Volunteer Profile: Tim Shea, M.S.

by Sean Parrish
SDN Staff Writer

SDN contributor Tim Shea (Therapist4Chnge) is currently in his fourth year of a PsyD in Clinical Psychology and his second year of a MS in Clinical Psychopharmacology at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Tim received a BA in Psychology from Goucher College in Baltimore, MD and an MS in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. When not dividing his time between his studies, providing mentoring to the SDN community or indulging in his love of piano and photography, Tim also hosts a website - Struggling With Food (www.strugglingwithfood.com) - that provides information about eating disorders.

In a recent interview, Tim spoke about his life, the challenges of clinical psychology, and the need for education about eating disorders. Read more »

The Pre-Health Curriculum: Beyond Math & Science

By Sneha Mantri
SDN Staff Writer

For any college student, finding interesting courses to fulfill graduation requirements can be a difficult task. For pre-health students, choices have historically been limited; humanities courses were often perceived as having little in common with the health professions.

Recently, however, undergraduate institutions have begun to reflect the general trend toward the integration—not the separation—of health and the humanities. Read more »

Family Medicine: Challenges for the Solo Physician

By Elizabeth Losada
SDN Staff Writer

The family physician, in the eyes of many medical students, is a solo physician with a comprehensive practice that treats patients over their entire lifespan. While this type of practice is possible, solo physicians, especially those in urban and suburban areas, are facing many challenges as they try to sustain full-scope solo practice in today’s healthcare climate.

Family medicine was born as a specialty in the early 1970’s in response to the increasing specialization of American physicians following World War II. The number of U.S. physicians who designated themselves as “general practitioners” decreased from 79.2% in 1938 to 17.3% in 1970, while self-designated “specialists” increased from 20.8% to 75.7%1. The specialty was designed to train physicians who would provide general medical services for patients of all ages, and would treat patients in an emotionally supportive manner that was consistent with the values of the patients’ community. Read more »

Choosing a Lender for Loan Consolidation

by Barbara Swichtenberg
SDN Staff Writer

There are many lenders competing to meet your federal student loan needs, all with different terms and benefits. Which one is right for you? There are a few things you should know to help you choose.

Choosing a Lender for your Stafford and PLUS Loans

You have filled out your FAFSA and received your award letter — now it’s time to pick a lender. If your school is a Direct school you can only get your loans from Uncle Sam. This takes away the burden of choosing a lender but Direct loans do not offer much in the way of repayment incentives after you graduate. Read more »

Career Spotlight: Podiatric Sports Medicine

Most of us grow up emulating sports figures or great athletes like Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, or Peyton Manning. But once we put aside our aspirations to be just “like Mike,” we realize that pursuing a career in sports medicine is one great way to combine a love of sports with a career in medicine.

In podiatric medicine, a number of avenues are available to doctors to pursue both the love of sports and a degree in medicine. Many podiatrists, who practice sports medicine, for example, were once athletes, so they are familiar with the devastating effect an injury can have on an athlete.  Many sports medicine podiatrists are also involved with teams on all levels, from high school teams to professional organizations.  Read more »

20 Questions: Eva Markham, Ed.D.

Eva R. Markham, Ed.D. is a psychologist with the Weisskopf Child Evaluation Center of the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY. Dr. Markham is also assistant professor of pediatrics in the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville and her Masters degree from the University of Evansville. In 2000, she completed her doctorate from the University of Louisville. Dr. Markham is also an ordained minister and assistant rector of Resurrection Episcopal Church in Louisville.

1. What is your primary area of practice?

I now primarily work with children and adolescents and their families. The focus of our center is on individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism and tourette’s disorder, but much of our practice also deals with complex emotional and behavioral disorders. Read more »

Volunteer Profile: Amy B. Fought

By Juliet Farmer

Amy B. Fought, SDN user name Amy B, was a freelance photographer before attending medical school. Born in Chicago and raised predominantly in Rich Creek, Virginia, Fought is currently finishing her MSIII year in medical school with the goal of becoming a DO.

At the age of 41, Fought says that in her free time, she still enjoys photography, as well as spending time with her family. For now, her days are spent doing rotations at various locations from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though she says it all depends on what rotation she’s on.

“For Internal Medicine, I started at 6 a.m. and sometimes didn’t get done until 7 p.m.,” Fought notes. “Just depends on where you are, what you are doing, how many patients you have and what your preceptor is like to work with.” Read more »

Interview Preparation (Part I): Interview Advice Column

By Jeremiah Fleenor, MD, MBA, author of The Medical School Interview: Secrets and a System for Success

“Never discourage anyone…who continually makes progress…”
Plato (427 BC - 347 BC)

When I look around, everything tells me fall is in the air: school is back in session, the weather is becoming slightly cooler and the smell of OChem lab lingers on my clothes. If you’re half the dork I am, the smell of a new textbook is a welcome aroma. It represents a fresh start and being one step closer to becoming a physician.

All of these indicate there is another interview season upon us. Accordingly, this two-part series is dedicated to helping prospective medical students prepare for upcoming interviews. Read more »

Clinical Rotations: Dealing with Conflict

by Alison Hayward, MD

Nearly every medical student, at some point during training, will have a negative encounter with someone higher up on the ladder. One of the most difficult aspects of medical school is the vulnerability of medical students to criticism or disciplinary action due to these types of encounters. These situations can lead to the most dreaded of outcomes – a negative comment in your dean’s letter or file.

Your skills in interacting with others will be put to the test not only with patients, but also with physicians and support staff.  Oftentimes, a perceived offense to the ancillary personnel can be particularly damning, because physicians often have close relationships with these staff members.

This can also work in your favor: getting in the good graces of the rest of the staff can help secure a favorable impression on your supervisors. Remember, some attendings may be quite removed from your daily activities as a medical student. If this is the case, they may count on secondhand reports from other staff members as part of your evaluation. Read more »

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