Class of 2026 graduate profile: Meghan Trout

Not only is Meghan Trout about to live outside Athens County, Ohio for the first time in her life, she's also about to start the medical career that she has always dreamed about. The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2026 graduate grew up in Athens, received a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Ohio University and matched in obstetrics and gynecology at Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia.

What are you most excited about as you take your next step in your career?

I am most excited to get to do what I want to do every day. Not every day is going to be easy, I know that, but I am excited to put the time, effort and hard work into being the best OBGYN that I can be.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self that I am on the right track and keep doing what I am doing. I spent a lot of time worrying about whether what I was doing was the right thing or not, so I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay. And that you can maintain who you are as a person throughout this crazy journey, just as I had promised myself.

What led you to a career in medicine?

I cannot remember a time in my life when I didn’t want to be a doctor. That is what I have always wanted to be. I don’t have a specific moment in time, but rather small moments that have reassured me that I was on the right path. The first time that I delivered a baby I knew that I was doing exactly what I was meant to be doing.

How would you describe your time at HCOM?

There are so many ways that I could describe my time at HCOM, and I don’t know if I have even the right word that could encompass what I am feeling when I reflect on these last five years. But honestly, my time here has been transformative. The community that is built at HCOM is indescribable and has made the experience. And honestly, despite all the stress and craziness that comes with medical school, I have also had a lot of fun. I have laughed a lot and made a lot of great friends.  

Looking back on medical school, what were your most important experiences?

During my second year of medical school, I met my fiancé, Danielle Gaddis, at her white coat ceremony. She is also a fourth-year student who matched neurology at Kettering Health Network - Ohio. We have been by each other’s side for the ups and downs that are associated with medical school, and she has been a tremendous support throughout this time. So, I think that is a pretty important experience. After my third year, I was a medical education associate where I helped first- and second-year medical students in their education, which was very transformative and honestly, a lot of fun. This also allowed me to graduate with Danielle. During that time, when I wasn’t at HCOM helping students, I spent a lot of time on labor and delivery getting to participate in so many deliveries, and becoming close with the nurses, staff and attendings. Those experiences are some of my favorite memories that I have made in medical school, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them.

How did your involvement in the Rural and Urbans Scholars Pathways (RUSP) program affect your medical education and career?

I knew I wanted to join RUSP when I was accepted into HCOM, and I am very thankful for my past five years in the program. There is something so special about being a part of a clinical jazz group for five years, and getting to know people from all years of medical school. I got to meet some really great people, and I think it provides a unique opportunity to watch people grow and transform throughout their medical education. I had inklings of what I wanted to do when I entered medical school, but RUSP gave me the space and environment to make plans that were true to what I wanted. Ultimately, among other factors, RUSP is one of the reasons that I feel confident in wanting to return to Athens to practice after residency.

Tell us about your inspirations in life.

My inspirations in life don’t necessarily come from a person, but rather from a mindset. One thing that I notably remember from when I was younger was my dad telling me while I was playing softball is that there was always going to be someone that was “bigger, faster, stronger, but nobody will out hustle you." And I took this mentality in everything that I do. Coming from a small town in Appalachian Ohio it can be hard to find your way, especially when you don’t have someone’s footsteps to follow in. But I always remembered to work hard and to give back. And I feel confident in saying that I have done that.

Who has helped you along the way? Is there anyone you want to recognize?

First and foremost, I want to recognize and thank my family, who have supported me from the very beginning. I also want to thank my fiancé, my friends, the faculty, staff, nurses and attendings that have all had a hand in molding me into the person that will walk across the stage on May 9. But there are two people that I have met during my time here that I want to especially shout out, and that is Jane Broecker and Sarah Adkins. I met Dr. Broecker on my third year OBGYN rotation, and since then she has been a constant positive, influential person in my life. I credit her for the surgeon that I will become, for my fount of knowledge, for pushing me and having the confidence in me when I didn’t always have it in myself. I will forever be grateful for the time and effort she has put into my career, and for also being my friend. I know that I can always count on her, and hope to one day practice with her. I met Sarah Adkins in my first year, when she was my small group coach during my second semester. And we have been laughing and having a good time together ever since. She has been a constant reminder to just have fun, and to laugh, even when life is hard. Her friendship and mentorship are one of my favorites. I am honored that both amazing women were on my journey and am very thankful that our paths crossed.  

What hobbies do you have?

Outside of medicine, I like to do puzzles, read books, especially when reading them aloud to my fiancé. I also love a New York Times game, especially the Daily Crossword. And honestly, if yapping with my friends and family was considered a sport, I would win gold.

What didn’t I ask that you’d like to share?

I really want to emphasize that while I am the one that is matching and graduating, it was not something that I did alone. Without the help, guidance and support of so many people I wouldn’t be where I am today. Without my mom and dad bringing me meals while studying, my sisters taking my calls at all hours, Danielle for always being there at the end of a long day, Mark Loudin being the person I could text with any issue I was having,  the labor and delivery nurses, my attendings, the students from my MEA year, my fellow MEAs, and so many more that I just couldn’t possibly mention them all. They have helped me get here, and I couldn’t have done it alone.