Return to Blog Homepage

Tutor Spotlight: Justine & Lauryn Falcone

It’s been a long while since we’ve done a tutor spotlight, so this time we’re so happy to be featuring two! After all, when it comes to Lauryn and Justine Falcone, the wait is worth it. These twin tutors are absolute superstars at helping students – and as you’ll see below, they’re both delightful people as well. No wonder they’re always in such high demand!

Where did you go to medical school?

Lauryn: I am currently enrolled at West Virginia University School of Medicine.

Justine:  I am an MS4 at the University of Florida College of Medicine.

What are your plans for residency OR where are you doing your residency and in what specialty?

Lauryn: I am planning to pursue a dermatology residency.

Justine: I will be entering emergency medicine for residency and hope to do a fellowship in sports medicine.

What are your career plans after residency?

Lauryn: I hope to ultimately pursue a career in academic medicine and spend a significant amount of my time teaching and doing research.

Justine: I plan to complete a fellowship in non-op sports medicine. My future dream is to work both in the ER and with athletes as a team physician.

What accomplishment in your medical career are you most proud of?

Lauryn: Having the opportunity to tutor and mentor so many medical students is truly what I am proudest of. It is a great honor to help shape the future of medicine.

Justine: Serving as a tutor-mentor has definitely been one of my most memorable accomplishments. It is a great opportunity to help students achieve their potential of becoming excellent physicians.

Do you do any research? Any publications? Are you pursuing an MPH or a PhD?

 

Lauryn: I am actually in the MD/PhD at West Virginia University and currently working on my PhD in cellular and integrative physiology at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.  I work in a respiratory toxicology lab, and we are particularly interested in studying welding fume toxicology and lung cancer.  While I intend to get into more skin-related research in the future, I have learned many valuable skills pursuing my PhD in this field and do have some publications!

Justine: I did research during medical school on diabetes prevention which involved a study to determine if dietary changes and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, could prevent the development of Type 2 Diabetes in pre-diabetics.

What brought you to Med School Tutors? Why did you choose to be a tutor?

Lauryn: I have been tutoring for many years and absolutely love helping other students succeed! It is very rewarding to help someone work through difficult subjects and see them achieve success. I joined MST because of the amazing people that make up our team.

Justine: I joined MST a few months after Lauryn because she spoke so highly of the company! I have found it to be a great environment that is supportive and motivating for students and staff. I wanted to become a tutor so that I would have the chance to work with many other students to help them achieve their goals, provide mentorship, and network with other tutor-mentors.

What is one piece of advice you would give to students as they are finishing interview season?

 

Lauryn: I will defer to Justine for this one as I haven’t interviewed yet

Justine: While interview time can be stressful with the frequent travel around the country and the expenses that can easily rack up, make sure to take time for yourself to do things you like, such as running, working out, reading, or binge watching movies in the airport- it will make the experience even more enjoyable!

What is the most embarrassing story from your intern year OR what is the most awkward patient encounter you have ever had?

Definitely had some memorable encounters, but, fortunately, not sure any too awkward!

What is your favorite thing to eat?

Lauryn: I have a HUGE sweet tooth! So I would have to say anything chocolate!

Justine: I definitely like sweets too, but Lauryn probably has me beat on being the sweet tooth. We are both sort of obsessed with eating apples though!

What is the most exciting place you have ever traveled?

Lauryn: I traveled to Costa Rica during a spring break of medical school and had the opportunity to horseback ride on the beach and swim with my horse in the ocean.  It was awesome!

Justine: During our first year of med school, we traveled to Italy to visit family and sight see. We split our time between staying with family in Pesaro and at a cute hotel in downtown Rome.  We even got to visit a real castle!

If you weren’t a doctor, what would you do?

Lauryn: If I wasn’t pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, I would probably pursue a career as a college professor or a coach and fitness instructor.

Justine:  If I had the skills. . . professional athlete!!

What do you like to do outside of medicine?

Lauryn: Justine and I are both really into sports and exercise.  We ran collegiate cross country in the NCAA and both stayed very active throughout medical/graduate school.  I currently participate on local running and swim teams and coach the women’s running club at West Virginia University.  I was also fortunate to be offered a spot on a fully sponsored triathlon team for 2017 and will be representing the United States at the triathlon or duathlon world championships next year!

Justine:  I am also a very active athlete like Lauryn! In addition to running NCAA D2 Cross-country in college, I ran on a competitive intercollegiate running club team for my last three years of medical school!  Lauryn has passed on the triathlon bug to me, and I am planning to do my first tri this spring.  So right now, I am focusing on improving my biking and swimming!