Periodically this spring/summer Minnesota State University Moorhead Athletics will do a Q and A with a MSUM athlete alum to see what he/she is up to after their time as Dragons.

Next to be featured is Dragon women's swimming and diving alum Megan (Rieland) Bendix who is working as a physician's assistant in Sauk Centre, Minn. Her times ranks in the top 10 in the 50 freestyle and 50 butterfly at MSUM and is part of the 200 free relay which has the second-fastest time in school history.

Megan (Rieland) Bendix
Hometown/HS: Sauk Centre, Minn./Sauk Centre HS
Competed in swimming and diving at MSUM from 2010-14, competed in 50/100 free and 50/100 fly
Major at MSUM: graduated from MSUM in May 2014 with BA in biology
Further education: Completed Master's Degree at Bethel University to become a physician's assistant
Personal: Married Dragon track and field jumper Michael Bendix in Aug. 2016. The couple just welcomed their second daughter in April 2020
Current: Works at CentraCare Sauk Centre clinic as physician's assistant, working primarily in urgent care. I began in Oct. 2017 after completing my schooling.

Q and A
1. What drew you to attend MSUM originally?
Bendix: "When I was in high school, I was looking to attend a college where I could both compete in swimming and begin an education to pursue a career in medicine. I went on a college visit and was impressed with the science department. Without knowing exactly what I profession wanted, I believed that MSUM would provide a solid foundation before advancing to further my education. During my recruiting visit, I met members of the swimming and diving team and toured the athletic facilities. The camaraderie of the athletes was a huge draw. I wanted to participate at a college where I knew I could form lasting relationships with my teammates."

2. What was your experience of being a student-athlete at MSUM like?
Bendix: "Being a student-athlete at MSUM was a huge commitment that taught me valuable lessons. I learned how to manage my time. My schooling was priority. I attended classes full-time pursing a degree in biology. This not only meant attending classes, but also spending significant time outside of classes on homework and studying. As a member of the swimming and diving team, we practiced twice daily from August through February, including practices on Saturday mornings if we didn't have a meet. All of our competitions took place on weekends. I also worked part-time at a couple of different restaurants while I was going to school. Needless to say, being a student-athlete kept me very busy. Apart from the responsibilities, as a student-athlete, I felt included. I belonged to a team and to the network of student-athletes at MSUM. I can't express how important that was to me. I took pride in my role as a student-athlete."

3. What is you fondest memory or memories of your athletic career?
Bendix: "My fondest memory of my athletic career was came from the last swim meet I competed in. The conference meet my senior year was held in Rochester, MN. It wasn't an outstanding athletic performance or record-breaking swim that made this meet so impactful. I knew it was going to be the last time I competed. I was closing the door on my career as an athlete. As the meet came to an end, I was not sad, but I remember feeling at peace knowing that I poured my heart and soul into the sport. I thought of the countless hours and immeasurable energy I had spent over the years on my athletic pursuits, and did not have a single regret. I was proud of my accomplishment.

4. You work in medicine — how has your job been impacted by Covid 19?
Bendix: "I was experiencing change at work back in March due to Covid-19. Then I had a baby in early April and have been on maternity leave since. It was a good time to have a baby! I haven't been at work to deal with the changes, but I can still talk about the impact it has had in our clinic.

"When Covid-19 became a concern in our country, our health system began implementing changes to protect patients and staff. All non-essential visits and procedures were postponed. As an urgent care provider, I saw my patient volume decrease drastically. I dropped down to working two or three days a week.  This change was made to keep people sheltered at home and away from a place where sick people tend to be. Providers began virtual visits, either through video or telephone. This was new to the way we were practicing medicine, but a safe and effective way of connecting with patients and still delivering healthcare. Granted, not all visits could be done over the telephone or computer.  We divided our clinic into the "well" and "sick" hallways in an effort to minimize cross traffic between patients with respiratory illness and those who were feeling well.  Staff and providers have constantly been adapting the the changing guidelines regarding personal protective equipment based on supply.  Initially we all wore masks and scrubs. Now staff must also wear eye protection. All people, sick or well, must wear a mask inside the clinic as the virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets. The health system I work for has been going through great lengths to protect its employees.  Employees who have sick family members or who were worried about brining the virus home were offered a place on campus grounds to sleep.

"As the social restrictions lessened and the economy is beginning to open back up, our health system too is increasing volume. All the same precautions are in place--PPE and isolating those who are sick, but now certain visit types are being allowed. We have a multi-phase approach to resume what will be our new "normal." With a new baby and toddler, I will be going to great lengths to protect my children from contracting the virus I may be exposed to at work---continuous hand washing, keeping a fresh set of clothing,  showering upon arriving home, etc."

5. How did attending MSUM impact you, professionally and/or personally?
Bendix: "MSUM provided the beginning of my education for a career in medicine. I grew as an individual during my time there, and I learned many lessons that I have carried into my professional life. The most significant impact from attending MSUM came in my personal life as I met my husband there. We have two beautiful daughters and a great life together."