Education
COM: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Residency: University of Connecticut Family Medicine Residency Program, Hartford, CT
Other Education: Masters of Science in Biology, Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA; Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Where do you currently practice?
Hackensack Meridian Health, JFK University Family Medicine Center, Edison, NJ. We serve a suburban community with individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds, but primarily fall under Medicaid/Medicare/self-pay.
Why did you choose family medicine?
During a two-month OMS-IV subinternship in a community clinic, the students essentially functioned as family medicine residents. Several patients scheduled to see me more than once within that small time frame, and it became even more glaringly obvious that I belonged in family medicine. I love caring for patients of all ages, building long-term relationships with families, and learning about all aspects of medicine while advocating for my patients.
What is your typical day like?
I am faculty at an FM residency program, so every day is different! On the outpatient side, I spend time caring for patients, precepting, developing curriculum, teaching, participating in OMT or procedure clinics, etc. Then approximately, every six weeks, I spend one week (Tuesday through Monday) rounding and supervising residents caring for patients in the hospital. There's no such thing as a typical day!
Are you currently involved in national ACOFP on a committee or volunteer role?
I am on the Women in Medicine Committee and the New Physician Leaders Committee.
What is your advice to residents?
Enjoy it. Residency is hard but can be a blast. Take every opportunity to learn and grow from patients, faculty, your coresidents, and everything/everyone in between. You'll shape your journey, so do it in a way that will make you smile whenever you think back on your time.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a physician?
I think I always wanted to be a doctor. However, it was in college while working with LIFT, a community resource center in West Philadelphia, that I directly witnessed how health equity could prevent my clients from achieving social and economic mobility. I was drawn to DO school because osteopathic medicine paralleled and was most aligned with my passion for civic/community engagement, social justice, and advocacy. It set me on the path that I'm on today.
If you could meet one famous dead person, who would it be?
Dr. Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi
