Humphrey Pruett funneled his newly found passion for collaborative learning into the School of Medicine’s peer tutoring program and other endeavors.
After earning his undergraduate degree, Pruett enrolled in the University of Minnesota’s Master of Science program in stem cell biology. While studying for his master’s degree, swimming remained part of his life, as he coached a high school swim team.
Next came medical school at Emory, where Wilson had already begun her MD studies. True to form, Pruett dove headfirst into the program and life at the university.
“I feel like I’ve found my people after getting to know the amazing faculty members in the department of internal medicine,” he says.
Being part of Emory’s MD program allowed him to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. One standout example? Learning to read electrocardiograms (EKGs) from cardiology pioneer Nanette Wenger, a leader in cardiovascular disease research who has dedicated more than 60 years of her career to advancing women’s cardiovascular care.
“It was incredible to have exposure to such an absolute legend and being able to teach the EKG to first-year medical students,” he says.
Outside the classroom, clinical training at Grady Memorial Hospital allowed Pruett to serve the community and further hone his skills.
But an elective class on medical education surfaced a deep passion that Pruett hadn’t expected: collaborative learning.
He brought this passion to the Center for Holistic Student Success’ peer tutoring program, where he developed a tutor training workshop and contributed to curriculum design. He also collaborated with fellow lead tutors Mopeninu Jesu Oluyinka and Makenna Ash to build weekly review sessions supporting second-year medical students.
“While it’s been a great deal of work this year, I have found teaching incredibly satisfying,” he says, adding, “I'm hopeful that both the United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 review sessions and Step 1 tutor training continue for future students.”
In 2024, Pruett and Wilson tied the knot. She is currently an internal medicine/psychiatry intern at Emory.
Happily, Match Day 2025 revealed that Pruett will continue his internal medicine training as a resident at Emory as well.
As he reflects on his time in the MD program, Pruett is grateful for the camaraderie and community service. He says Emory has undeniably shaped his personal growth, establishing a profound support system extending far beyond his medical training into his career as a compassionate and dedicated internal medicine physician.