Christina Shawdy Sedaghat (I go by Shawdy) , DO, PGY2
Social Media: @findyourwholeness
Education and Residency
COM: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA
Residency: Penn State Health St. Joseph’s Family and Community Medicine Residency Program in Reading, PA
Why did you choose this residency program?
I chose PSH St. Joseph’s because of its strong service-driven foundation. St. Joseph’s is a community hospital with ties to Penn State Health, a combination that has allowed me to begin bringing some of my dream projects to life.
Why did you choose family medicine?
I chose family medicine because FM has many paths, making it possible to continue exploring your interests and personalize your career. I plan to complete an integrative medicine fellowship, be involved in global health initiatives, and develop curriculum to empower individuals to become more active participants in reinstating physical and mental health.
What is a typical day like in your life as a resident?
My day to day can look so different depending on what rotation I am on. When I am on a service rotation, I like to wake up at 5 a.m. to give myself time to sip my coffee, spend some time with and walk my dog Onyx, and reflect. I get to the hospital around 6:30 a.m. to receive sign out from the night team and then either go to morning lecture or begin chart reviewing my patients before rounding on them. Once weekly during service rotations, I spend an afternoon in our Residency Clinic after caring for my patients in the hospital and an afternoon in didactics. On most days, I also take some time to work on various projects I have become passionately involved in as well as attend meetings.
What do you like to do in your time outside of residency?
Outside of residency, I enjoy cycling, hiking, and spending time with my dog Onyx. I also make time to share a meal with friends (food is my love language!) and, when I can, visit family and friends.
Why did you volunteer to join the Resident Council?
I volunteered to join the Resident Council to advocate for fellow residents. It is an honor to be in a position to do so. I was involved with ACOFP as a student as well.
What is your one word of advice to students?
Trust! Trust your journey in medicine. No two paths need to look the same. Take as many detours as you feel you need to and take everything in as you develop yourself personally and professionally. It's not a race, and you will end up exactly where you’re meant to. Be open to your process looking different from how you think it should.
When was the first time you realized you wanted to be a physician?
When I was in elementary school! I remember having a doctor play set and giving my friends pretend check ups.
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
Brene Brown. I am so grateful for her work on vulnerability and leadership. It would be a dream to be able to debrief with her in order to build my skills.
