A Learning Experience

This week, I had three research interviews, in which I learned an incredible amount of information on the field of obstetrics and gynecology and advice that could aid my original work. Foremost, I interviewed Dr. Evelina Alcalen, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas at Southwestern and a physician in the OB/GYN ER. Dr. Alcalen was incredibly welcoming and knowledgable and gave me a tour of the OB/GYN ER and the wards which was fascinating and gave me a deeper insight into the life of an OB/GYN. I enjoyed the fact that unlike my other interviewees, Dr. Alcalen was a professor and she had years of experience teaching obstetrics and gynecology, which would make her an amazing mentor if she accepted the position as she would be able to explain complex concepts and the facets of the field to me as she would to one of her current students. Additionally, I interviewed Dr. Steven Bloom, the head of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at UT Southwestern. Although Dr. Bloom does not practice daily, he manages the division and makes sure that both the women of North Texas and those attending UT Southwestern receive the finest obstetric and gynecological care. His passion for the profession and helping people shined as he discussed how proud he was to lead Obstetrics and Gynecology and the impact Parkland was making on disadvantaged populations. Lastly, I interviewed with Dr. Jessica Shepherd of Baylor Scott and White Dallas Women's Health, and it was so unique to interview her as in addition to her practice, she also keeps up with TV appearances. This makes her schedule incredibly busy, but she told me how she relies on good time management techniques and keeps herself focused to stay on track. I have learned so much from my past eight interviews and I truly hope to find a mentor this week out of the candidates I've interviewed so far.