Looking Toward My Future
November 16, 2019
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?
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?
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.
Young, Scrappy, and Hungry
September 28, 2019
With all that is happening in the news today, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to reflect on our roots. Living in the birthplace of America, surrounded by history, has helped me gain a better understanding of the intricacies of our country, the founding fathers, and the Constitution.
When my parents came to visit last week, I wanted to show off Philadelphia in a way that paid homage to its history while exploring the city’s prevalent culture and arts. I hoped to show them how magical Philadelphia can be outside the typical tourist landmarks. It just so happened that the Forrest Theater has all of that and more with its current performance of the renowned musical Hamilton.
“Look into your eyes, and the sky's the limit, I'm helpless!” - Eliza Schuyler
That is exactly how I felt watching the play except instead of being helpless I was speechless. To describe how incredible this play is, you just have to experience it for yourself.
As the first operatic type rap that brings to life its namesake's "young, scrappy, and hungry" American hero, Hamilton is unlike anything I have ever seen before. Despite listening to the soundtrack since its release, nothing could have prepared me for the amazing talent of Lin Manuel Miranda‘s lyrics and the Broadway cast. The play was inspired by historian Ron Chernow’s book Alexander Hamilton (next on my list of audiobooks).
My sister and I agreed to surprise our parents with the tickets. They had no idea, I told them we were going to an “arts and history event.” They were stunned in the best possible way!
So if you have not seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Act now or, as Hamilton would say, don’t throw away your shot! Click HERE for tickets - available until November 17. If you get a chance, definitely listen to the soundtrack.
Welcome to Downton
September 22, 2019
“I don’t argue, I explain.” - Violet Crawley
This was just one of my favorite quotes from the new Downton Abbey movie:
Last weekend I surprised my parents with a signature afternoon high tea in true British fashion at the lovely Mary Cassatt Tea Room in the posh Rittenhouse Hotel.
Located at the western corner of Rittenhouse Square, the tea room lives up to the prestigious Impressionist artist of its namesake. We found ourselves in a luxurious and relaxing oasis complete with a harpist. The seats overlooked a charming garden terrace too. The menu offered so many delicious smelling teas, from a creamy Earl Grey called Duchess First Love to a classic organic Chamomile. I chose their new Azul tea, which with a lemon squeeze changed color from blue to purple in a fascinating chemical reaction with the butterfly pea flower tea ingredient.
Of course, what is tea without some crumpets? We thoroughly enjoyed the assortment of canapés and tea sandwiches curated by executive chef Jon Cichon of the hotel’s restaurant Lacroix. Selections included tuna tartare, egg salad, a trio of scones (with strawberry jam, Devonshire cream, and lemon curd), verbena raspberry tart, and more. Needless to say, we were quite satiated afterward.
But while our stomachs were full, our hearts were still yearning for the characters of our beloved show, Downton Abbey. Lucky for us, the tea included three advanced screening tickets to the movie!
We had a blast watching the revival of our favorite story lines. The show ended so beautifully we worried the movie might not live up to the rest of the series and we were happily proven wrong.
If you are a Downton Abbey fan, which if you aren’t you should be, then do not miss this movie! And for the full experience, check out the Rittenhouse Hotel’s Afternoon Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room.
If you are a Downton Abbey fan, which if you aren’t you should be, then do not miss this movie! And for the full experience, check out the Rittenhouse Hotel’s Afternoon Tea at the Mary Cassatt Tea Room.
(PS: thank you to my friend Mimi for the recommendation)
5 Minutes With Me
August 3, 2019
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| 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...
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| 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.
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.
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| 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.
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