COSAM News Articles 2020 September Retired surgeon inspires COSAM freshman to pursue surgery

Retired surgeon inspires COSAM freshman to pursue surgery

Published: 09/04/2020

Several years ago, Riley Ferrell had the opportunity to talk with a retired surgeon while in a hospital waiting room. The conversation left her with the desire to one day work as a surgeon.

“We had a very interesting conversation where she told me all of the crazy stories from her time as a surgeon,” explained Ferrell. “I decided I wanted to focus on neurosurgery because of family influences and talking to family friends within the profession. I’m really interested in being able to help people with neurological conditions.”

Ferrell is now an incoming freshman studying biomedical sciences through the Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM). While in high school in Largo, Fla., Ferrell was in an early college program, honors society, and the concert and marching band. She first joined marching band in fifth grade and has continued her love for it by joining the Auburn University Marching Band. She plays the piccolo.

“I like how it can be compared to a big family,” Ferrell said of marching band. “You may not know everyone in the program, but everyone is extremely kind and friendly to one another.”

Ferrell said she is looking forward to performing during the Auburn University football games.

“It’s always been my favorite part about marching band,” she shared. “There’s nothing that compares to being in the stands with your friends.”

Ferrell grew up in a family of Auburn fans and as she got older learned what was so special about Auburn.

“As I got older, I started to fall more in love with the school until I decided to attend,” she said. “I love how even though it is a large school, it feels like a tight-knit family.”