When Misty Lang makes the 35-minute commute to Sacred Heart, where she’s in clinical rotations for medical school, she listens to lectures and other study material in her car. As a mom of seven, including three sets of twins, she has to take advantage of every second in the day.
“I study on my lunch breaks, in between surgeries if it’s an OR day, in the evenings, and sometimes on my phone in bed at night since I go to bed early due to co-sleeping with the 3- year-old twins,” said Misty.
At 39-years-old, Misty is the third oldest student in her med school class. Her age highlights her steadfast patience, relentless determination, and unwavering tenacity to reach her dream job of becoming an OB/GYN.
“OB/GYN encompasses everything I’m passionate about. Firstly, most people don’t tend to think of OB/GYNs as surgeons, but they are highly skilled and capable in the operating room. Secondly, there’s the continuity of care aspect with OB/GYN, similar to a family practice doctor. Thirdly, I am committed to fiercely advocating for and being protective of my patients,” said Misty.
Misty first fell in love with medicine when she joined the Army at 22-years-old. At the time, she trained to become a surgical tech. From there, she started taking college courses to go to medical school. Then Misty became a mom. By the time Misty finished undergrad, she was 11 weeks pregnant with her third set of twins.
“Instead of going straight into medical school or taking a year off (referred to as a “gap year” in the med school world), I took a double gap year,” said Misty.
At 37, Misty was accepted into the University of Washington School of Medicine and received her stethoscope and white doctor’s coat. She’s now in her third year of school. While she’s in class or at the hospital, her husband holds down the fort at home.
“Sometimes I wonder how my husband and I do it all. Neither of us ever has much for downtime; we both plug away with the tasks of the day until they’re done and then collapse in bed. It’s okay though—we know it’s a busy season in life, and it won’t always be like this,” said Misty.
Misty shares her journey through motherhood and med school on Instagram @triple.twinning and her blog. With nearly 20,000 followers, her messages inspire parents worldwide.
“The days are long, but the years are short, and being a parent doesn’t mean you can’t do anything else with your life. Of course, if you find parenting one hundred percent fulfilling, then more power to you! But having children doesn’t mean a career is out of the question,” said Misty.