biggest challenge is maintaining a work life balance. It’s important that I learn everything possible both inside and outside the hospital, but it’s also important I have enough quality time with friends, family, and myself. Many students and doctors allow their work to fully consume their lives, but after my first two years of medical school I learned I needed emotional support to prevent burn out.

4) Who is your mentor (if any)?

I’m very lucky because I have several mentors. They all have been trailblazers in their careers, especially as African-American women.

5) Best piece of advice for someone pursuing your field?

The medical career path is an extremely long road. I would strongly suggest make sure you have a hobby to ensure you don’t lose yourself in all of your studying. I am also a competitor for the USA fencing team and am I constantly traveling all of over the world. This actually helps me with my studying because my schedule forces me to be more efficient and I stay in shape.

6) If you have not chosen this profession would have you chosen instead?

I would have just focused on my fencing career and been a full-time athlete.

7) Favorite designer?
 Zara, Laquan Smith

8) Favorite makeup brand?
 Fenty

9) Favorite hair care?
 The Mane Choice

10) Favorite skin brand?
 Nivea

11) If you could only choose 5 items to put in your purse everyday, what would they be?

Blistex, Colour Pop Matte Lipstick, NYC Metrocard, phone charger, Nivea hand lotion

12) Free plug:)– Anything you would like our readers to know that you are selling or creating or philanthropic organizations you are apart of?

I would love for readers to check out my education, fitness, and travel blog, Saber & A Stethoscope and follow my journey as a dual degree student on the road to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Education: Rutgers Robert Wood Medical School – MD Candidate, Rutgers Business School, MBA

Awards: Graduated Temple University, B.S. with honors

Fencing Accomplishments

➢ Division I Women’s Saber National Champion (2016)

➢ World University Games Team Member (2013)

➢ PNC Student Athlete of the Year (2011, 2012)

➢ Second Team All-American (2012)

➢ 4-Time NCAA qualifier (2008 – 2012)

Blog: Saber & A Stethoscope  www.kamalithompson.com

IG: @dr.mali.mallz

Twitter: @Kamali_Thompson