Hampton and wife Meagan.
I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and attended Wofford College in Spartanburg. While I majored in biology with the goal of becoming a physician, I took advantage of the liberal arts curriculum at Wofford by taking as many history and religion courses as I could. This turned out to be an even better move than I planned, because it was in a religion seminar that I met my wife, Meagan. After college I traveled back to Columbia to attend medical school at the University of South Carolina, and then moved up to Charlottesville to start residency at UVA.
Why medicine? Internal medicine?
Growing up, I was interested in a little bit of everything but never considered myself much of a science person, which is generally not what most doctors say. My interest in medicine began when I watched several family members struggle with different illnesses early in my childhood, and again in my early adulthood, and I didn’t understand how these things were happening to people for whom I cared so deeply.
Further, I have always loved sharing stories (typically not short ones for anyone who knows me) and I enjoy the gratifying feeling of forming new relationships with people. So for me, it was people that first led me to a career in a scientific field rather than the other way around. Internal medicine represents the ultimate example of a field built for those with interests across a broad array of subjects, with an interest in solving puzzles, and developing personal relationships with patients.
Hampton with (l-r) his brother-in-law, mother and sister, at his graduation from medical school.
Why UVA?
When I was applying to residency programs, I knew I wanted a medium-sized program in a new location where the residents came from all different backgrounds and regions of the country, since up until that point I had never moved away from my home state. I remember being impressed that the entire hospital was designed around medical training. UVA truly stood out as an example of a resident-run hospital that provided the right balance between guidance and autonomy, which I felt would best foster learning. It also didn’t escape my attention that trainees from UVA routinely matched at fellowships and jobs at just about anywhere in the country, and I remember distinctly telling my wife, “There must be something different going on up there for people to do so well, and I want to find out what that is and be a part of it.”
A wall of National Geographic magazine at the 125th Anniversary Exhibit in Washington, DC, 2013. (Photo: Andrew Evans, National Geographic Traveler)
Proudest achievement outside the professional realm?
I own and have read every issue of National Geographic since my birthday in May of 1995.
What are you usually doing in your spare time?
Grilling, hunting, and bourbon-tasting. A large portion of my extended family is in rural South Carolina, and my in-laws are from Kentucky, so naturally it comes with the territory.
What’s one thing you always have in your fridge?
Greek yogurt. There is literally an entire shelf devoted to yogurt storage.
Where did you go on your last vacation?
Most recently I went to Washington, D.C. I’m a sucker for history and love seeing the Smithsonian museums, plus it’s just up the road and makes for an easy getaway on an off weekend with plenty left to see for the next visit.
If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
I’d love to be able to fly planes. One of my friends from college is a pilot in the Marine Corps, and I get a little jealous every time he sends me pictures or videos.
Words you live by?
Growing up, whenever I felt a task was too big to accomplish, my dad would always ask me, “How do you eat an elephant?” He would take a long pause, smile, and respond, “One bite at a time.”
What about you would surprise us?
I once held a job as a phone book delivery guy. It was a shockingly difficult gig.
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