Food

Welcome to the New Year! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and fruitful 2020. Have you thought about your New Year's resolutions? I simplified mine into one word: INVEST. And with that #2020vision in mind, I am starting a new blog series on how to INVEST this year, from investing in YOURSELF to your ENVIRONMENT and lastly your EXPERIENCES.

The first part will focus on INVESTING IN YOURSELF. Under this segment, I will be discussing first finances, followed by health/wellness, and ending with ways to expand your mind. Come join me on this journey as I help you discover the New Year with the Same You, just a Better Approach.

Photo credit: @coryjpopp

Often when people hear the word invest they think of finances, which is just one aspect of this 2020 blog series. This post specifically is dedicated to helping you find ways to save money for yourself now and in the future. As a resident physician, we typically make less than minimum wage in comparison to the number of hours we work, which makes pinching pennies a must (especially when this physician is also paying tuition for her MBA courses).

Listed below are some simple steps I implement in order to save more $$ while still maxing out that Roth IRA/401K/403B.

Just in case, here is a quick refresher from a great money-saving blog called The Penny Hoarder on the difference between these accounts:


Pro-tip: Invest more in your 401K/403B and put as much as you can in other areas like a Roth IRA or high interest earning accounts. What you cannot access or see, you won't use.

BUDGET

It is never too late to start saving or budgeting. You can start today by reviewing last month's charges, designate what was a want (flexible income) vs. a need (fixed income). Follow the 50/30/20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) and ensure you're not going over. My favorite way to budget is with the MINT app. This lets me check all of my accounts in one place while comparing all my charges with my budgets in real time.

Pro-tip: Find the right credit card that works for you as well - I use mine as a "travel" savings card so that every time I spend money, I accrue points I can put toward my next trip.

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.