Education and Residency
COM: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine- Bradenton
Residency Program: Penn State St. Joseph Medical Center Family and Community Medicine Residency Program (chief academic resident)
Other Education: Masters in Health Services Administration from LECOM-Bradenton
Why did you choose this residency program?
I chose Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center because it just felt right. During my interview and subsequent second look, all of the residents were well spoken, competent, and overall friendly people that I felt at ease with immediately. Additionally all of the faculty were very open to getting to know me and supported my future goals within family medicine: lifestyle and obesity medicine. Most of all, initiatives such as Veggies Rx and early exposure to community medicine demonstrated the program’s unremitting commitment to uplifting the Reading, Pennsylvania, community. Overall this program is one that values compassion, empathy, community, and investing in a resident’s personal and professional growth
Why did you choose family medicine?
I chose family medicine for the impactful role FM doctors play in the lives of their patients. We see patients from birth to their late years and have the unique opportunity to foster longitudinal relationships. We truly have the ability to impact and empower our patients with information to prevent or reverse chronic disease. I personally have utilized lifestyle and community medicine to create these relationships, and through my experience in residency am so grateful for this experience.
What is a typical day like in your life as a resident?
A typical day starts with waking up at 7 a.m. for a lecture or to get ready. I tend to spend some time with my husband or my cats in the morning for an early serotonin boost. I get to clinic just before 8 a.m. and prep to see my patients. I try to get my notes done during clinic or shortly after my clinic day ends. I like to go home to decompress with my cats, talk on the phone with my best friend, or try out a new workout class--Club Pilates is my favorite.
What do you like to do in your time outside of residency?
I love spending time with my cats, going to the local farmers markets with my husband, and exploring restaurants in Lancaster.
Why did you volunteer to join the Resident Council?
I felt as though the ACOFP has done so much to support my journey in family medicine and throughout residency. Given this support, I wanted to join and advocate for my other family medicine colleagues to ensure rising FM physicians continue to have access to a plethora of resources .
What is your advice to students?
Don't get overwhelmed by the expectations of others. There is a method to the madness, and you will end up where you are meant to be. Regardless, you will end up with the privilege of serving patients who will inevitably benefit from your care.
If you could meet one famous dead person, who would it be?
Henrietta Lacks
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
Dr. Christina Scartozzi, my current associate program director, is my mentor. Her passion for community medicine and her position in educating family medicine residents through inspiring advocacy without compromising compassion is something I aspire to do.
What would you title an autobiography or memoir?
Just Keep Swimming
