In addition, we have been featured by the American Medical Women's Association and are building strong connections with other Instagram influencers in the outdoor and medical industries around the globe. Some of our favorite supporters are an Orthopedic Surgeon in Vancouver, a female angler and cardiologist in Denver, along with another cardiologist in Texas! This platform has grown into a way to connect healthcare communities and outdoor communities. Through this, we have been able to bridge gaps between these communities, in efforts to help each other understand how we interact with our world, our peers, and ourselves.
At first, we had small businesses sending us company stickers to put on our saltwater stripping baskets. This quickly turned into larger companies sending us all sorts of gear, like SPF shirts, an abundance of hats, and homemade flies. We now have formed partnerships with prestigious fly rod and fly reel companies, including Cheeky Outdoors and Handmade rods from Maine Fly Company. We have worked with their chief marketing officers to develop future roll outs featuring the Fishin' Physicians. All of this means we get to use high end gear without having to worry about breaking the medical school loan bank! The best part about these sponsorships is the understanding of who we truly are - medical students. We have intentionally accepted partnerships with companies who align with our goals as physicians and have similar moral grounds in supporting population health.
For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with fish. Growing up, my dad would soak bait on the beach and I would insist on holding two baitfish, one in each hand, during naptime under the umbrella. However, it was not until college where my passion for it took off. I worked the summers on Martha’s Vineyard, and each hour away from work was an hour I spent chasing fish, catching blue claw crabs, or digging shellfish. I eventually got to know many of the commercial and recreational anglers on the island, some of whom have become close friends and mentors, both for fishing and for life. The science of fishing and welcoming fishing communities are undoubtedly why this sport became a large part of my life.
Fly fishing, similar to medicine, is a stunning blend of an art and a science. It is this overlay which I find beautiful and has positioned fly fishing as my main outlet from the rigors of medical school. Switching gears from studying to tying flies allows me to delve into my more creative side.