Hello! Chao! Hola! Hei! Bonjour! I'm glad you're considering Emergency Medicine at University of Maryland Medical Center!
I'm a Maryland native, having grown up in Silver Spring, MD and then attended University of Maryland, College Park...as we say, "Fear the Turtle!" Thereafter, I took 2 years off to live abroad in Norway, to travel, and to work in an ER as a scribe as well as conducting clinical research in Baltimore. I then moved to Philadelphia to attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, which provided a different, exciting experience. Now, I'm happy to be back in my native state and in a new city!
A few things about me and need-to-knows:
1) As you already have noticed, I love learning languages and about new cultures. Ideally, I'd like to become fluent in 5 in my lifetime...English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Norwegian and French. :)
2) Mountains and ocean are my fave! We do have the ocean nearby and there are some awesome hiking trails as well.
3) When picking a residency, find one where you know you'll be happy for the next few years. EM is special in that it really is important to get along with your colleagues because you'll be working with them day and night. :)
4) As a fresh intern, everyone says theres a huge learning curve and it seems super scary/intimidating and these aspects are true, but it's A-OK...things always work out.
5) It's important to just learn as much as you can, be the best you can be (since you chose to invest this chunk of your life to becoming a doctor) and ultimately, you can make the residency what you want it to be for yourself. And always remember, have fun!
Emergency medicine is an exceptional specialty that allows diverse exposure and cultivates a wide knowledge base. We have an amazing new ED, great didactics with cadaver labs, and have many resources to cater to your niche. UMMC offers an awesome program with amazing faculty, staff and residents :) that not only will clinically challenge and prepare you, but also, will make you feel welcomed and part of the family.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and if you need a place to stay, let me know! :o)
International Emergency Medicine: Disaster; Health Systems Development
