A Taste of Scotland & Ireland

June 23, 2025


This year for my birthday, I connected with my Scotch-Irish roots by visiting Scotland and Ireland for the first time. With only two weeks, we packed in as many castles, cows, and coastlines as possible. From the Highlands to the Cliffs of Moher, we had a true taste of Scotland and Ireland. I even got to live out my Outlander dreams:


The tour itself was booked through CIE, which is owned in part by the Irish government. I loved that almost everything was taken care of in terms of sightseeing, activities, lodging, transportation, and meals. As much as it would have been interesting to drive on the other side of the road, I fully embraced being a passenger princess while learning all about these beautiful countries - their culture, history, art, music, lore, and of course whiskey. I do wish we had more time in certain places like Inverness and the Ring of Kerry but it just means I'll have to return.


Below are the itinerary highlights and a map of the destinations as described on the CIE tour website.

map
Day 1. Glasgow: Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM on a panoramic tour of this city that flourished as a center of shipbuilding and trade in Victorian times and is now a thriving hub of culture. Drive around George Square with its ornate City Chambers. Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a splendid, Spanish Baroque-style building housing one of Europe’s finest art collections, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Dali. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner.

Day 2. Loch Lomond and Loch Ness: Travel alongside famous Loch Lomond, renowned for its beauty. Drive across haunting Rannoch Moor and through Glencoe, admiring the wild and spectacular scenery. Continue through Fort William on to Fort Augustus. Embark on a cruise on Loch Ness before heading to Nairn.

We didn't end up seeing Nessie but we did see some highland cows (or as the Scottish say "Hairy Coos").


Day 3. Whisky tasting and St Andrews: Visit Blair Athol Distillery, founded in 1798, to discover traditional whisky production and taste a sample. Travel to St Andrews, a town rich in medieval heritage and the home of golf; take a panoramic drive and have time to explore independently. Continue on to your elegant manor house hotel outside Edinburgh; three centuries old, it’s set on 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland. Explore and dine independently this evening.


Day 4. Edinburgh Castle, City Tour & Scottish Evening: Explore the principal sights of central Edinburgh from the bustling Princes Street through the gracious, wide streets of the 200-year-old Georgian “New Town.” Walk along part of the Royal Mile where compact medieval houses reach several stories tall. Visit Edinburgh Castle perched high above the city on volcanic rock, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is free. Experience a lively Scottish evening with dinner and traditional entertainment. The July 29 – August 20 departures attend the spectacular Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Castle Esplanade.





We missed seeing the Tattoo but will just have to come back! Edinburgh was my all time favorite city. I also loved all the Harry Potter references, since much of what inspired the story and characters can be found in the city. For example, Victoria Street inspired Diagon Alley - the street itself is laid out at an angle (aka diagonal!).


It's also here that you can find the Elephant House Cafe where J.K. Rowling first wrote the series on napkins - likely while drinking Butterscotch Beer (hence Butter Beer).


Day 5. Ferry to Ireland & Titanic Belfast: Depart Edinburgh and travel through Ayrshire and along the coast. Embark on a ferry ride to Belfast. Take a panoramic drive through Belfast, seeing the highlights of this fascinating city, where the Titanic was built in the once-bustling shipyards. Visit Titanic Belfast to explore the fascinating story of the doomed ship. Then travel to Dublin, where you will enjoy free time for dinner on your own.

Day 6. Dublin Sightseeing, Christ Church Cathedral & Canal Dinner Cruise: Explore Dublin on a panoramic tour with a local guide, discovering its history and viewing its elegant Georgian buildings, Trinity College, the River Liffey, and more. Visit Christ Church Cathedral, the spiritual heart of the city for more than 1,000 years. This evening, dine on a former Guinness barge as you cruise the Grand
Canal, listening to traditional Irish music.

We had some time in between the cathedral and dinner cruise so chose to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells (a 9th century manuscript of the Four Gospels from the New Testament written in Latin and known for its beautiful illustrations Celtic knotwork) and tour the Long Hall Library (A beauty and the beast meets Harry Potter themed library. Currently the books are under restoration but some were re-shelved for our tour. Of note, the library itself will be closed in about a year for renovations that may take upwards of 10 years to complete so definitely recommend seeing now if you can).

Ignore my photoshop attempt - the library was pretty crowded so I tried to edit people in the background out and add a blur effect for the aesthetic :)
Check out my reel of Ireland for more sightseeing:

Day 7. Farmhouse Tea with Sheepdog Demonstration, Blarney Castle & Killarney: Travel through the countryside to a traditional farm, where you’ll savor tea and homemade scones and watch sheepdogs display their skills at herding sheep. Head to Blarney Castle and climb the winding stairs to kiss its famous stone, or enjoy the gardens. Move on to the lively lakeside town of Killarney, where you’ll have dinner.

I did kiss the Blarney Stone, which means I'm officially blessed with the gift of eloquence!

Day 8. Jaunting Car Ride, Ring of Kerry & Skellig Experience: Step back in time as a jaunting car drives you past Ross Castle on Lough Leane. Head to the scenic Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Embark on the Ring of Kerry – a winding route with breathtaking mountains and coastal views. Cross the bridge to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, which explains the life of early Christian hermits on Skellig Michael, a rocky offshore island featured in the film “Star Wars VII.” Enjoy lunch before a pause at Moll’s Gap for panoramic mountain views. Return to Killarney where the evening is free.

Day 9. Cliffs of Moher & Medieval Castle Banquet: Cross the Shannon River estuary by ferry on your way to visit the Cliffs of Moher. Take in the spectacular views from these awesome cliffs, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Head on to your hotel, and then in the evening, you’ll visit a genuine castle for a medieval-style feast, complete with serenading lords and ladies.

We lucked out because the weather was gorgeous, offering us a beautiful view of the Cliffs of Moher -

Day 10. Galway, Clonmacnoise & Dublin: Visit Galway for a walking tour around the city center with a local guide. Visit the picturesque monastic ruins of Clonmacnoise, founded in 544 AD by Saint Ciaran. Back in Dublin, your evening is free to explore.

Of course, I had to pay homage to Ed Sheeran who used to busk in Galway -

Had one final Guinness before taking off to head back home!

Tea Around Town

May 18, 2025

Felt like absolute royalTEA last month touring DC with Tea Around Town. My friends and I went all out Bridgerton style to make the most of the experience and it did not disappoint!


If you love sightseeing, serenades, and spilling the tea (literally and figuratively) with friends, you'll love Tea Around Town. This mobile tea party takes place on a floral themed double decker bus. It includes a 90 minute guided tour of the must see landmarks while you enjoy a variety of teas, pastries, and other treats. The live entertainment makes it even more enjoyable, with singing, dancing, and tea drinking. The only thing I wish was different was the number of different teas (we tried three flavors but would have loved to try more than that).

It's the perfect activity for birthdays, celebrations, bachelorettes and weekends in the city. Right now, you can "sip, savor, and sightsee" in these seven major cities: DC, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, and Houston.

Learn more and get tickets HERE. Also, you get to keep the complimentary travel thermos!

AMSA 2025: Top 10 Med School Admissions Tips

May 12, 2025

Last month I was invited to be a guest speaker at @amsanational’s 75th annual Future Physicians For Change medical conference in Washington, DC.

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is a student-run organization that empowers pre-meds, doctors-in-training, interns, residents, fellows, and current physicians to advocate for healthcare issues and expand education and awareness in medicine.



I talked about all things med school admissions, from debunking myths to sharing advice I learned from my own experiences. I highlighted my time studying with @kaplanmedical as a pre-med and med student and now working with them as an attending physician and medical school admissions consultant.


The following is a list of the Top 10 Med School Admissions Tips:


  1. Understand Prerequisites: Each medical school has specific course requirements, typically including biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Check with individual medical school requirements early on to ensure you’ve fulfilled all prerequisite requirements.
  2. Prepare for the MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a crucial part of your medical school application. Start studying well in advance by taking advantage of Kaplan’s abundant resources and packages including online and in person classes, learning modules, practice questions, and sample tests.
  3. Earn that GPA: A solid undergraduate GPA is important to showcase that you are invested in learning and gaining a strong knowledge foundation. Work toward a competitive GPA, especially in your science courses.
  4. Gain Clinical Experience: Early hands-on experience in healthcare settings is a MUST to demonstrate your understanding of this career path. Volunteer or work in hospitals, clinics, and other medical environments to not only show your commitment but also learn what the role of a physician entails and what it means to be in the medical field. Some examples include becoming a scribe, emergency room volunteer, spending time with different specialties as an observer, volunteering as an emergency medical technician, or even participating in medical mission trips.
  5. Do Research: Participating in research can enhance your application. It shows that you have an interest in advancing the field of science and medicine while also demonstrating how well you work with a team, which will build your communication and collaboration skills. Seek opportunities in laboratories or clinical research that align with your interests, submit abstracts to present at conferences and if possible, case reports and manuscripts for publication.
  6. Get Involved: Involvement in extracurricular activities like clubs, leadership positions, or community service illustrates to an admissions committee you’re well-rounded and dedicated to improving society as a whole.
  7. Have Strong Letters of Recommendation: Cultivate relationships with professors, physicians, mentors, and supervisors who can write strong, personalized letters of recommendation for your application. Submit your personal statement and CV with your request (if mailing, have a stamped/addressed envelope to give to them as well) and make sure to write them a thank you note afterward.
  8. Show Don’t Tell: For your personal statement, you want to write a compelling essay that reflects your passion for medicine, your unique and individual journey, and your future goals. Be authentic and introspective while answering the question of why you want to be a doctor.
  9. Prepare for Interviews: Be ready for interviews by practicing common questions and scenarios. This will help you hone your skills in communication and professionalism. Draw from your own experiences, especially those that relate to medicine and why the medical school you’re applying to should pick you to be part of their next class.
  10. Stay Informed: Keep up with current events, especially healthcare news, medical advancements, and ethical issues in medicine, from reading scientific journals and news articles, to reviewing research papers and attending medical conferences. This knowledge can help during interviews and shows your genuine interest and commitment to the field.

 

Lastly, consider seeking advice from current medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians or advisors to further navigate the process and be sure to check out Kaplan Medical School Admissions Consulting for more information and packages.



Valley of the Sun

March 7, 2025

Welcome to the Valley of the Sun, aka Phoenix, AZ, nestled in the heart of the Sonoran desert. This is where last week's AAP (Association of Academic Physiatrists) medical conference was held. With sunshine every day and temperatures up to 90°F, it was the perfect opportunity to escape Virginia's cold front.

During the conference, we learned about stem cell regeneration, the importance of exercise (it's basically the fountain of youth), new PM&R (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) residency program updates and how to give constructive feedback. This was especially useful to learn as an APD (associate program director). I also stopped by the exhibitor hall of poster presentations where one of my case reports was featured. Afterward, I met up with new and old colleagues from around the country.

Connected IRL with fellow Cancer Rehab doctor and APD @docqin

The best part: my friend from medical school Monet flew in for a mini reunion so we could explore the area together in between conference workshops. From trying new restaurants to hiking Camelback Mountain, check out some of our week's top highlights below.

Sightseeing

Roosevelt Row Murals - The perfect photo-op that brightens up a city already filled with sunshine.

Desert Botanical Garden - I got to visit this last time I was in Phoenix, AZ and was mesmerized by all the colorful cacti, trees, and flowers growing from around the world. I wish I had time to stop by during my recent trip. They're currently having an orchid exhibit from March through May. 

Hiking

Camelback Mountain - We chose to hike Cholla trail - while it takes longer, it's a little (emphasis on little) easier than the Echo Canyon trail, which I heard has a lot more rock scramble and railing holds due to the steep incline.

We did the hike in sneakers though I'd have preferred hiking boots. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. It's also best to go earlier in the day before the temperature heats up.

There are 36 trail markers, the rock scramble starts around 21 and the view is absolutely worth it! It took us about 3 hours total up to the summit and back down.

Eating

The Compass Restaurant - Not only is the food delicious but it's also a rotating restaurant on the top floor of the Hyatt Regency hotel. This means you have a revolving 360 view of the city while dining up in the sky.

View from The Compass Revolving Restaurant of Downtown Phoenix at night


Panzanella at The Compass Restaurant

Other restaurants I recommend include First & Last for some modern Italian cuisine and Rough Rider - a speakeasy tucked away in the basement that offers a Victorian vibe with a contemporary flair. Special shout out to my friend Britni who is local to the area and introduced me to all these great places! So happy we got to meet up while I was in town.

There's still so much to do and see in the area, I'll definitely be returning. In the meantime, any guesses where my next medical conference will be? Leave a comment below!


Welcome To The Fourth Wing

February 2, 2025

A dragon without their rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.
Welcome to the Fourth Wing.

Growing up, I've always loved reading fantasy, especially as an escape from reality. Last weekend I had the opportunity to see one of my favorite fantasy authors Rebecca Yarros discuss her latest book Onyx Storm - the fastest selling adult novel in 20 years as featured in the NYTimes. The Q&A event was held in Philadelphia, PA at The Miller Theater with moderator and author Xio Axelrod as hosted by Red Tower Books, Ensemble Arts Philly, and Books A Million.

It was incredible to hear Rebecca's thoughts on writing Onyx Storm as part of the third installment to her epic adult fantasy series after Fourth Wing (Book 1) and Iron Flame (Book 2). Without giving too much away, the books follow Violet Sorrengail, who enters Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider. It’s fast-paced with incredible world-building, witty dialogue, and strong character development. I also love the inclusivity and representation with an emphasis on those with chronic illness.

The best part of the evening was being surrounded by so many other people who love entering the world of dragon riders and epic adventures as much as I do, including my dear friend (and soon to be birthday girl), Amanda. The two of us "channeled" our inner Violet Sorrengail, adorned with silver-tipped hair, Empyrean-themed nails, flight leathers and dragon scales.

Of course, I had to complete the look with Sparrow and Wilde's back dragon relic tattoo.


Though as a doctor, I do wonder if I’d have ended up in the Healer’s Quadrant instead of the Rider's Quadrant…nahhh, I’d just manifest a mending signet (IYKYK). 
From sharing book cover art in line to receiving friendship bracelets from fans, it felt like the ultimate bonding experience (but much less dangerous than Threshing).

In addition to receiving a signed copy of Onyx Storm, we got to hear some non-spoilery spoilers for the upcoming books along with great writing advice for aspiring authors.

"You can't edit a blank page." - Rebecca Yarros

You have to start somewhere, whether that's writing as you go or plotting and planning ahead of time with a storyboard. As Rebecca explained, if you just write one page a day, by the end of the year you'll have a book. This is how she wrote her first novel. She also discussed her writing process including her next book, which will be a contemporary story, then taking the summer off to be with family before she returns to the fantasy genre.

Also for anyone who has read and finished Onyx Storm, if you're wondering where Broccoli is - Rebecca confirmed that he's with Drake in Cordyn!

With two more books left in the Empyrean series and unknown release dates, I'll be deep diving into theories and predictions with the Fantasy Fan Girls Podcast. The books themselves have so many layers and easter-eggs, from foreshadowing, symbolism, and relationship development to religious, political, and military commentary. My mind is still reeling from dissecting all the epigraphs, characters, timeline, context, and sentence structure but thankfully Variety's recent interview with Rebecca Yarros answered some of those questions many of us readers were left with in the cliffhanger. There's also mention of Amazon's plan to bring the books to the screen under Michael B Jordan's production company. Now I'm not sure which one I'm more excited for - the TV show or the fourth book.

So what are you waiting for? Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride!

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