What attracted you to critical care internal medicine?
I was attracted to the Critical Care-Internal Medicine program because it truly put on an emphasis on my interest in critical care training. We were offered an opportunity to diversify our critical care experience into multiple subspecialty ICUs including neurosurgical, cardiovascular, and transplant intensive care units just to name a few. Working in multiple ICU settings allows us to work with various health care teams in a collaborative way including working closely with surgeons, and anesthesiologists With a broad learning experience, I feel that the CC-IM program sets its fellows up for success to work in the ever changing world of critical care.
Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for fellowship training?
I chose Mayo Clinic for fellowship because I wanted an opportunity to learn from leaders in the field. Every day I encounter consultants who are at the forefront of improving the practice of critical care medicine. It became evident on my interview day that the consultants here were invested in the education and success of their fellows. This has proven true day in and day out here. There is also a very collegial feel where I felt fellows were considered peers amongst the consultants. Here at Mayo Clinic, we are exposed to large variety of pathology that isn't matched anywhere in the world which only furthers the educational opportunities in the fellowship program.
What is it like living in Rochester, Minnesota?
Living in Rochester has been a pleasant surprise. I grew up in a big city and did residency in another big city, so I knew Rochester was going to be a change. Once I got here, I knew there was something special about this place. Mayo Clinic is at the center of it all, and you can see the impact and importance of it throughout the city. There is a great community feel, and because of that, many of your colleagues truly become your friends outside of work. The restaurant scene continues to expand. The city holds multiple festivals all summer long, and the beautiful landscapes and outdoor adventures Minnesota has to offer are right at your doorstep.
What are your future career plans?
In the future I’d like my focus to be on medical education in a large teaching hospital. We are given ample opportunities throughout fellowship to work on our teaching skills and put them to use amongst the residents and other fellows. I would like to take what I’ve learned, and mirror some of what I’ve seen from many of our great clinical educators to a hospital that also puts an emphasis on education.