Dual-doctor family in progress: Son follows mom to med school

Becky Kroll wanted to go back to school to become a physician after she raised her three children. Nick Kroll, the second of those children, also sought a career in medicine.

Today, both are working toward medical degrees at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

"It works pretty well from my perspective," said Becky Kroll, a fourth-year student. "I love being in the same city, much less the same school, watching him enjoy and discover all the things you do in medical school.

"I gave all my books to him, but I try to not give unsolicited advice. It's his experience."

Nick Kroll, a first-year student, has his own apartment, but stops by his mother's when he can. She coaches him when asked, and it isn't unusual for them to have discussions on topics such as the biochemical process.

"She's a good person to talk to as I'm trying to decide what specialty to do, what types of experiences will be useful, whether I should try to do a rotation outside Utah or do educational experiences abroad," he said. "She has good insights, and I have no doubt she is looking out for my best interests."

One experience they've shared is gross anatomy, a first-year standard. Kurt Albertine, PhD, anatomy professor and director of the university's Health Sciences Center Research Microscopy Facility, has taught generations from the same family before, but not in the same four-year window.

The Krolls "have the same sense of humor," Dr. Albertine said. "They are both positive people and fun to be around. It's neat to see them together."

Leaving home for medical school

The mother and son did not intentionally set out to attend the same medical school. Originally from Idaho, which does not have its own public medical school, Becky Kroll applied to Washington and Utah schools that offered Idaho residents in-state tuition. Utah was her top choice.

After being diagnosed with cancer then successfully treated, she took premed courses, one at a time, while a full-time mom. Nick Kroll said watching his mother tackle medical school's challenges made it less daunting when he decided to seek a medical career.

He transferred from a Colorado college to Utah his sophomore year. Once in the same city as his mom, he met her medical school friends and got a summer job doing medical research. He applied at that med school, and was excited to be accepted.

Becky Kroll is interviewing for a family medicine residency. Nick Kroll has yet to decide on a specialty. However, he isn't opposed to the idea of practicing with his mother.

"I have an aunt with a PhD in psychology," he said. "We joke about opening up a clinic with all of us."