When Christen Fleming (HCB, ’08) was in grade school, she chose her future profession. With a passion for helping others, she knew in second grade that she wanted to be a doctor. Before graduating high school, she explored the career, shadowing medical professionals and carefully considering her college major. Upon entering the University of Tennessee, she declared an unconventional major for a pre-med concentration – finance.

“I knew I would pursue medical school after graduation and would study science then,” Fleming says. “I wanted knowledge of the business side of medicine.”

During her time in the Haslam College of Business, Fleming took opportunities to learn about business management, finance and entrepreneurship. Advisors and mentors helped her tailor her education to her future plans. After graduating, she attended the UT Health and Science Center in Memphis, where she completed her medical degree. She then returned to Knoxville for her residency at UT Medical Center (UTMC).

“UT is such a big part of my life,” Fleming says. “All of my education has come from UT in one way or another.”

After completing her residency, Fleming worked as an internal medicine physician, providing primary care at UTMC before taking a chance with a small business and continuing her work in primary care. Her business acumen continues to benefit her as she moves through her career.

“There is so much business in medicine, and many physicians are lacking business knowledge,” Fleming says. “It helps to know what a business looks like, how it operates and how finances run through businesses.”

Today, Fleming is a supervising physician for House Call Primary Care, where she oversees medical providers at Knoxville-area assisted living facilities. She is also the medical director for Radio Systems Corporation, providing primary care to employees and beneficiaries.

“The opportunity to get to know your patients is special,” Fleming says. “The relationships are the reason I love primary care.”

Fleming also enjoys giving back through teaching and mentorship. She regularly mentors Haslam students, providing the support that was integral to her own experience as a student. She serves on the Haslam Young Alumni Board and looks forward to opportunities to interact with current students.

“Haslam gave so much to me,” Fleming says. “I am so grateful for the support.”