Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto is a reliable uneven bars performer for the Gators. She looks to continue her studies in medicine once she completes her undergraduate studies.
Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto: Preparing for Next Rotation in Medical Field
The UF gymnast will graduate from the University of Florida in early August and is prepared to take on her next adventure in medicine.
"I came to UF having a passion for gymnastics and while here, I discovered another passion for medicine," she said.
Gymnastics has had a helping hand in Dancose-Giambattisto's passion for discovery in this field. Testing the limits with her body has led to an interest in how the human body can move in a way it's not supposed to.
With a major in applied physiology and kinesiology and minor in chemistry, Dancose-Giambattisto has been able to combine her two passions. Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto receives a 2014-15 UF President Service Award from Dr. Kent Fuchs. She volunteered more than 225 community service hours that academic year.Throughout her four years, she has learned the delicate balance of gymnastics and academics.
"I feel that was the beauty of my journey here," she said. "The conversion from gymnastics to medicine is really awesome, and UF really allowed me to be able to pursue it."
Having a mother and uncle in the medical field has never influenced Dancose-Giambattisto to become a doctor. Growing up, she was a curious 10-year-old.
"Whenever someone in my family was ill, I was curious about what was going on. What were the doctors saying?" she said. "I just followed that curiosity, and it stuck."
Having the opportunity to shadow doctors at Shands Emergency Room and the Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic were experiences she believes solidified her desire to become a doctor.
When she's not busy perfecting her uneven bars routine or hitting the books, Dancose-Giambattisto focuses her time on enriching the community.
This past year, she was honored to receive a 2014-2015 Presidential Service Award for her efforts in the community.
Dancose-Giambattisto holds two organizations close to her heart, Florida Diabetes Camp and Gator Move, where she is program coordinator.
Working summer camps with Florida Diabetes Camp, Dancose-Giambattisto helps monitor kid's insulin and blood sugar so they can focus on having fun.
"We help let them know it is ok to be a normal kid although they have this disease," she said. "I think they really loved us because of that."
The goal of Gator Move is to promote a healthy lifestyle for kids who have behavior, attitude and weight problems, as well as those who have the potential to excel in sports but don't have the opportunity.
"We let them know that people care for them, and they can succeed in life if they really want to and work hard at it," Dancose-Giambattisto said. "That is what fills my heart up."
As the season begins to wind down, Dancose-Giambattisto will walk across the graduation stage and into her next rotation.
She plans to attend McGill University in her hometown of Montreal, Canada, and receive her master's degree in research before attending medical school there.
Her focus will then be on her future in the medical field, but she will always hold gymnastics in her heart.
"It's my passion, I can't just exit it out of my life," the Canadian said. "My fellow seniors and I have already talked about having reunions and coming back. We have such great memories from here."
