5 Minutes With Me

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?

I am a resident physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, otherwise known as Physiatry. We are the doctors that manage the medical care and rehabilitation of patients with a variety of different medical conditions, from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, to strokes, amputees, sports-related injuries, and more. Outside of the hospital, I am a social media influencer and blogger.

What do you love about what you do?

I was a cheerleader throughout high school and feel like I have carried that energy and motivation throughout my career as a physician. I love encouraging my patients to challenge themselves, believe in themselves, and exceed their expectations. I remember as a medical student walking into the gym and seeing one of my patients who needed an assistant on either side to help him stand. He saw me across the room and asked, “Do you want to dance?” I was so inspired by the fact that he was able to look beyond his balance and gait difficulties and instead focus on the goal of dancing as a means of overcoming his obstacles. That’s when I knew I had found the right specialty.

Where are you from?

I am originally from New England, which was initially tough living in Eagles territory. I have since found Philadelphia to be a welcoming home.

Education?

I went to undergraduate and medical school in New England. I earned dual Bachelor degrees in Classics and Biology then matriculated straight into medical school to become a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). I lived right on the beach and loved falling asleep to the sound of ocean waves every night. It made the long nights of studying a little easier to get through. Since then I have been in residency in Philadelphia and recently started courses to earn my iMBA.

Sign?

I am a Gemini through and through. #twinning

Favorite Americae items and why?

I am in love with this pink Americae top that has a little peekaboo shoulder collar and cinched neckline with gorgeous gold cufflink detailing. It is a perfect day to night transition. (Check it out in my Americae takeover post HERE)

It is a perfect day to night transition.

Who do you think embodies the Americae woman and why?

My friend and co-resident, Dr. Priyanca Shah (editors note: Priyanca was one of our winter 2018 campaign models) is the embodiment of Americae. She has been a role model these past two years, encouraging me to take advantage of every opportunity both in and outside of my career. She inspired me to earn my iMBA, where I am learning how to think outside the box.

She proves every day that reality is extraordinary with her style, success, service, and commitment to scholarship. Yes, those also happen to be the four points of the Miss America crown; Priyanca and I are also pageant girls. What can I say? You can follow her on IG HERE :)

Describe your style and why is it authentically you?

My style is both functional and fashionable. I like to blend wardrobe staples with fun, bold colors just like Americae. 

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

I am currently on a “Lady in Red” kick because no matter what season, red always stands out, looks good, and makes me feel confident.

What drives you?

Aside from Starbucks, or should I say Saint Arbucks?, I would say having a goal in mind keeps me focused. With a target in sight, it doesn’t matter what obstacles arise.

Earning my iMBA has taught me that life’s path isn’t always straight and sometimes you have to pivot. 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.

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.

What's on your bookshelf?

Crazy Rich Asians –– I just finished the first two books and am in the middle of the third. I feel like the ultimate fashionista and foodie after reading them. The movie was so good, too. I cannot wait for the sequel.

Next or favorite travel destination?

Well, after devouring the Crazy Rich Asians series, I am hoping to bring it all to life with a vacation in Singapore! I’ve heard such wonderful things about it too (and not just from the books).

My favorite travel destinations, as a Classics major, are Greece and Italy. Santorini is my first choice. 

What's next for you?

I have about a year until I finish residency and then I will either go into fellowship or general physiatry practice. If I do decide to do a fellowship, it would either be in Cancer Rehabilitation, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Sports Medicine.

Photo Credit: @coryjpopp

What's your personal motto or what message would you like to share with women?

My favorite quote is by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

I love the introspective message it offers; looking within yourself to find what is truly important.

To the women reading this, know that you are important and you deserve to not only feel that way but look it thanks to Americae.

This interview was done by Americae. Click HERE to see the original post.