Our wedding day , with Centre College in the background . Our graduation from medical school .
“ That was a pivotal moment for me . Once I embraced the idea that it was ‘ okay ’ to pursue the same profession as my father , everything began to fall into place . The path ahead seemed to clear , and I found myself excelling in my studies and later in my specialty of psychiatry . Everything felt easy , natural and profoundly right .”
Dr . Briscoe and Kristi , who specialized in pediatrics , navigated the residency Match process together and were both pleased to stay in Louisville . The University of Louisville Psychiatry Residency Program was a perfect match for him , aligning seamlessly with his previous educational experiences and his desire to possibly pursue private practice locally . “ UofL ' s Department of Psychiatry is profoundly dedicated to its residents and to fostering individualized learning ,” Dr . Briscoe noted . “ I had an outstanding experience and formed lasting relationships with the attending physicians . My time as a resident was fulfilling beyond my expectations .”
After finishing residency in 2010 , Dr . Briscoe worked on faculty at UofL for a little while , but ultimately knew he wanted to do private practice , and in 2012 opened the doors at NextStep2MentalHealth . Flexible schedules , both for the patients and others in the practice , were a major factor for him when opening . They offer early morning hours and at least one evening per week . This not only accommodates the lifestyles of more patients , but also a work-life balance for his team . When his kids ’ sports schedules come out , for example , he can be a present parent without letting down patients or placing a burden on another physician in the practice .
During his residency , research into mood disorders emerged
as an unexpected area of interest for him . However , his deepest passion remains exploring the intersection of faith and mental illness . “ Persons of faith who struggle with depression may sometimes misinterpret the etiology of their struggles as purely spiritual . Educating them about the medical and psychological factors , while being present as they seek to understand their mental health within the context of their faith experiences , can be immensely meaningful and beneficial .”
As had become a theme in their lives , things shifted once again when Kristi joined the practice in 2014 . Previously working in general pediatrics , she developed an interest in ADHD , partly due to an unexpected diagnosis in one of their children . Pursuing this newfound interest , she undertook additional training and collaborated closely with the child psychiatrists in the practice . She now thrives in her role , providing focused treatment for ADHD in children and adolescents , which includes extensive coaching for parents . The overlap in their professional interests made her integration into the practice a natural fit .
“ In cases of ADHD , medication is only about 10 % of the treatment . The rest involves how we respond to a child who ' s struggling ,” he said . “ Kristi primarily sees the children , but often , the parents realize they might also have ADHD because of its genetic nature and start seeking consultations with me . I had received only modest training on ADHD during my residency , but suddenly , I found myself becoming the go-to person . We had to figure out how to offer comprehensive care , involving coaches and additional resources .”
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