Will Mangham with his wife, Mary Martha Gantt, and their sons Ira, 2 months, and Pickens, 2 years.
Will Mangham MD’16
Age: 34
Hometown: Mobile, AL
Undergrad school and major: United States Naval Academy, English
Specialty: Neurological Surgery
Residency: University of Tennessee College of Medicine
How did you choose your specialty?
It was impossible not to choose neurosurgery. I resisted committing for a while because the lifestyle is so rigorous, but after spending a month at the beginning of fourth year working at Rhode Island Hospital on the neurosurgery service, I knew there was no other specialty for me. Neurosurgeons have the distinct privilege of caring for the sickest of the sick. … Our patients do not always fare well, but we give them the best shot possible. To many people, all of this seems pretty bleak. To me, it is a wonderful opportunity to serve others during their time of greatest need.
How has life prepared you for the Match?
During my time in the Marines, I did several combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, so I do not consider myself a stranger to adversity. Residency is going to be extremely challenging, and I know I will make many mistakes along the way to becoming a competent neurosurgeon, but my past experiences give me confidence that I can do it. I am also lucky to have a wonderful wife and two awesome sons who I know will offer unconditional support.
Anything else you’d like to say?
I don’t think I could have picked a better medical school. Brown has been fantastic and provided me with a lot of opportunities. I feel like coming out of Brown I could have done anything. Rhode Island Hospital, where I chose to do almost all of my clinical rotations, has been a great place to learn as well. There are many moments I know I will never forget. Providence has been a great city for our growing family. I will really miss this place.
