Dr. Christyne Lawson

The July issue of Essence magazine included a description of Christyne Lawson’s astute approach to managing her finances. Following the School of Medicine 1994 commencement, Dr. Lawson carried more with her than a prized degree and plans for a career in family practice. Like a majority of newly-graduated physicians, her student loans exceeded $70,000.

Throughout residency training and beyond, Dr. Lawson controlled her expenses with Spartan-like discipline, living with her parents and watching every dime. Currently in her fourth year on the staff of Southfield, Michigan’s Providence Hospital, her education loan balance has been substantially reduced. As she looks to the future, Dr. Lawson understands the debt obligation will remain a continuing burden. Nevertheless, with help from a financial advisor, as well as her characteristic dedication, she has begun building assets through IRAs, mutual funds and home ownership.

Having implemented a successful approach to managing her personal finances, Christyne Lawson is preparing to meet a new challenge - the birth of twins expected during the Christmas holidays.