Courtesy Photo
By Chris Docter
Martin native Tamee Livermont always dreamed of going into the medical field. Even at a young age she knew her path was one of healing. Now, more than ten years after graduating high school, she has completed medical school and is in the first year of her general surgery residency in Oakland, Calif., at University of California San Francisco East Bay. Tamee’s journey and the challenges she has overcome along the way are an inspiration to others who wonder if their dreams are too far away to grasp.
Tamee Livermont, her older sister Kristin, and her brother Eli grew up in Martin. Her parents are Stuart Livermont and Tracee Risse. Her hunka parents are Jerilyn and Brent Church of Rapid City.
She notes that knowing that she wanted to go into the medical field early on meant that she sculpted her high school education in a way to set herself up for future success. For instance, she says that she went out of her way to participate in summer programs, even managing to go on a trip to Washington D.C. She also joined many extra curricular activities which taught her to juggle her responsibilities and encouraged her to develop strong leadership skills. In addition to her educational pursuits she also worked at Badlands Quilting during high school. It was clear early on that she understood that she needed to work hard and be involved to attain her goals.
Tamee graduated Bennett County High School in 2014 and immediately headed to the University of South Dakota. She spent four years there and earned both a Bachelors of Science and a Bachelors of Arts degree. While most would have called it good there, Tamee had more goals to reach. After graduating from University of South Dakota, she packed up and headed to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. There after four years of medical school, she earned a MPH (Master of Public Health) degree.
It was in medical school where Dr. Livermont found her true calling. “I wanted to go into the medical field from a young age,” says Livermont. “It wasn’t until I started medical school that I learned I loved surgery.”
Toward the end of medical school she began to set herself up for her next, and biggest challenge to date. She applied for and was awarded a general surgery residency at UCSF. She is now in her first year of residency and plans on completing the program somewhere between 2030 and 2032, “depending on if I take research years and time to build a family.”
For the next five years Tamee Livermont MD MPH will practice and perfect her surgical skills under the watchful eye of other, more experienced doctors. Then, after close to 13 years of post high school education, her residency will be complete and she will be able to practice independently as a surgeon.
During her time in the medical field Tamee has made note of what is lacking and where she can find her niche. She says it takes more than strong surgical skills to make an outstanding surgeon. “There is a need in the surgical field to not only be a talented surgeon, but to be able to connect with and care about our patients and their situation and well-being even after they have surgery,” she explains.
Dr. Livermont feels that her Lakota heritage and her experiences as an Oglala woman have given her the opportunity to see the importance of connection and plans to use them as a building block for her future career. “Reflecting on my personal experiences and those of my family and others with healthcare, I came to understand the importance of not only being a skilled surgeon but also being kind, empathetic, and genuinely caring for each [individual] as a ‘relative’ rather than just a ‘patient’ It is this connection, relationship and reciprocity that fosters a healing dynamic.”
It is the combination of technical skills and interpersonal skills that Dr. Livermont hopes to eventually bring to her career. Once completing medical school she plans to move back to South Dakota with her future husband, Marcus Tarrer and their family. She would like to practice surgery in Rapid City, ideally at the tribal clinic or at Monument Health, providing care for those referred to her from the tribal health system across Western South Dakota.
Tamee notes however, she didn’t always want to return to her home state to practice medicine. “Initially, I was aware of the poor health outcomes in our community and considered practicing medicine outside of South Dakota, perceiving the barriers to healthcare as insurmountable,” she admits.
“However,” she continues, “as I matured and reconnected with the core values that define me, I realized that my true passion lies in serving our people and improving health outcomes within our community.” These realizations have helped Dr. Livermont refine her goals and clarify her future path.
While she is unwaveringly committed to accomplishing her goals, Tamee says the journey hasn’t been without some major challenges and sacrifices; for instance, time. “Pursuing a career in medicine demands a significant time commitment, often resulting in missed holidays, important occasions and precious moments with friends and family.”
Dr. Livermont says simply leaving her small town to broaden her horizons and experience brought its own set of challenges. “My values, perspectives, and connections evolved drastically...which sometimes strained relationships and disrupted the familiar.” Though, she goes on to say she has learned to embrace change, and recognizes that the growth potential is only as limited as we make it.
Dr. Livermont attributes the support of her loved ones as a huge factor in helping her overcome her challenges. She says that her fiance, Marcus has provided the utmost support and love during this very busy demanding time. “He has cared for me more than I cared for myself many days,” she says.
She cites her father as being her number one cheerleader and “a rock through it all, the ups and the downs.” For his part, Stuart is clearly proud of his daughter and her accomplishments. “She is open minded and on occasion has taught me a few lessons about life. She will be an asset no matter where she goes in her life!” he gushes proudly.
Her sister, Kristin has also been there for Tamee along the way and, “always steps up in the most supportive ways.”
Her hunka parents Jerilyn and Brent Church have made it to all of her big events and offered much needed support. They continue to celebrate her progress and are available when things get rocky and she needs someone on her side.
Tamee says that “the relatives that [she has] met along the journey, who believed in her and her potential to serve our community as a surgeon,” have also inspired her along the way.
Tamee clearly notices that the connection within a community can make all the difference. In fact, she says she has been surprised time and again at how meeting individuals and patients has influenced her life. “The reciprocal impact of these encounters has been both unexpected and enlightening. Simple interactions have often led to significant changes, altering the course of someone’s life in remarkable ways.” Dr. Livermont also admits to being surprised by her own resilience and ability to persevere through a very challenging journey that very are willing to undertake. Her story is an excellent example of how hard work and the willingness to be open to the challenges of life can be the stepping stones to greatness in any life.