5 Minutes With Me

August 3, 2019

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.
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Time After Time

June 14, 2019

Photo by Shanyn Fiske (www.shanynfiskephotography.com)
Dress by Jewul
Maybe she's born with it?

No, I was definitely not born with time management skills. I was the kind of child who would receive a birthday invitation at school, stick said invitation in my backpack only to be found months later by my parents. I remember asking if I could go to the party and they said no because I had missed it (by several months). That was my first rude awakening to the concept of time. I was four.

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)


 Create a Calendar

While I don't need permission from my parents anymore, I do need to be cognizant of dates, especially when it comes to invitations. The first thing I do every year is create a color-coded calendar template. As a visual person, this document helps me see the entire year laid out so I know what rotation I am on, what holidays and birthdays are coming up, and other important events like weddings, fellowship interviews, and on this day next year my residency graduation!

Lucky you, I have included a FREE version of this template HERE: FREE 2019-2020 CALENDAR TEMPLATE

I recommend downloading it on your computer as the formatting may be distorted on your phone.

Click to download the full FREE Calendar Template
To learn more about how you can personalize the calendar, check out my previous post: Maximize Your Time With Minimalism

Set a Timer

The second thing I do is set timers. My friend taught me this and I love it. If I want to clean my apartment, I set a time for 30 minutes with the goal of getting as much done within that time period. When it goes off, my task is as complete as it is going to be for that day and I can move on to the next thing. It's like the ultimate driver of efficiency.

Write a To-Do List

There is something so satisfying about checking off items on a to-do list. It's like celebrating a little accomplishment. Post-It notes have become my best friend when it comes to putting these together but I also like to use the "Stickies" app on my computer. Of course, anything important like a call shift at the hospital, I make sure to add to the Reminder and Calendar apps on my phone.

Learn to Say No
I do have a habit of over-committing myself because it is so hard for me to say no. I've found myself needing to be in two places at once, wishing I had Hermione Granger's Time-Turner. But over the years, I learned how valuable my time is and that if I commit to something, I want to give it 100%. I realized it's not fair to others when you are spread thin. Now, when I am asked to do something I know I won't be able to dedicate everything I have to, no matter how much I wish I could, I feel less guilty saying no.

Photo by Shanyn Fiske (www.shanynfiskephotography.com)
Dress by Jewul
It also helps that as a woman, we are physiologically better at multi-tasking than men based on the prevalence of connections across our brain hemispheres, which allows us to focus on more things at once.



One of the best multi-taskers I know is Shanyn Fiske. She is not only an amazing photographer, she is also a writer, professor, and entrepreneur. Check out her website at www.shanynfiskephotography.com and reach out for a chance to have her help share your story!

Leave a comment if you know of any other time management tips!
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Te Dejo Madrid

May 31, 2019

You know it's a great birthday celebration when...
As Shakira sings, Te dejo Madrid, I'm leaving you Madrid. Indeed, I may have left only a week ago but this city has made an everlasting mark on my heart and memories. From biking around the plazas to feasting on paella and churros, cheers-ing with sangria and soaking up the sun and views, this was an adventure of a lifetime.

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.
My friend Priyanca (@priyanca on Instagram) and I booked this girls trip as a last minute spontaneous birthday celebration.

Making our Vespa dreams come true. Dress by Kaufman Franco.

 We searched for the cheapest flights by looking at airports all around and not just Philly. As a result, we flew out of JFK nonstop with Iberia and American Airlines, having booked through Expedia (I even had some credit from last year's Iceland trip!). Going forward we each downloaded the apps Skyscanner and Hopper to keep an eye on future flight deals to plan our next adventure.

Embracing my inner Carrie Bradshaw in Retiro Park's Rose Garden. Skirt by Chicwish, shoes by Cole Haan.

I am a huge planner and loved putting together our itinerary, which I am excited to share with everyone. While we did not get to do everything including visit some of the restaurants or attend the Flamenco show, I felt like this was a great tentative schedule for any of you looking to visit Madrid. Thank you to everyone for all of your recommendations, including the Prado and Reina Sofia Museums (free entrance in the evenings)!

Thanks to the points on my Chase credit card, I booked a few tours while in the city. One of my favorite ways to see a new place is on a bike (we booked ours with BravoBike Tours). We cycled through all the main landmarks, learned a little bit of history, and got our exercise in (which made up for the 6.5-hour flight).
The Iconic Metropolis building

Hola Madrid!

Biking past the cathedrals

BRB office relocation to the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park. Dress by Shein. Shoes by Rothys.

Side note - the Chase Sapphire Preferred is literally the best credit card ever. Highly recommend it if you have a lot of upcoming travel plans (i.e. applying for residency and have interviews lined up all over the country). This credit card will practically pay for itself in the end. My biggest regret in medical school is not getting it during my fourth-year interviews. You can apply by clicking HERE and earn 60,000 bonus points.

We had enough time later in the week to make a trip through IBE Tours to one of the most dreamy places I have ever visited: Toledo. It was like El Greco’s painting had come to life. We even got to do a wine tasting.
This is not a painting. It's real. This is Toledo. I'm speechless.
Red, white, sparkling? My answer is yes.

 I love doing tours because you get to meet other incredible people and discover even more amazing places. Shoutout to our new friends Jess and Amanda, who introduced us to Dear Hotel Madrid's sky lounge Nice To Meet You. It was a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday with new and old friends.

A girls trip with one of your best friends means unforgettable memories! Dress by Yumi Kim.
I made sure to schedule in some downtime, which was perfect to enjoy all the amenities of our hotel. Pestana Hotel, located in Plaza Mayor, was brand new when we arrived, having opened one week prior.
The staff was so friendly and helpful. I wish this hotel was located in every country I visited!
We loved the location as it was within walking distance of everything including great restaurants and markets like the Mercado San Miguel (highly recommend trying some Gazpacho).

The Spanish love their eggplant fries and honey
Be sure to stop by Mercado San Miguel to try all the flavors of Madrid.
We booked through Expedia and got a great deal as they were running a grand opening promotion. I loved that the hotel included a rooftop pool with a view and a spa (including a sauna). 

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.
Of course, one of the best parts was the breakfast buffet in their beautiful terrace restaurant.

We ate like royalty including endless coffees in whatever style we wanted, eggs served however we wanted and a delicious assortment of fruits, pastries, meats, and cheeses.


When it comes to travel hacks for packing, the two most helpful tips I can offer are: compression bags and a foldable backpack (Amazon has some great options). These two came in handy when fitting everything in our luggage and even later for visiting the parks and plazas.
My favorite spot in all of Madrid was hands down the Crystal Palace in Retiro Park (free entrance to the park and palace). Made as a greenhouse for plants from the Philippines, it is now part of the Reina Sofia Museum, housing a variety of installations and exhibitions.
Looking back, I wish we had a little more time to explore - I’d love to have toured inside the palace and catch a Flamenco show. I could spend a year in Spain and still not see it all. I guess that just means we will have to return soon!

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Mother's Day Giveaway

May 12, 2019



Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there who work endlessly, love unconditionally and care tirelessly for their families. What better way to say I love you than with these beautiful luxury real roses from Rosier Fleur that last all year? Keep reading to learn how you can win your own bouquet in a giveaway.

Special shout out to my mother, who taught me everything I know (minus anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, histology, etc). But really, I owe my life to this woman and cannot thank her enough for everything she has done to help me get to where I am today. I often don't post about my family because it is the one part of my life I find sacred and special, a piece of myself I want just for myself to keep private and treasure. But today, the world deserves to know how great my mom is!



My mother graduated from high school at sixteen, went to college earning a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, a Masters in Communication and an Advanced Graduate degree in Marketing. Subsequently, she partnered with a friend to start their own healthcare marketing research company, building an empire until she eventually sold it. Retiring at a young age, she threw herself into her love of pottery, teaching, and family and to this day never fails to remind me of when I am due for a car inspection, dentist appointment, license renewal, tax return, voting ballot, and so many more things life can throw at us. She has the entire Superman Introduction theme memorized, probably because she is a superhero herself, she loves singing songs about random things like housework and birds, her favorite animal is the turtle, and when she's not working on the wheel, she's learning Spanish by watching telenovelas. Her leadership and entrepreneurial characteristics, combined with her creativity, intellectual curiosity, and love of life have shaped me into who I am today: a physician, an MBA student, a lifestyle blogger, a social media creator, and a daughter who loves her mother.

And to share that love with all of you #vitastics, I am partnering with Rosier Fleur to gift one lucky winner their own luxury rose box to last all year. This company offers beautiful arrangements of preserved roses and other flowers so you can show how much you care for someone all year long. The flowers do not need any maintenance as they do not require water or sunlight, just a nice place to fill your home with color and beauty. Check out their website at www.rosierfleur.com and use promo code DRCOLE for 10% off your order. Keep reading to find out how to enter!



To enter this giveaway,

1. Follow me on Instagram at doctor.cole
2. Follow Rosier Fleur on Instagram at rosiefleur
3. Like my Mother's Day rose bouquet photo
4. Tag a friend!

Random winner will be announced at end of day on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. One entry per person.

Disclaimer: Per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered, or oassociated with Instagram, Inc. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility, and agree to Instagram's terms of use. This post is sponsored by Rosier Fleur.

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