Laura Scott Henning
Alumni Office, Nutritional Sciences
Overcoming challenges in classroom gave Henning the confidence to pursue her passion
- Major/year graduated
BSFCS, Nutritional Sciences, 2023
- Current occupation/location
Medical Assistant at Georgia Skin Cancer and Aesthetic Dermatology (Athens) & upcoming Physician Assistant student at Mercer University in Atlanta
- What do you love about your current role?
What I love most about my current role as a medical assistant in dermatology is the ability to build meaningful connections with patients, our team, and the broader community. I thrive in the fast-paced environment of healthcare and enjoy the variety that dermatology offers, from treating skin conditions and cancers to assisting with cosmetic procedures. I understand that medical visits can be intimidating, especially when patients are facing uncertain or difficult diagnoses. I take pride in creating a welcoming and compassionate space to help patients feel more at ease. This role has deepened my passion for medicine, and I am excited to continue that journey as I begin PA school in the coming months.
- How did your time at FACS help prepare you for your life or career?:
My time at FACS provided a strong educational foundation that continues to support both my current role as a medical assistant and my future goals as a healthcare provider. As a nutritional sciences student, I completed courses such as Nutritional Epidemiology and Metabolism & Physiology of Energy Balance & Obesity, which deepened my understanding of key biological mechanisms and taught me how to interpret case studies and complex scientific data. This knowledge has proven especially valuable in dermatology, where there is a clear link between inflammatory foods and skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and other complex rashes. My nutritional background allows me to take a more holistic approach to patient care, helping patients not only manage their symptoms but also understand how lifestyle factors may be influencing their skin health.
- What advice would you give current students who aspire to a similar career?
My biggest advice is to stay present. While it's important to work hard and plan for the future, don’t rush through your time at UGA. Enjoy the experiences, friendships, and opportunities in front of you. Many students feel pressure to get to the “next step” as quickly as possible, but there's so much value in the journey itself.
After graduation, I took time to work full-time before starting PA school, and that decision gave me invaluable experience. Working directly with patients taught me how to communicate with people from all walks of life, even those who are anxious or frustrated, and how to offer compassion in challenging moments. I also built strong relationships with my coworkers who have truly shaped my path.
- What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were a student?
I wish I had fully realized just how well UGA was preparing me for life beyond college. Like many students, I sometimes fell into the trap of comparison, feeling like I was “behind” or “not ready” for the next step. But now, with a few years of real-world experience, I can confidently say that UGA gave me a strong foundation academically, socially, and professionally.
UGA challenged me in the classroom and built my resilience, like pushing through Organic Chemistry and realizing what I was capable of. Outside the classroom, being a UGA tour guide taught me how to communicate clearly, stay composed under pressure, and handle uncomfortable questions with professionalism. Through Greek Life, I found the value of community and lifelong support systems. And, of course, UGA football weekends have become annual reunions that remind me how everlasting these friendships really are.
Looking back, I see that UGA didn’t just prepare me for a career, it prepared me for life. I just didn’t know it at the time.
