In Search of a DO for Mentoring or Shadowing?

I just discovered that the American Osteopathic Association has a website that lists DO’s who are interested in being mentors. This would have been a great resource when I was an undergraduate student searching for a physician to shadow, but unfortunately I didn’t know it existed. It never hurts to build a good network of people who may be able to help you out in the future, so I definitely plan on utilizing it as a medical student. A few of my readers have also asked about ways to contact DO’s for shadowing opportunities, and I think this would be excellent for that. If you’re interested, the program is called the AOA iLearn Mentor Program, and the website is http://cf.osteopathic.org/iLearn/home.cfm. 

Feeling Loved :-)

My first stethoscope!!!!

I am so lucky to have an awesome man in my life who fully supports my dreams and who is not afraid to show he cares. This weekend, he surprised me with my first stethoscope and I love it! It even has my name engraved on it! I cannot wait to begin medical school in the fall. As the date approaches, things are definitely starting to feel real now, and I could not be any happier.

I am also starting to realize just how important it is to have people close to you that really do support you, and I am glad that I will have this when I start medical school. I have gotten pretty used to doing everything on my own, but I am definitely not against having a little help. Lately I have been reading things written by medical students, and it seems that the majority of them contribute their success to their significant others and/or family members. There also seems to be the consensus that it is good to have friends around from outside of the medical world as a way to stay grounded. I just have to remember to try and make time for time for life outside of school. Fortunately, I have a daughter who will help with that, so I am not too worried. Also, having parenting help will definitely be a new experience, but I only see positive things coming out of it in the long run. Anyway, it’s late and I don’t want to start rambling. I just wanted to show everyone my awesome gift, and I hope you all have a very productive and fantastic week!

Featured on Accepted.com!

Happy Monday!!!! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. Tonight's post will be a short one, but I am super excited that I was interviewed and featured on the Accepted.com blog. If you have time, please head on over to the site and check out my interview. They definitely asked me some interesting questions, and I thought it was kind of awesome being interviewed when I am usually the one trying to find people who I can interview for this blog. It's short, sweet, and to the point, so CLICK HERE to read the interview in its entirety. Hopefully you'll learn something new about me that you don't already know. 

Angela Green, DO

This week’s minority women in medicine highlight goes to Dr. Angela Green. She is a psychiatrist located in the Greater New Orleans area which isn’t too far from where I am currently located. Dr. Green also has an extremely busy schedule, so I am so grateful that she was able to take the time out of her busy day to answer a few questions for everybody. I was extremely excited to find another minority female DO that resided in my state, and I hope you all enjoy this interview.

Background Information:

Undergraduate Institution: Grambling State University

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Current Position: General Staff Psychiatrist

Year of Residency Completion: 2010

Dr. Green is a member of the following organizations: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; American Osteopathic Association, American Psychiatric Association

What made you want to become a physician?

I've always wanted to be a doctor especially after watching The Cosby Show...I wanted to be like Dr. Huxtable.

Were you a non-traditional student or re-applicant?

Reapplicant

Why did you choose to attend an osteopathic school?

While attending an MCAT prep program, students from osteopathic schools came and spoke to us. I also had a very close family friend who was a D.O. that mentored me, as well as my friend's brother who had just finished osteopathic school.

Why did you choose the specialty/field that you are in?

Initially I wanted to be an OB/GYN like Dr. Huxtable, but I fell in love with behavioral health during my 3rd year clinical rotations. It seemed that no matter what rotation I was on, I found myself doing psychiatric evaluations and paying attention to patients' social history.

How do you maintain a positive life-work balance?

I find a good balance between work and my life by leaving work at work instead of bringing it home, and by having a good support system that includes family, friends, and a life group from my church.

What advice do you have for entering medical students and other minority females pursuing medicine?

If a career in medicine is what you truly want, be prepared to study hard and make the necessary sacrifices...Always keep God number 1. Don't get so caught up in your work that you forget to enjoy the little joys in life. I don't have all the answers as it's all still fresh for me, but I'm open minded and enjoying life day by day.



DR. GREEN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME OUT OF YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE TO HELP OUT AND INSPIRE CURRENT AND FUTURE MEDICAL STUDENTS! I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HONEST AND STRAIGHT-FORWARD ANSWERS, AND I KNOW MY READERS WILL AS WELL. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST!

Are You Interested or Committed?

The picture above really spoke to me! In my opinion, anyone interested in becoming a physician should realize that medicine is a commitment and not just an interest. An interest is something you explore and get a feel for, but when the going gets tough there is always a back-up plan or a way to drop out. If you are truly committed to something, then there is no backing out. That means pushing through some difficult courses, jumping through necessary hoops in the admissions process, dealing with rejection, and even navigating the path alone.

Most physicians will tell you that if you can see yourself doing anything else, then do that instead. I have had a chance to explore many interests, and I cannot see myself doing anything else in life. I am committed to becoming a physician, and I will keep going even if that means enduring additional stress, more obstacles, and years of hard work. I know it will all be worth it in the end, but I am not naïve to the fact that it will not be easy getting to that point. There is no Plan B for me, and I am not willing to let anyone talk me out of my dreams. Even when faced with failure and rejection, I do not sit and make excuses. I take responsibility for my shortcomings and work to fix them in order to make myself better.

This post may come off as a bit of a rant, but it really amazes me how easily some people can give up on their goals. Committing to anything in life requires a ton of effort, and nothing good ever comes easy. I’ve also noticed that some of these same individuals are quick to blame others or a lack of handouts for their shortcomings. Realize that YOU are the only person who can achieve YOUR dreams, and do whatever it takes to fulfill that commitment to yourself. The end results will be that much more worth it.