ASU College of Health Solutions alum becomes family’s first physician

When Mallory Zembower completed her bachelor’s degree in health sciences, she knew she wanted to pursue work in emergency medicine.

At the time, she was working as a paramedic, and she says that experience — combined with her education from Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions — set her up for success in her future career. By focusing on health sciences, she built an understanding of both science and health legislation.

Her goal now as the first physician in her family is to make her patients feel seen and heard, especially as they grapple with challenging health concerns.

Now a practicing physician, Zembower reflects on how her time at ASU shaped and prepared her for the fast-paced world of emergency medicine.

In the conversation below, she shares her experiences as a College of Health Solutions student and how they continue to influence her work today.

Question: How would you distill your career into three words? 

Answer: Unpredictable. Privilege. Fulfilling.

The emergency department is an ever-changing environment, and no shift is the same. It is a place where people trust you to help them in urgent situations. I think working in medicine, in general, is a privilege because patients share very vulnerable moments with you and not everyone gets to have that kind of interaction on a daily basis. I love the organized chaos that is emergency medicine. I always feel like I’ve made a difference somewhere, even if it was something small. 

Q:  What drew you to the College of Health Solutions for your undergraduate program?

A: I was living in downtown Phoenix at the time, so I was interested in the programs that were located at that campus. I knew I wanted to attend ASU, but I didn’t necessarily want to drive out to Tempe.

When I found the College of Health Solutions was downtown, I was excited since it aligned with what I was looking for. The campus was convenient and easy to get around. I liked that it was in the heart of the downtown area. I still root for my Sun Devils every chance I get! I am very proud to have been a part of ASU and the College of Health Solutions. The support I still get from (the college's) social media community is great — they are always proud of my accomplishments! 

Q:  What inspired you to become an emergency medicine physician?

A: Before I went to medical school, I was working as a paramedic. My career as a paramedic made me love emergency medicine and really gave me a special collection of skills and knowledge when it comes to working in critical situations. Even before I got into medical school, I knew the final outcome would be to go into emergency medicine. It is where I feel the most at home. 

Q: How did your time with the College of Health Solutions contribute to your success?

A: Having the exposure to the classes I took at the College of Health Solutions was very helpful with my classes and assignments in medical school. I have been able to get involved in some advocacy things, and I feel like I have a really good understanding of what is going on “behind the scenes” of medicine when it comes to policies and public health. 

Q: What is the impact of your work?

A: Working in the emergency department means dealing with people on some of their worst days. I hope that when I interact with patients they feel heard, seen and cared about.

Sometimes in medicine, it’s hard to remember that we are just humans trying to get by in a crazy world, so I hope my patients feel like I saw them as individuals and not just another patient. Even that little bit of kindness feels like a big impact. 

Q: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

A: Honestly, as a first-generation, nontraditional student, completing my bachelor’s degree was a huge accomplishment. Completing my doctorate and becoming the first physician in my family was pretty awesome for me as well. Walking across the stage at both of those ceremonies was very special. However, marrying my husband Collin was probably my favorite ceremony I’ve been a part of, overall.

Q: What is the best advice, professionally or otherwise, you ever received and continue to carry with you?

A: My favorite advice that I still think about nearly every day was given to me by my paramedic instructor, Beth Watt.

She told us to “always be the duck,” even when you’re stressed out or feel like panicking. She said that under the surface, a duck might be frantically kicking its legs, but to everyone on the surface they only see the duck gliding smoothly along. So when you’re in a situation where you’re feeling worked up, try to remember that you can kick all you want inside, but make sure the people around you see someone who is in control of themselves and gliding smoothly in the moment. It takes work, but it’s something I always think of when I find myself in stressful situations.