Shadow Me Next! - 5 - Transforming Aspirations into Medical Reality, a Journey to Becoming an Emergency Room Attending Physician | Blaire Banfield, MD

5 - Transforming Aspirations into Medical Reality, a Journey to Becoming an Emergency Room Attending Physician | Blaire Banfield, MD

12/30/24 • 41 min

Join us as Dr. Blaire Banfield, an emergency medicine attending physician, shares her extraordinary journey from aspiring psychologist to a life-saving ER physician. Discover how her experiences in neuropsychology, working with dementia and Parkinson’s patients, ignited her passion for medicine and prompted her to pursue medical school at Harvard and the University of Florida. Blaire's narrative offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs faced along the way, proving that dedication and resilience can pave the way to achieving your dreams.
Dr. Banfield's story doesn't just stop at medical school. She unveils the rigorous yet rewarding world of medical training, from her experiences as a medical assistant and hospital tech to the whirlwind of completing her medical degree in 2020. Blaire provides a candid reflection on the nuances of medical school, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's career with personal passions and the critical role of hands-on experience. Her insights paint a vivid picture of the emotional and physical demands of becoming a physician, balanced by moments of profound fulfillment.
Finally, step into the dynamic world of emergency medicine as Dr. Banfield describes the unpredictable nature of night shifts in a community hospital's ER. She shares practical advice for pre-health students and residents, underscores the significance of teamwork in emergency care, and highlights the personal sacrifices required in this demanding field. As you listen, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience needed to thrive in healthcare and the incredible reward of making a tangible difference in patients' lives.
Considering a Postbaccalaureate Pre-medical Program? Here is more information:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-student-well-being/considering-postbaccalaureate-premedical-program

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4 - Breaking Misconceptions: the Realities of Healthcare in Corrections with a Registered Nurse | Gaby Garrido, RN

Join us as we explore the compelling world of corrections nursing with Gabby, a dedicated registered nurse who never anticipated working in a prison setting. Her path to nursing was unexpected, sparked by a personal health crisis and the compassionate care of a nurse who changed her perspective on healthcare. Gabby invites us into her journey from aspiring physical therapist to nurse, sharing insights into the educational routes available, the challenges of nursing school, and the immense value of hands-on experience early in a nursing career. Her narrative underscores the essential role of mentorship, the profound impact of supportive clinical instructors, and the strong bonds formed among students facing similar trials.
Gabby’s story offers a unique glimpse into the day-to-day life of a corrections nurse, where the stakes are high, and the responsibilities vast. She sheds light on the complex medical emergencies she faces, the necessity of building supportive relationships with corrections officers, and the delicate balance between providing compassionate care and adhering to stringent security protocols. Through her experiences, Gabby emphasizes the mutual respect that can develop between inmates and healthcare professionals, highlighting the often misunderstood but crucial role of corrections nursing in the broader healthcare system.
In our conversation, we uncover the challenges and rewards of providing healthcare in a correctional setting. Gabby reveals the unexpected consideration and cooperation often shown by inmates, and the critical importance of maintaining professionalism and empathy in such an environment. We also address common misconceptions about working in corrections, emphasizing the need to treat each patient with dignity while maintaining professional boundaries. This episode promises to provide invaluable insights into a field that might be overlooked, yet plays a vital role in the healthcare landscape.

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6 - Building Community and Education in Medicine, an interview with a Primary Care Physician Assistant | Jessica Murray, PA-C

Transitioning from PA school to a thriving family medicine practice isn't just a career shift; it's a journey filled with both hurdles and triumphs. In our latest episode, we bring you the inspiring story of Jessica Murray, a dedicated family medicine Physician Assistant making her mark in a small Florida town. Jessica opens up about the challenges she faced during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic and how she found empowerment by emphasizing the importance of community support and self-reflection. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and relationships in building a fulfilling medical career.
We also explore the multifaceted experiences that come with gap years and their critical role in shaping personal and professional identity in healthcare. Jessica shares her insights on maintaining a healthy balance between personal life and career demands, offering thoughtful advice for aspiring PAs. Her anecdotes about the pressures of clinical rotations and the strength found in community support provide a candid look at the realities of medical training. Mentorship emerges as a pivotal theme, with supportive preceptors playing a key role in guiding her journey and shaping her approach to patient care and teamwork.
In her current role, Jessica is excited about the potential of group medicine visits to enhance patient education and empowerment, demonstrating her commitment to patient-centered care. Her unique path to a collaborative healthcare setting highlights the benefits of a supportive and diverse medical team. Through her experiences, she underscores the significance of aligning career choices with personal values and fostering a supportive work environment, offering invaluable insights for anyone pursuing a meaningful path in medicine.

Shadow Me Next! - 5 - Transforming Aspirations into Medical Reality, a Journey to Becoming an Emergency Room Attending Physician | Blaire Banfield, MD

Transcript

Ashley00:00:01.020

Hello and welcome to Shadow Me Next , a podcast where I take you into and behind the scenes of the medical world to provide you with a deeper understanding of the human side of medicine . I'm Ashley , a physician assistant and the creator of Shadow Me Next . It's my goal to introduce you to incredible members of the healthcare field and uncover their unique stories , the joys and c