JTC 25: From Ledgers to Lab Coats

After earning both a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and a Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics from the University of Mississippi, Shane Houston Stephens will prepare for a new challenge: medical school.

The Greenwood native, slated to graduate in May, has been accepted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to begin classes this fall. Though his path may be viewed as untraditional, Stephens said the experiences and education he received at Ole Miss have prepared him well for the road ahead.

He arrived on campus planning to major in accountancy with minors in chemistry and manufacturing, intending to keep multiple career paths open — including medicine.

“The Patterson School of Accountancy is nationally recognized as one of the top programs in the country,” Stephens said. “Having an opportunity to be a part of such a competitive program really broadened my horizons, allowing me to further develop my interests and understanding of business and finance, areas that I was hopeful to use no matter what my career path became.”

Stephens began considering a career in medicine toward the end of high school, inspired in part by his two older sisters, one a pharmacist; the other, a plastic surgery resident. With his family’s encouragement, he explored both business and health care.

A medical mission trip with Global Brigades to rural Panama during his sophomore year ultimately solidified his desire to pursue medicine.

While the leap from debits and credits to diagnostics might seem unexpected, Stephens spent years preparing. Alongside his accountancy coursework, he completed all the science prerequisites for medical school and shadowed physicians across the state with specialties ranging from surgery to primary care.

“I’m a firm believer that an accounting degree is one of the most versatile degrees offered today,” Stephens said. “Aside from being the language of business, my accounting background gives me a solid understanding of financial literacy, which is crucial for understanding the business perspective of medicine.

“I want to be a part of teams that create cutting edge solutions to improve patient care and outcomes — skills I believe my accounting background will help bring to the table.”

His path required a level of flexibility rarely tested in a traditional academic track. Stephens gives much of the credit to Erin Ridout, assistant to the dean of the accounting school, who advised him throughout his time at Ole Miss.

“When Shane Houston first came to me for advising, I remember thinking to myself, ‘What has this human dragged me into? I truly don’t know if we’ve ever had someone try to take this path,’” Ridout said. “We did a lot of learning together, but Shane Houston did the hard work. He never backed down from the challenges that his goals presented.”

While at Ole Miss, Stephens was also a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence.

He completed internships in audit with Deloitte in Dallas and as a manufacturing engineer with Milwaukee Tool, all while preparing for the MCAT and applying to medical school. He also made time to enjoy college life, winning eight intramural championships and cheering on the Rebels with friends.

“Not only is he wildly smart, but he is also incredibly kind and helpful to others,” Ridout said. “He never hesitates to help when asked — I think all these qualities will make him a great doctor and a great person. Our whole staff really grew to love him and will be sad to see him go.

“Many of us are accident-prone, so we hope he will return to Oxford one day so we can be his patients!”

Stephens graduated summa cum laude with a perfect 4.0 GPA, earned a Marcus Elvis Taylor Memorial Medal, served as class marshal and as a graduate assistant for the Patterson School of Accountancy, and was selected for Who’s Who Among Students at the University of Mississippi.

He credits his family — especially his parents and two sisters — for their steady encouragement along the way.

“I could not have done it without their love and support,” he said.

Though he hasn’t chosen a specialty, Stephens enters medical school with an open mind and a strong desire to serve Mississippi, where the need for medical professionals is especially urgent.

“I think the No. 1 thing I am most excited about is being able to give back and provide quality health care to the people of our state,” he said. “I was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, a region that has witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise from inadequate access to health care.

“This perspective helped fuel my passion to pursue a career in health care, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to stay in the state to continue my education. For years, our state leaders have brought awareness to the ‘brain drain’ issue that has plagued Mississippi, and after meeting some of my future peers at UMMC, I am confident that Mississippi’s health care is in good hands.”

As he closes one chapter and begins the next, Stephens reflects on his journey with gratitude.

“Leaving Oxford after five incredible years is not easy, especially after making so many memories and lifelong friends,” he said. “Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges that led me here.

"I honestly enjoyed the journey to graduation, and if I had to do it all over again, I would do it the exact same way.”

Top: After earning two degrees from the Patterson School of Accountancy, Shane Houston Stephens is preparing to begin medical school, blending his background in business with a passion for health care to serve communities in Mississippi. His unconventional path reflects a commitment to versatility, service and academic excellence. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Shane Houston Stephens' Journey to Commencement