Never forget the humanistic aspect of medicine is the main reason why most of us start this process.
Was there anything or anyone at VCOM that inspired you to become the physician you are today?
The first rotation of my fourth year of medical school was Emergency Medicine at my core site in Gadsden, AL. I was blessed to have been paired with the medical director of the ED as my preceptor. I had just finished taking both of the Level 2 COMLEX exams the week before the rotation, so I had built a skill set of completing a thorough history and physical exam within a timely manner (which matters in the ED). My preceptor complimented me on my physical exam skills and the thoroughness of my presentations and reassured me that I was ready for potential audition rotations. What he did not know is that he taught me more about humanism in the brief 2-3 minutes he had to spend in patient rooms than any physician had ever taught me during longer encounters. He was extremely thoughtful--if a family member was standing, he ensured they got a chair; if a patient had not eaten or was thirsty, he went to the nourishment room himself. I was amazed at how much "extra" he did while remaining quite efficient throughout his shift. That month, I decided that his clinical style was the type that I wished to adopt as my own. Now that I am in practice, I am astonished by how much a small favor sometimes means to my patients and their families. It takes very little effort to be a thoughtful physician, but the outcome gives so much back in return.
What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?
I have three pieces of advice that I believe all medical students should be told: 1) Start to make time for your health in medical school. VCOM does an excellent job of promoting wellness, and I believe that this enabled me to lay the groundwork for a firm foundation in exercise. I continued to exercise throughout my intern year because my foundation was already established. It is more difficult to establish that foundation in residency because you have more time constraints. 2) Ensure that you continue to enjoy the extra-curricular activities that you enjoyed before medical school. Even if you have to add time for "fun" into your study schedule, continuing those activities in medical school decreases your chances of burnout later in your career. 3) Always remember that you are treating a human being. It is very easy to be blinded by your clinical lenses and get lost in the mental compartments that we build to help us get through tough cases. However, as physicians, it is our job to treat our patients with dignity and respect and their families--and keep in mind that most of the family members have not had the years of training to know how to compartmentalize these events. Never forget the humanistic aspect of medicine is the main reason why most of us start this process.
Have you participated in a VCOM International Outreach trip since graduation? Why did you want to go back to help?
I have not had the opportunity due to COVID-19 restrictions and residency time constraints; however, I would love the opportunity to do so.
What are your fondest memories of your time at VCOM?
The memory that I often reflect on and always makes me smile dates to February 2020. I hosted a small group of friends at our core site in Gadsden, AL. We had a small celebration the day we submitted our rank lists for the residency match. It was the first time that we were able to congregate together since the beginning of our fourth year--between away rotations and residency interviews, but also the first time that most of us felt like we could relax again. We stayed up most of the night playing games and enjoying the conversation, but little did we know that it was one of the last times we would all be together. This gathering occurred just two weeks before the lockdowns, and that is another reason why it is so special to me.
When not working, what activities do you enjoy?
While most of my free time is spent on my spin bike, most of my off days are occupied by taking my Yorkie to the park and practicing archery. I am also a bibliophile, so I am always searching for the next book to add to my collection of over 300 (and counting). I often travel with my husband, and we typically enjoy most outdoor adventures, especially if it involves a National Park.