of incredible mom surgeons , but the schedule of a surgeon is often more demanding and unpredictable . Plus , I didn ’ t want to enter into a seven-year residency and fellowship at that point . Family medicine was a way to still do what I loved , but also be present with my family .”
She moved back to the Midwest when she matched in Indianapolis at Community Health Network for residency . She appreciated that the program was unopposed , which meant not having to compete with OB for deliveries or with internal medicine to round on patients , giving them full access and a wide spectrum of training . In her second year of residency , the pandemic hit . What was previously a pretty even split of inpatient vs . outpatient work suddenly shifted to 100 % inpatient . Going into her third year in the heart of it all in July 2020 , the residents were taking on more and more .
“ We truly worked an average of 100 hours a week inpatient , and we had more responsibilities earlier on than we normally would have because of how much extra help they needed ,” she said . “ You hear about pandemics and epidemics in medicine throughout history , but to really experience one during your training was interesting . And it was sad . There was so much more death , and we really
learned quickly how to have end of life talks . We also learned what depression , frustration and suicidality look like for providers . We learned a lot outside of medicine , more on humanity and flexibility .”
During residency she also had her second son , Karter . While deciding where she would start her career , she looked to Louisville where her mom was now living . But more than Louisville , it was important to her to serve a community that was marginalized , including those with lower socioeconomic status .
“ The West End was my driving force , rather than the city as a whole . I did not interview anywhere that did not have a location in the West End ,” she said . “ Your zip code should not dictate whether or not you get quality care . I ’ m never going to work anywhere else other than in a population where there is true need for it .”
She practices with Norton CMA – West Broadway and said that even though it was her first job out of residency , it ’ s such a good fit that she also hopes it is her last . Their office is uniquely located within a YMCA , and the location can actually help with treatment plans . If a patient needs to add exercise to combat diabetes , for example , they can do that in the same building as their appointment , providing
( continued on page 36 )
May 2024 35