The accomplishment I am most proud of thus far in my career is
The accomplishment I am most proud of thus far in my career is the ability to maintain a work-life balance. As a wife, mother of four, and full-time family physician, life can be very hectic. I used to believe that I had to do it all perfectly with a smile on my face and an "S" on my chest. Well, that had proved to be very stressful and was not realistic. So, now I understand and accept that it is O.K. to have a few dirty dishes in the sink, to invest in a house cleaner, to order take-out/or even have groceries delivered to my home! I am not superwoman, and I am O.K. with that! We are human, and we made an oath to do no harm to our patients, which starts with taking care of ourselves first. You can not give what you don't have. I make deposits into myself with alone time, mani-pedi, etc., so that I can make withdrawals when needed for others.
What my Practice Looks Like today
My practice looks like an opportunity for professional, academic, and personal growth. The awesome thing about Family Medicine is having the foundational knowledge of every aspect of medicine! I enjoy procedures, and the opportunity to train, enhance, and even specialize in certain outpatient procedures are within reach. I appreciate all aspects of medicine, including administrative, practice-based medicine, healthcare transformation. The opportunity to gain experience and ultimately shape the future of medicine is within my reach. I have the privilege to connect with my patients in a way many specialists are unable to. I get to know them, their families, their desires/hopes and dreams. I get to be part of someone's life who has entrusted me with the forward direction of their health...what an honor. How lucky am I really? I see an average of 18 patients per day, various pathologies and procedures. I have a great team and supportive staff; therefore, my focus is primarily on my patients.
What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?
Do what you love and do it for yourself! Life is short, it's only but a vapor, so make every moment count, no regrets. Always move forward, and when you are unable to, be still and listen to your heart; it won't fail you. The journey into medicine is not easy, and it shouldn't be. The life skills (and knowledge, of course) will sustain you well into your adult life as a seasoned physician. Learn and embrace everything about OMT; it's an invaluable skill that can take you far, and also is what makes you extra special.
When I look back on my time at VCOM, I think fondly about
When I look back on my time at VCOM, I think fondly about my professor, Dr. Anderson; she was a vibrant woman who provided guidance and support throughout medical school. I also think of Megan Price; she was my advocate and was always uplifting and carried a beautiful smile every time I saw her! I also think about our medical mission trips to Missouri and El Salvador; we had such a wonderful team of people with the same goal and mission. I remember when Dr. Rawlins taught us the Texas-twist, and she allowed me to perform a couple of HVLA techniques on her; I was slightly timid while thinking to myself, "Please don't break anything on the Dean's body." I think about a good friend, Elizabeth Delouise; we used to find these "honey-holes," as she called it, which were awesome places to study all day.
I am pleased to be a DO because
I am pleased to be a DO because I have a unique perspective of the human body that very few MDs have, which is why I am usually highly sought after. We are taught essential elements of medicine such as holistic thinking, integrative care, and hands-on care to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness and injury. This additional training sets us apart and makes us a high commodity to the medical community.
For me, the most unforgettable moment in medical school was
For me, the most unforgettable moment in medical school was staying on an Alpaca farm during my medical rotation in Lebanon, VA! I was able to assist with injections/medications/ultrasounds and other basic care of the Alpaca. I am still distraught that I missed the delivery of the alpaca baby, but I guess I was there to learn more about the medicine of the human body instead. It was a memorable experience, to say the least. We stayed in a beautiful cabin surrounded by lush land and hills. The night sky was always crystal clear and filled with the most illuminating stars. I also remembered doing an OMM rotation with Dr. Steven Blood. He allowed me to perform prolotherapy injections on his cervical spine.
When I am not working, I enjoy
When I am not working, I enjoy online shopping for sales, window-shopping, yard-sales (have to pay back those loans, can't get everything new), traveling the world (last year went to Rome, Barcelona, and Florence) when we can find childcare, decorating, watching design on a dime, and photography.
A career in medicine is worthwhile because
A career in medicine is worthwhile because I have the honor to be placed in a position where people trust me with their lives to provide the best holistic healthcare possible.
