Graduate Spotlight: Grace Dunbar Chaffin, M.D.
Posted on May 11, 2026 by Marketing and Communications
Grace Dunbar Chaffin, M.D.
Hometown: Spanish Fort, Alabama
Undergraduate Institution: The University of Alabama
Residency: I matched into combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of South Alabama.
What drew you to this specific specialty? Was there a specific moment or rotation that solidified this choice for you?
I was drawn to med-peds because it allows me to care for patients across the full
spectrum of life while building long-term, meaningful relationships. Many conditions
begin in childhood and carry into adulthood, and med-peds uniquely equips physicians
to bridge that gap. I am excited to better understand the full trajectory of disease
and to be able to walk with patients through those transitions, especially from childhood
into adulthood.
Where do you see your career going in 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I see myself working in an academic setting (hopefully
here at USA!) where I can care for patients while also being involved in teaching
and mentorship. I’m particularly interested in building or working within a transitions
clinic for patients with complex medical needs, helping adolescents and young adults
move from pediatric to adult care in a way that is coordinated, thoughtful, and patient-centered.
I’m drawn to the opportunity to improve continuity for this population, especially
those with chronic conditions who often fall through gaps in the system. In addition
to clinical work, I hope to contribute to developing transition-focused curricula
and systems that better prepare both patients and providers for this critical period.
Why did you choose the University of South Alabama for medical school?
I chose the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine because of its small cohort size and the sense of community that came with it. The environment allowed for a lot of interaction and mentorship, which made a big difference in my learning experience. During the clerkship phase, I was especially drawn to the hands-on opportunities and the level of involvement students had in patient care. Being able to actively participate rather than just observe helped me grow more confident and prepared for residency.
Staying in my hometown was also an important factor. Having my family and close friends nearby provided a strong support system throughout medical school, which helped me stay grounded and balanced during a demanding time. It was an amazing privilege to learn how to become a physician in my home community!
What is your favorite memory from your time at the Whiddon College of Medicine?
My favorite memory from medical school was Match Day, especially after spending the
month leading up to it in our transition to residency course. After being scattered
across away rotations and different electives, it was really meaningful to come back
together as a class. That time gave us a chance to reconnect, reflect on how far we’d
come, and support each other as we prepared for the next step. Match Day itself felt
like a culmination of years of hard work, not just individually, but as a group. Being
surrounded by classmates who had shared the same challenges and growth made it even
more special. Seeing everything come together and watching everyone’s goals and dreams
take shape was something I’ll always remember.
What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming first-year student starting
their medical school journey?
One piece of advice I’d give to an incoming M1 is to truly enjoy the process and trust
yourself along the way. Medical school can feel overwhelming at times, but you were
chosen for a reason, and it’s important to remember that when things get challenging.
Keeping a positive attitude makes a big difference, not everything will go perfectly,
but how you approach those moments will shape your experience. I’d also emphasize
the importance of prioritizing your personal life and finding balance early on. It’s
easy to let school take over, but making time for the people and activities that ground
you will ultimately help you show up as your best self. Taking care of yourself isn’t
separate from succeeding in medical school — it’s a key part of it.
As you prepare to start your residency, what is one thing you will miss the most about
living in the Mobile area? If staying locally, what’s one thing you plan to continue
enjoying for the years ahead?
I am thrilled to be staying local. In my free time from residency, you’ll probably find me enjoying a “Local Buzz” latte from Nova; a cup of gumbo from Bluegill; going for walks with my husband, Jacob, and our dog, Dolly, in Fairhope; cheering on our nieces and nephews at their games; and catching a few Mardi Gras parades over the next four years.