HOSA members let loose as Dr. Rayne Rouce took the stage as the keynote speaker at the 47th annual International Leadership Conference (ILC) Opening Session. Dr. Rouce, a HOSA alumna, Pediatric Oncologist, Physician Scientist, and Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine captivated the audience with her unconventional path into medicine, culminating in a live performance of one of her signature science rap songs.
Her journey to becoming a scientist and doctor was a convoluted endeavor. A Houston native, her medical pursuit started with Debakey High School’s HOSA chapter. Back then she was not sure what she wanted to do, but, “I always knew it was really important for me to be around people who aspired to be health professionals,” Dr. Rouce said.
With the guidance of her mentor and HOSA advisor, Dr. Rouce tried out various fields within medicine to find her perfect fit. After switching majors, states, and schools, Dr. Rouce eventually received her medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX, and completed a fellowship program in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology back in her hometown of Houston, TX.
“The journey that many women take on their pathway to becoming a scientist and the roadblocks that arise are often both less traditional and unique,” said Dr.Rouce (Texas Children’s, 2021).
However, Dr. Rouce’s impact extends far beyond the lab and clinic. She is renowned for her ability to blend her passion for medicine with her love for music, creating educational rap songs to inspire students and provide joy to her patients.
“[Freestyling] started as something my cousins and I would do just for fun, but I realized over the last few years that I find it extremely cathartic,” Dr. Rouce said (Baylor College of Medicine, 2021).
This unique fusion of science and art was on full display during her keynote address at the ILC. In an unforgettable experience, Dr. Rouce invited HOSA members on stage to join her performance. Together, they delivered a powerful and entertaining rendition of her science rap as they rocked side-to-side, in an original song dedicated to HOSA members. To watch the full performance check out this link.
As a HOSA alumna, Dr. Rouce embodies the spirit of leadership and innovation that HOSA strives to instill in its members. Her journey into medicine was unconventional, but her boldness to Dare to Create a new path serves as an inspiration to all. Dr. Rouce credits her success to unwavering support along her journey. In her words, “It takes a village to raise a strong physician-scientist and it starts with HOSA.”
Sources:
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Phifer, A. (2021, February 3). Swag-worthy doctor splits time between patients, rap music. Baylor College of Medicine Blog. Retrieved from https://blogs.bcm.edu/2021/02/03/swag-worthy-doctor-splits-time-between-patients-rap-music/
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Texas Children’s Hospital. (2021, August 4). Dr. Rayne Rouce honored with Outstanding Women in Science Award. Retrieved from https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/news/dr-rayne-rouce-honored-outstanding-women-science-award
