Virginia

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 at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians 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.

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.

What my Practice looks like today

Primary Care

Name of practice or hospital where you currently work

Southern Medical Group, PA

Specialty

Internal Medicine

What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?

The advice I would give a medical student today would be to take advantage of every medical experience you participate in. You can learn valuable lessons from every patient interaction. Volunteer to stay the extra hour, observe an additional case, or see the extra patient. It is the experience that is most valuable and helps mold a skilled physician.

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 applying the medical knowledge I have learned through school and training on a daily basis. It is rewarding and gratifying to continue to stay current through journals and research to manage patients with the most relevant current available treatment options. Things are always evolving in medicine, and constantly challenging yourself is very fulfilling.

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 international travel and medical mission trips. Every medical school experience does not afford you the opportunity to work and learn outside of this US medical system. I learned so much from those experiences, not just from the attending physicians we worked with but also from the patients and the wide range of medical conditions not typically seen here in the US. These experiences also taught me the importance of caring for the most vulnerable population in my community.

I am pleased to be a DO because

I am pleased to be a DO because of the type of physician it has helped me become. For me, there were very personal reasons why I wanted to be a DO. Early on in my life, I learned from my family the type of care and relationships that the osteopathic physician creates between their patients. I believe it translates into a unique physician-patient relationship that improves service.

When I am not working, I enjoy

When I am not working, I enjoy traveling with my family home and abroad. My family and I take lots of vacation and really take the time to enjoy each other’s company.  I love learning new skills or mastering things I never thought I could do, like sewing, crafting, or learning new languages.

A career in medicine is worthwhile because

A career in medicine is worthwhile because it is very fulfilling to be able to help people feel better. People come to you to seek answers; more often than not, you can provide them. Another thing I enjoy is the fact that I have the opportunity to meet new people regularly. I learn a lot from my patients, and I continue to evolve intellectually as a physician. It is the little lessons I enjoy the most from my patient interaction. While I help them with medical management, they teach me sewing methods, new languages, and gardening techniques. These things not only strengthen my personal skills but enhance the doctor-patient relationship. I invest in their interest and experiences, and they, in return, trust me. I think this helps me become a better doctor, wife and mother.

I learn a lot from my patients and I continue to evolve intellectually as a physician. It is the little lessons I enjoy the most from my patient interaction. While I help them with medical management, they teach me sewing methods, new languages and gardening techniques. These things not only strengthen my personal skills but enhance the doctor-patient relationship.

I am most proud of

I am most proud of taking over a robust family medicine practice while still maintaining work-life balance with my family. I am also proud to have served as Chief Resident in my residency program and voted the most outstanding resident within my hospital system. I am also proud to currently serve as Lead Physician in my practice and on the VCOM Alumni Board.

I am pleased to be a DO because

I am pleased to be a DO because I have been taught the importance of treating the patient, and not the disease or chief complaint. I have learned the importance of looking patients in the eye and using touch to comfort, reassure, and encourage. I have also learned the importance of a patient’s socioeconomic status, spirituality, and their emotions, and how these factors influence their care and decisions. Of course, understanding and utilizing OMT is also cool!

When I am not working I enjoy

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my wife, two girls, and two Boxer dogs. I have also become a remodel addict since graduating residency, and enjoy the challenge of learning new skills such as gardening, landscaping, and bee keeping. I also enjoy reading, Virginia Tech sports, and watching Marvel movies!

A career in medicine is worthwhile because

A career in medicine is worthwhile because it is more than just a job and a salary, but a calling. Physicians have the unique opportunity to change lives, foster hope, and impact communities. Everyday I remain in awe of the responsibility, power, and influence I have been provided. I also remain humbled that patients trust me with their deepest secrets and most guarded insecurities, and look to me for wisdom and guidance through life’s most difficult circumstance. There is not a day that goes by that I do not feel an awesome purpose, which provides my life with meaning and fulfillment. Additionally, my patients teach me daily, inspire me to be better, and provide me with perspective and appreciation for my own life.

I believe VCOM helped prepare me well through rotations that were hands-on, and at times one-on-one with my preceptors.

Name of practice or hospital where you currently work

AnMed Honea Path

Specialty

Family Medicine

What my Practice looks like today

A great variety of rural outpatient family medicine.

What is the best advice you can give a medical student to help them in their path towards being a physician?

Medical school will be a challenging time, and it can also be a fun time. Set good boundaries to care for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

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 making it through my intern year (without coffee)!

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 Dr. Prater encouraging us at every seemingly insurmountable obstacle. I think about Dean Willcox sharing her film and TV recommendations in between classes. I think about all the clinical pearls from lecturers (pediatric maintenance fluids came in handy, Dr. Hardee!). I think about Dr. Fintel, a clinical preceptor my 4th year who embodied empathy and gentleness. I think about Dr. Thomas and her help as an advisor during residency applications. I’m so thankful for my time at VCOM.

For me, the most unforgettable moment in medical school was

For me, the most unforgettable moment in medical school was late night studying with friends, the half marathon we ran in Nashville, TN, before studying for COMLEX Level 1 and the joy of Match Day. I must say that graduation was extra special as well; I got hooded by Dean Willcox and my dad!

When I am not working, I enjoy

Spending time with my wife and children, all things film, running, yoga, being introverted, and small house projects, because I'm handy, but I'm not THAT handy.

I believe VCOM helped prepare me well by laying an incredible foundation for the rest of my medical career. The professors during my 1st and 2nd years shared their clinical wisdom, and my preceptors 3rd and 4th years challenged and motivated me. Their passion in their respective fields gave me an appreciation and desire for excellence in primary care.

Current Practice

Davidson Medical Ministries/Kintegra Family Health, Lexington, NC

Specialty

Family Medicine

What my practice looks like today

I see adult and pediatric patients 4 days a week in a faith based community health center. We have continued full time clinical care, incorporating both sick and well visits, even during the pandemic! I'm very grateful we have not discontinued any services that impact patient care during this unusual time, especially since we serve the most vulnerable populations in our community. In addition, I work with a school health alliance which provides onsite access to healthcare for students in the public school system. I also have the privilege of collaborating with six excellent advanced practice providers across these organizations. 

The accomplishment I am most proud of thus far in my career is 

Being a team lead within our health system allowing me to come along side the providers on my team and hear their concerns. I am a physician advocate for patients on a population health level and a champion for our systems ICD-10 conversion as well as ACO team. 

When I look back on my time at VCOM I think fondly about meeting and marrying my life partner and best friend Rob Snow, the lasting friendships—Katie Porterfield Collins and Ann Shaw Collins remain two of my best friends to this day—they were in my wedding, saw my babies in their first days of life, etc. Also the high quality clinical rotations which prepared me well for family medicine residency. I was rotating alongside UVA Med students at Carilion, Lewis Gale and the Salem VA so I could see that I was on par with them, which was important to me since we were a new school at that time. 

I am pleased to be a D.O. because I love my osteopathic family. It’s about the people.

The accomplishment I am most proud of thus far in my career is spearheading a vaccine for children (VFC) program at my health center where one did not previously exist; we can now vaccinate uninsured and underinsured children, thus reducing morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable illness.