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Residency

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What is intern year like?

Intern year is like a roller coaster. There’s the month or so after graduation where you’re slowly climbing up the hill just waiting for the first drop with great anticipation. Your first day is essentially a blur followed by twists and turns, ups and downs, and eventually the loop the loop (aka flipping your schedule for nights). It can be scary at times, but you always know there are supports in place to keep you and your patients safe. It’s also a ton of fun, for you finally get to practice medicine and really own every part of your job.

 

What has been your favorite rotation so far?

I really enjoyed my time on the Heme/Onc service. It was very difficult to watch children face such life-altering challenges, but the kids I cared for were incredibly resilient as they worked towards becoming cancer-free. I was inspired every day by the courage of my patients and the support they received from the families.

 

How did you know you wanted to come to Nemours?

Besides the fact that it had a combined peds rehab program and was in a city and location where I felt comfortable, Nemours also had a fantastic environment for learning. During each rotation, I felt welcomed and part of the team; additionally, I was challenged by my attendings and residents to stretch myself as a learner, read about my patients, and discover new skills. It was the perfect combination of feeling comfortable while also being pushed to strive for more.

 

What do you like the most about the program? The least?

My favorite part about the program is the culture of Nemours. From co-interns to attendings, everyone is willing to support each other. Whether that is taking an admission off your plate when getting slammed overnight, or staying late to further explain a learning point, each experience contributes to me knowing I made the right choice for residency. If I could change one thing, it would be the length of the rotations. Changing every 2 weeks (while on pediatrics) can make it tough to get into a rhythm. Just when you’ve got the hang of the workflow, you’re looking towards the next rotation.

 

#1 thing you wish you knew before residency?

As stressful as the Match can be, the system truly works to benefit the applicant.

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Philadelphia

         

Describe Philly in 3 words.

Underrated, Passionate, Comfortable

 

Best part of Philly? 

I can’t pick one thing – the food, cultural diversity, history, size, location, and affordability all make it a great place to live

 

Worst part of Philly?

Lack of nearby skiing – sorry, @Poconos, you’re better classified as large hills

 

Best food in Philly?

Probably the most difficult question on this list – my top 3 restaurants: Suraya, Kalaya, and Friday, Saturday, Sunday

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Interview Trail

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What did you wish you asked on the interview trail?

I think asking residents what a typical day for them looks like is helpful. Ideally, ask about experiences across different rotations (inpatient floors, outpatient, ICU, etc.) to gain a better understanding of what your life may look like at that program.

 

Any pearls of wisdom for interviews? “Audition” rotations?

Just be yourself. Programs want to get to know you as a person and hear about why you would be a good fit for their program. Also, make a list of people you interviewed with and things you talked about during the interview. The notes can be helpful when reviewing programs or reaching out later with questions.

 

Weirdest interview question you encountered?

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?

 

Did you rotate at Nemours? Do you feel like the virtual interview experience was a fair representation of your Nemours experience?

Yes, I rotated at Nemours. I was fortunate enough to have several rotations at Nemours as an SKMC/Jefferson medical student.

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Peds Rehab

 

How did you find/choose peds rehab?

I have always had an interest in the musculoskeletal system and knew I wanted to enter a field that involved musculoskeletal pathology. Prior to medical school, I did not know about the field of PM&R, so I was considering orthopedics during the pre-clinical years of medical school. During MS3, I was assigned to Nemours for my general surgery rotation and realized I enjoyed working with children and engaging with their families. I heard about the field of pediatric rehab during this rotation but didn’t know much about it. I then completed an orthopedics rotation and quickly realized I would not enjoy operating for the rest of my life. My next rotation was general pediatrics. This confirmed my interest in pediatrics. I was lucky enough to spend a day in a pediatric rehab clinic where I learned basic principles of rehab medicine and met some very inspiring patients. This prompted me to register for the pediatric rehab course at the start of MS4. From my first week, I knew this was the field for me. The focus on function, the relationships with patients, and the pathophysiology were all very engaging. The rest is history!

 

Did you apply to a back-up residency? If so, what specialty did you apply to?

After completing the pediatric rehab course, I spent several weeks deciding on a back-up specialty. I ultimately decided to apply to adult PM&R programs over categorical pediatrics programs. I realized I only wanted to do pediatric rehab, so adult PM&R followed by a pediatric rehab fellowship

 

General Interview Trail Advice from the residents:

- Be yourself!

- Know that the ACGME standardizes programs - so try to think more about your interactions with the people, geography, strengths of the different departments, etc. 

- The process is just as much about the program finding a good fit as it is you finding a good fit