With a new year upon us, we have a chance to reminisce and reflect on the past. I recently shared a glimpse into my past with Miss America in light of this week's crowning of Miss Virginia, Camille Schrier for the 2020 title. It is so refreshing to see a woman in science representing this national organization: a woman who conducted a science experiment on stage, who is currently studying to be a biochemist, and who will soon go on to become a doctor of pharmacy. My own experience helped shape me into the person and physician I am today.

What led you to compete?

One of my friends and fellow medical school classmates was Miss Vermont. She told me about the program, its focus on personal and professional growth, its community of strong, smart, stylish women, and its emphasis on finding beauty within. I wanted to improve my public speaking and interview skills, to explore my passions for art and science outside of the medical world, and to meet new people. I ended up competing for two years during medical school - first in my school's state and then in my home state (s/o to my pageant sister Michelle who convinced me to compete for the second year). The scholarship money I won even helped me pay for medical school (read on to find out more).

What was your platform?

Each contestant is required to have a platform or social cause that is important to them and which we promote as titleholders. Mine was STEAM: Adding Arts to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Earning a dual degree in Classics and Biology taught me how important it is to combine the arts with science disciplines. I wanted to help young minds think outside the box creatively. Through my time with Miss America, I volunteered with the Children's Miracle Network bringing crafts to the pediatrics unit in our local hospital, raising donations, and attending speaking engagements at local charter schools.

What was your talent?

The first year I competed I performed a lyrical dance to the song "Uncharted" by Sara Bareilles. I loved the rhythm and felt like the words represented exactly what I was doing, exploring uncharted territory and having the time of my life.






Check it out below:

How did you stay in shape competing while in medical school?

I honestly could not have done it without the help of my friends, family, classmates, personal trainers, and Cassey Ho of Blogilates (read more about my favorite workout routines HERE and HERE). My medical school was very health conscious when it came to student wellness. The curriculum included a 1.5-hour mid-day break for lunch/studying/activities. Many of us took this time to hit the gym. I worked with my school's complimentary personal trainers for toning and conditioning at least three days a week. Cardio included treadmill time with friends while reviewing lecture notes and flashcards. For food, I focused on portion and carb control as well as eating lots of veggies, fruits, and protein. The one thing I couldn't give up? Cheez-its!

Does it cost money to compete?

There is no fee for Miss America's pageants but I did raise donations for the Children's Miracle Network. When it came to outfits like swimsuit, evening wear, talent, and onstage question, I ended up borrowing most of them from my friends in the pageant world (shout out to Sarah and Jane!). I remember for my dance routine, we bought a $20 dress from H&M and practiced our surgical suturing skills by adding sequins to it.

What is the difference between Miss America and Miss USA?

While each pageant has its strengths, I always thought of Miss America as being focused on scholarship and service while Miss USA focused on image and helping its contestants build a professional modeling career. I have friends who competed in both and won. It just depends on what your interests are and what you want out of the experience. I do know Miss America includes a talent piece while Miss USA does not. In addition, Miss USA has an entrance fee but the age cut off is a few years later than Miss America (I think Miss America is 25 years old and Miss USA is 27).

Wait, you won scholarships through Miss America?

Yes! In fact, the hardest part of the entire competition was going up and down the stairs in my Jonathan Kaynes and trying not to trip over my gown every time my name was called for an award. The judges later came up to me and joked that I should have won an award for winning the most awards. They had several including state and national Interview and Academic scholarships. Thanks to Miss America, I was able to pay part of my tuition for medical school.

Did you really use butt glue?

Hahaha I am always asked this question - butt glue is indeed not a myth! We didn't want our swimsuits riding up on stage. It also meant I was sticking to everything. A few other pageant tricks included LOTs of hairspray, hair extensions, false eyelashes, spray tans, bronzer, and the occasional push-up for support ;). I will say I never put vaseline on my teeth.


While the swimsuit portion of the pageant has been eliminated, for me personally, I am so glad it was part of my experience. It helped me build my confidence, make fitness a priority, and be proud of who I was and who I am. Either way, walking in 5-inch heels takes skill whether you're in a bikini or not.

What do you think of the direction Miss America is going in now?

I think Miss America is working on not only staying relevant but being inclusive. They want to foster a welcoming environment with role models who inspire younger generations to achieve their dreams. While this mission has and continues to be at the heart of the organization, there are several fundamental changes that have re-defined the program. The new format made this year's competition in some respects unrecognizable, from cutting the number of performers for talent to eliminating swimsuit and evening gown. The four points of the crown are service, scholarship, success, and style. I felt that style was best showcased by these now-defunct areas.

In addition, service means representing your platform and community outreach. While I do not know the entire story, it was upsetting to hear one of the contestants this year was discouraged from speaking out on her sexual assault platform. To learn more, check out this article by the Philadelphia Inquirer HERE.

Would you do it again?

In a heartbeat! Miss America taught me to always keep my head held high - you can't support a crown looking down.

I am overjoyed to announce that starting July 1, 2020, I will be the first-ever Cancer Rehabilitation Fellow Physician in Philadelphia. After years of hard work, hours of studying, countless interviews, thousands of patients, and very little sleep, I am finally taking the next step in my career. Several of you have been asking where I will be next year and I can finally assure you that I will be staying in the City of Brotherly Love (but really I'm on Cloud 9).

Having just come back from our annual assembly medical conference for AAPM&R (American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation), I thought what better time to share the news? I also met a follower at the conference who was excited to hear about my fellowship and wanted to learn more. She asked me to share information about Cancer Rehabilitation on social media so here you go:

WHAT IS CANCER REHABILITATION MEDICINE?

Within the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, there are several subspecialties such as Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Pain Medicine, Palliative Care, Sports Medicine, and one of the fastest-growing areas: Cancer Rehabilitation. This subspecialty focuses on the care of patients within the cancer population, helping to alleviate cancer treatment side effects. These include nerve and musculoskeletal complaints, pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, weakness, and lymphedema (swelling from lymph node blockage). These issues can arise from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery. As a Cancer Rehabilitation physician, we are part of a multi-disciplinary panel of cancer care experts. The team includes oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialties in addition to therapists. Together, we work to incorporate several different modalities and interventions for our patients. These range from physical, occupational, and speech therapy, to procedures, injections, and medications.

SIDE NOTE: Speaking of multi-disciplinary teams, one of the things I love most about Physiatry is that I am surrounded by an amazingly talented and smart group of physicians with different backgrounds. We are always available to support each other, from working through a differential diagnosis to facilitating connections and offering clinical pearls of wisdom. These two (@priyanca and @elmoosh) especially deserve a round of applause for everything they have done for their patients (and for me). So happy to have spent the week with them in San Antonio, Texas at our AAPM&R conference!

HOW IS CANCER REHAB DIFFERENT FROM PALLIATIVE?

As physiatrists, we focus on improving a patient's strength and quality of life. Cancer Rehabilitation is closely associated with palliative care medicine but our patients' prognoses will vary, from being in remission to requiring hospice. There is an overlap in psychosocial and family planning as well as functional assessments. However, these cases do not always warrant palliative care consultation (i.e. for goals of care and end of life discussion). The main focus is to optimize cancer patients to get back to their activities of daily living (ADLs) and independence.

WHAT IS CANCER PRE-HABILITATION?

Pre-habilitation is when we implement a treatment plan for our patients as soon as they are diagnosed with cancer to help increase a patient's strength and function prior to receiving treatment. These include exercises and therapy, massage, cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary training. Several clinical studies have been conducted showing improved outcomes, better tolerance, and reduced disability.

WHY CHOOSE CANCER REHABILITATION?

Throughout my life, I have strived to embody the role of a cheerleader - one who brings spirit and encouragement to others. As part of a cheerleading squad growing up, I learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and positivity. These values have stuck with me throughout college, medical school, and residency. They played a pivotal role in what led me to the field of Physiatry, where we motivate our patients every day to get up and moving so they can build their strength and stamina. Working with the cancer population, I was surrounded by determination, resilience, and enthusiasm that made me feel connected and fulfilled in a way I had not before. There is a whole world of medical knowledge I have yet to learn to build my foundation and skills in this area. What better place to start making history than the birthplace of America? I look forward to expanding Cancer Rehabilitation further as a pioneer, a cheerleader, and a physician.



I cannot wait to take you all on this next journey. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to know how you can get involved in the field of Cancer Rehabilitation.

“Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit, I'm helpless!” - Eliza Schuyler

Photo Credit: @coryjpopp

Happy August everyone! My, my has time flown by. I have been enjoying this summer so much, I haven't had a chance to post until now. I hope you are all soaking up lots of sunshine as well. Since it has been a few weeks, I thought I would share one of my favorite posts as featured on Americae to re-introduce myself to my new readers. Read on to spend five minutes with me...

Photo Credit: @coryjpopp

What do you do?

It is a perfect day to night transition.

I like to blend wardrobe staples with fun, bold colors just like Americae. 

Believing in myself and having friends and family believe in me is the most important factor for helping me pivot in order to achieve my dreams.

Photo by Shanyn Fiske (www.shanynfiskephotography.com) Dress by Jewul

While it is not something passed on through genes, time management skills can be learned, practiced, and perfected. Several of you #vitastics have asked me how I manage my schedule, from residency life and MBA homework to social media, blogging, and events.



What you don't see from the social media side is the time it takes to edit photos, write content, coordinate collaborations, and prepare for shoots. Not to mention being a doctor and the time it takes to obtain a history and physical exam, write admission notes and discharge summaries, place orders, do medication reconciliations, and lead team conferences and family meetings. All the while I am balancing these commitments with making time to work out, catch up with friends and family, and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Thank you Ashlee from @tusksandtails for sending this to me (photo by @amr_digital)

You know it's a great birthday celebration when...

We were surprised to learn there is an Egyptian Temple in Madrid, known as the Egyptian Temple of Debod given to Spain as a thank you gift for helping rescue several Egyptian temples from flooding. The temple is free to enter and beautiful at sunset. Dress by Kaufman Franco.

Best way to wake up on your birthday! Swimsuit by Shein.

Recently, the World Health Organization declared physician burnout is an occupational phenomenon. A spa getaway is a great way to reset and re-center, especially when combatting burnout.