“WHERE ARE THEY NOW?” / Natalie Montgomery Spradlin / Cheer & XC / Sept. 11, 2019
A Nashville native who ran cross country and served as a cheerleader, Natalie Montgomery Spradlin made the most of her time at Lipscomb. She won “Favorite Actress” as a member of Pi Delta in Singarama, served as President of Alpha Chi National Honor Society, sang with University Singers, and was named to “Who’s Who in American Universities and Colleges.” She hasn’t slowed down, either. She’s a wife and mother, as well as assistant professor of Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville. We learned lots about Natalie when she sat down this week with LipscombSports.com.
What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?
I started as a cheerleader in 1995 and 1996 when Kim Chaudoin was the cheerleading coach. After that, from 1997 to 1999, I ran cross country, which was coached by Lynn Griffith.
What degrees have you earned?
In 1999, I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English at Lipscomb and then earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Vanderbilt in 2005. I am Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology.
Why did you attend Lipscomb?
The beautiful campus was definitely appealing, but much more importantly, Lipscomb offered a Christian education and an excellent pre-med department. I knew those benefits would serve me very well in applying for medical school and succeeding once admitted.
What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?
Long run days with teammates in the park
Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?
Those same teammates. Cross country practices can be grueling, and the support and encouragement of teammates are key motivators when you think you can’t run another mile.
What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?
The campus was pretty and safe, and my teammates and Pi Delta club sisters and I were always busy but having fun. Participating in Singarama created lots of special memories.
What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?
One of the most significant lessons in light of attending medical school and meeting the demands of my profession is the necessity of disciplined time management. I also learned to value friendships and diverse experiences.
I was active in Alpha Chi Honor Society my senior year, and I was privileged to be in the first group of Study Abroad students to spend a semester in Vienna, Austria. Another member of that group, Dwight Spradlin, later became my husband.
Who were your favorite professors?
Dr. Kim Reed was thoughtful, smart, and fun—an excellent model of professionalism.
Dr. Fletcher Srygley was a kind, brilliant professor who was patient and flexible enough to help me take both premed and English classes while scheduling those around the cross country team’s competition and practice schedule.
Dr. Lin Garner was such an encouragement and happy to help her students succeed. She encouraged me to think bigger, and she demonstrated to her students what an unselfish woman looked like.
What do you do now?
I work at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville as an assistant professor of Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology.
Tell us about your family:
My husband, Dwight Spradlin, a 1999 Lipscomb grad and inaugural participant in the Lipscomb in Vienna program, works for the Tennessee Titans. He is now in his 20th year with the NFL.
We have three children: Harper Leigh, Tucker, and Cole.
FAST FINISH:
Favorite TV show or movie: The Parent Trap
Favorite Bible scripture: Psalm 27
Favorite sports team: Tennessee Titans
Person I most admire: my husband
Person I’d most like to meet: Amy Grant
Rather ride or drive? Drive
Pick one—salad or dessert: Dessert
Early morning or late night person? Early morning
