From Olympic Gymnastics to Medicine: Liza Merenzon’s Inspiring Journey

Liza Merenzon’s journey from the vibrant world of rhythmic gymnastics to the rigorous halls of medical school is a tale of resilience, passion and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. Born in Ukraine, Merenzon’s early fascination with rhythmic gymnastics set her on a path that would eventually lead her to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Yet, her story is not just one of athletic achievement, but also of an enduring desire to heal and help others, culminating in her decision to join the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW).

The Spark of an Olympic Dream

Merenzon’s introduction to rhythmic gymnastics began in her homeland, where the sport enjoys a significant following. Moving to the United States at the age of six, she continued her training at the North Shore Rhythmic Gymnastics Center in Deerfield, Illinois, known for producing top-tier athletes. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she became a six-time U.S. national team member and qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics.

But even as she perfected her routines with hoops, ribbons and clubs, another interest was quietly growing. Through numerous interactions with medical professionals during her athletic career, the seeds of curiosity about the field of medicine were planted. The defining moment came when a serious foot injury just before the Tokyo Olympics compelled her to step back and observe the medical care she received more closely.

A Conversation That Changed Everything

It was during this challenging period that Merenzon met Dr. Mark Hutchinson, director of orthopedics at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Their encounter was more than a patient-doctor interaction; it was a conversation that would steer Merenzon toward a new calling. Dr. Hutchinson shared his journey to becoming a physician, a story that resonated deeply with Merenzon.

“Listening to Dr. Hutchinson talk about his path in medicine, I felt a spark,” she says. “His dedication and passion for helping athletes recover inspired me profoundly.”

Upon her return to Illinois, Merenzon took the initiative to shadow Dr. Hutchinson and his colleagues. This hands-on experience, coupled with her innate curiosity and determination, confirmed her passion for medicine. She witnessed firsthand the significant impact medical professionals can have on athletes' lives. It was then that she knew she wanted to be part of that world.

The Discipline of an Athlete and the Mind of an Academic

Transitioning from rhythmic gymnastics to academia was not easy, but Merenzon embraced it with the same fervor she had for her sport. In 2017, she enrolled at the University of Chicago, where the discipline and time management skills she honed as an elite athlete became invaluable assets in her academic pursuits.

“Gymnastics taught me resilience and how to manage my time effectively,” Merenzon explains. “These skills are crucial in medicine, where you need to balance rigorous study with practical applications.”

While she majored in economics, her mind was never far from the medical field. Her experiences at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, where she conducted research on knee osteoarthritis, further solidified her desire to pursue medicine. During her time at the lab, she worked alongside Dr. Prakash Jayabalan, a mentor who has greatly influenced her career. It is experiences like these that have allowed Merenzon to find joy in this path, seeing herself grow both as an individual and a professional.

Preparing for MCW

As Merenzon prepares to embark on her medical education at MCW this fall, she reflects on how her background as an athlete will help her navigate the challenges ahead.

“Medicine, much like gymnastics, is built on teamwork,” she says. “Everyone relies on one another to create a well-functioning system, and I thrive in that environment.”

Merenzon is particularly drawn to physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), a specialty she discovered during her research work. She is excited to join the PM&R interest group at MCW and continue building mentor connections within the field. While she is open-minded about experiencing everything through rotations, she has already developed a strong interest in PM&R, where she can use her background in sports to help others recover and thrive.

Looking ahead, Merenzon is eager to embrace the challenges and opportunities that medical school will bring. She is confident that the resilience and perseverance she developed as an athlete will serve her well in her medical career.

“What I tell myself is, ‘Hey, you survived that; you can get through whatever else you need to in the future,’” she says.

Her expectations for joining MCW are high, but so is her enthusiasm.

“I am looking forward to learning from some of the best minds in medicine,” Merenzon says. “I want to immerse myself in this environment and absorb as much knowledge and experience as I can.”