How do you manage to stay balanced and healthy in spite of the busy med school schedule?

I always make time for myself and the things I like to do OUTSIDE of school.  Even if I am a little stressed about the workload and feel like I might not have enough time to get everything done, I always make time for exercising, socializing, listening to music, watching a good (or arguably bad) movie, volunteering, or any number of other recreational activities.  By forcing myself to do things that I enjoy away from school, I keep myself grounded and better able to use the time I have left for studying in a more effective manner.      

What’s the most important piece of advice you would give to an incoming MS1? 

I would tell an incoming MS1 to study hard, but to be absolutely sure that they play hard as well.  I would let them know that the material is difficult, but that it is completely manageable and that having a life outside of medical school to pursue their other interests is essential to maintaining balance. 

Tell us one of your favorite memories from your first year of med school in the form of a haiku!

Dissecting body
Al yawns, Mike flicks fascia and
She swallows it.  Gross.

If you could be any element on the periodic table which would you be and why? 

I would be aluminum (Al for those of you who know me), because I am adaptable to new situations, nontoxic, insoluble in alcohol (unless you’re serving me Jello shots, apparently), and I really know how to heat things up.  Plus, I can cook a mean loaded potato. 

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

I would eat sweet potatoes, seriously.  There is no better moment in the world than the moment I know I am going to get to eat some good sweet potato.  Roast them, broil them, microwave them, grill them, do anything you like to them (including leave them raw), and I will love them all the same.  Greatest food item EVER. 

Give us your favorite first year “one-liner”.

“Feel your ulnar nerve running around your medial epicondyle...it hurts so good.” –Dr. Kernick