June 11, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. â€" A handful of Auburn gymnastics alums have lately reached major highlights in their professional careers.
Petrina Yokay, a California native, finished her collegiate gymnastics career in 2013. She concluded her time on the Plains as one of the program's best bars worker, recording a 9.95 on three occasions to rank among the Top 5.
Yokay recently graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and caught up with AuburnTigers.com.
Q: First, congrats on your recent accomplishment! What is your official title?
A: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Q: What made you choose podiatry?
A: I have done gymnastics since I was two and over the years, I've had countless foot and ankle injuries. Dealing with these lower extremity injuries and my interest in biomechanics and anatomy inspired me to pursue podiatry.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: I will be starting a three-year surgical residency program at Long Island Jewish Hospital in July. After that, I can complete a one-year fellowship program or start to practice.
Q: Did you know you wanted to pursue a career in medicine when you arrived at Auburn? How did Auburn help you achieve your goals?
A: I had an interest in medicine when I arrived at Auburn, but it wasn't until I took some of the major science courses, like anatomy and physiology, that my interest was sparked further in the field. I think these classes prepared me well for a future in medicine. Auburn helped me achieve these goals by providing excellent professors, outstanding tutors, and review sessions.
Q: Who was someone that influenced your career choice here on the Plains?
A: Janet Taylor (gymnastics athletic trainer) was very hands on and took time to help us with hardships in school, gymnastics, and life. She helped me recover from many foot and ankle injuries during my gymnastics career at Auburn.
Q: What was it about Auburn that brought a Californian to Alabama?
A: The beautiful campus, the competitiveness of the SEC, and a sense of family.
Q: What do you think is the most important thing you learned while being a gymnast as Auburn?
A: Hard work and teamwork.
Q: What do you value most about the time you spent at Auburn?
A: All the relationships formed and how I have the Auburn Family for life.
Q: What is your greatest memory as an Auburn gymnast?
A: When our team beat No. 8 Georgia in 2010 for the first time in school history.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition and why?
A: Rolling Toomer's. You won't see anything like that anywhere else. I still have vivid memories of rolling Toomer's after Auburn won the football national championship in 2010.
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