Chris Gainey

Chris Gainey

Future medical student and scholar is already caring for others

  • Hometown: Bonneau, S.C.
  • High School: Timberland High School
  • Major: Biological sciences
  • Video (1:32)

Chris Gainey looks back on his career at Carolina and is surprised by all the opportunities that he had, from academic endeavors to extracurricular activities to undergraduate research.

“All around, the University of South Carolina has a lot to offer, no matter what you do,” said Gainey, who recently received the university's prestigious Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.

The South Carolina Honors College graduate said he's not putting the university behind him yet. In August, Gainey will enter the university's School of Medicine. He is a recipient of the Carolina Medical Scholarship, which will fund his tuition and fees for his studies to become a physician.

As an undergraduate, Gainey put his interest in health to work as secretary of health services for the university's student government. Concerned about the health of the university's students, Gainey conducted research and a survey on the student health center. His efforts resulted in a report to the university's Board of Trustees, which is conducting a feasibility study on a possible expansion of the center.

“I can take pride in the fact that my work will benefit future Carolina students for years to come,” Gainey wrote in his application for the Sullivan award.

Between his sophomore and junior years at the university, Gainey studied to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) and began working for the Berkeley County EMS, a job that he'll continue until he begins medical school.

“Berkeley County serves a rural area, and I've had the chance to learn about rural healthcare,” he said. “I've also learned a lot from the different calls that we've had ... car accidents, shootings and stabbings.”

Helping people in life-and-death situations has led him to consider a future in emergency medicine.

A member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society, Gainey was a member of Golden Key International honor society and treasurer and president of the society. He served on the student government's elections commission, executive cabinet and constitutional council. Gainey also was vice president of Carolina Productions, an orientation leader, a member of residence hall government, a student member of the Carolina Alumni Association and member and freshman mentor for PACES, an organization for pre-med students.

“I always knew that I wanted to come to USC,” said Gainey, who is leaving with a 4.0 GPA. “But the opportunities here exceeded my expectations.”

After several small vacations, including trips to the beach and camping, Gainey is looking forward to medical school.

“It will be a lot of hard work, but it's exciting.”

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May 8-9, 2009


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The University of South Carolina's 2008 graduates are off and running. Some have already landed their first real jobs. Others have enrolled in prestigious graduate programs throughout the country. Learn more about a few of these former students and where they've landed.