NYCPM

* 𝕊𝕥𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕪 *⠀
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This week we're featuring both 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗶 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻, current MS1s, and roommates! ⠀
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𝗦𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗶: Medicine has always been a huge part of my life. I was born with a congenital heart defect and grew up visiting the hospital a few times a year for check-ups. I was cared for by the best cardiac team and their kindness was what inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. Furthermore, I grew up playing volleyball and I was exposed to sports medicine through playing both school and club volleyball. While I grew up knowing I wanted a career in medicine, sports medicine was what made me realize I wanted to be a doctor. As I went off to college, I became involved in a premed org and spent many hours shadowing different specialties. Each specialty reaffirmed my decision in pursuing medicine and while I enjoyed shadowing the various sports medicine physicians in Austin, it wasn’t until I shadowed a podiatrist that I truly found a field that I loved. I Ioved that while podiatry was incredibly specialized, it also offered so much diversity! I love that podiatry offers me the opportunity to pursue both surgery and sports medicine along with other subspecialties.⠀
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𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗮: I have played competitive soccer since the age of three. I feel like I differ from a lot of students in that I didn’t grow up wanting to go into medicine. I grew up obsessed with soccer and that passion drove me towards my childhood dream of playing Division 1 soccer in college. Once I got to college, I realized that soccer couldn’t realistically be my career, so I explored various healthcare professions that still incorporated my passion for competitive athletics. The possibility of pursuing sports medicine is what initially drew me towards podiatry. Needless to say, I encountered many injuries localized to the lower extremity growing up as an athlete. Getting back to playing soccer was always my primary concern and I was always grateful for the individuals that helped me get back to what I love. (The rest continued in comments!)

* 𝕊𝕥𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕪 *⠀
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Meet 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀, MPH, current MS4, Deans List Honor Student, Previous Student Association President. ⠀
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“I always knew I wanted to go into medicine. As an athlete growing up, I knew the negative impact injuries could have. Throughout high school and the beginning of my college years at Fairfield University, I shadowed a variety of different specialties. During my freshman year of college, a family friend recommended I check out Podiatry since I was very interested in surgery and sports medicine. That’s what I did and I never looked back! I was intrigued by the variety of pathologies you see on a daily basis ranging from simple routine podiatrist care, sports medicine, trauma, dermatologic conditions, etc. I began first year at NYCPM the fall after I graduated from undergrad in 2017.⠀
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Fast forward to 4th year and externships which are are stressful, but a good kind of stress. The amount you learn and the experience you gain is amazing and everyone not at this stage yet has so much to look forward to! You’ll see new places, meet new people, challenge yourself, and gain a ton of knowledge that will stick with you forever. It is definitely a challenge with COVID, however, the schools and residency programs are doing a great job to ensure our education keeps on going while keeping us safe at the same time. My biggest advice to any new students coming into Podiatry is to work hard, but also get involved and enjoy every moment. Time flies and clinical rotations will be here before you know it!”⠀
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* 𝕊𝕥𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕊𝕡𝕠𝕥𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕄𝕠𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕪 *⠀
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Meet 𝗟é𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹, current MS2, Deans List Honor Student and President of Class of 2023. ⠀
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“I always knew that I wanted to become a physician. I was first exposed to podiatry when I worked in the emergency room as a scribe. Simultaneously, I was getting my public health masters degree, and volunteering as the manager for a diabetes research project in Haiti, which is a topic very dear to my heart. I quickly learned the importance and significant impact of the podiatric field, and ever since, worked to become a part of it. Last, but not least, I developed an affinity for surgical procedures through a simulation in medicine internship. I am grateful for all of theses experiences which allowed me to narrow down what type of physician I want to become. On top of everything else, I realized that as a future podiatric doctor, I want my patients to always leave my practice with a smile on their face, in a field where I can heal them medically, surgically, or both, all while emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine.⠀
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Being an MS2 so far has been full of surprises. I did not expect to have to follow classes from home due to the covid pandemic. But I learned the importance of adjusting, and the power of technology. The show must go on. I know how important pre-clinical years are, and I like my classes so far. I’m also aware that I have to study hard, but I am definitely looking forward to seeing my very first patient. Applying what I learn and bringing it all to life sounds terrifying, yet exciting. Thankfully third year is not too far away!” ⠀
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