Erika Cox, OD '07
Where do you currently live?
Memphis, TN
What is your greatest professional accomplishment or patient care success story?
I believe my greatest accomplishment would be having opened a private practice from ground up along with my business partner and fellow SCO alumni, Dr. Lindsay Slemp. SCO bestowed upon me a great clinical foundation and knowledge base; however, opening a business without a business background is the ultimate challenge! I was determined to take on this endeavor. After a lot of support from my business savvy parents, seeking advice from colleagues and professors, and learning new things on a day to day basis, I am proud to say we are thriving after 8 years of business!!!
Why did you choose Southern College of Optometry to pursue your optometric education?
Of course I chose SCO because of the obvious! It's an illustrious school with a phenomenal optometric program. But when weighing my options and speaking to other students, it was hard not to fall in love with Southern College of Optometry. SCO exudes “home” and it is apparent the moment anyone speaks about the school—from a professor, all the way to the janitorial staff and security team. I walk through the front door and there is Ms. Joyce greeting me personally by name. If I was in the Eye Center for a clinic day and needed a break from the craziness, Ms. Jo-Ann was there with a smile. When I needed some guidance, I never hesitated to knock on Dr. Dumas' (now Dr. Pepper) door. It was a home away from home. (Also it didn't hurt that I am from Memphis, so I got the chance to be back with my family and great BBQ again!)
Share your best memory from your time at Southern College of Optometry:
My best memory actually took place before I was officially a student at SCO. The day I was to interview, a snowstorm hit Memphis. The professor that was supposed to meet with me had been delayed by the inclement weather and would not be able to make it. One by one, each prospective student was being taken to his/her interview rooms and they still had not found anyone for me. Until, to my surprise, Dr. Cochran comes around the corner and yells “Well.. let's get to it!” Needless to say, my nerves were totally wrecked by then. But Dr. C was smart, witty, and put me at total ease. He opened the giant picturesque window so we could see the snow fall and talked like two old friends. So it is only fitting that my second favorite memory would be that my 2007 graduation was also a celebration of Dr. Cochran's retirement and SCO's 75th Diamond anniversary!