Alumni Focus

DMS Alumni Prescribe Advice to Students

All Photos by Lisa Norlander, DMS '07

As DMS students look forward to careers in medicine, many admit that they see a few clouds of uncertainty in their otherwise bright futures. Some contend with nagging questions about the transition from medical school to a full-time residency, the fastest way to pay off loans, how to balance a career and a home life, or the ideal time to start a family. Second-year students Paul Anderson, Annmarie Reich and Ellen Whitney were unable to find suitable resources that could address these and other concerns so they took matters into their own hands. With the help of the offices of Student and Multicultural Affairs and Alumni Relations, they invited several DMS alumni and their spouses to return to school on February 3 to offer candid advice and share secrets on how to "have a life" with a life in medicine.

From left, Lynn Swett Miller, Dr. Elizabeth Friedman, DMS '92 (standing), Dr. Donald Miller, DMS '91, Dr. Maria Padin, DMS '92, and Dr. Sharon McBeth, DMS '81.

Moderator Dr. Lori Arviso Alvord, associate dean of student and multicultural affairs welcomed a crowd of DMS students, their spouses and children to the event, "Striking the Balance Between Hospital and Home: Real Stories, Real Struggles." She set the tone for the evening by speaking about her personal decisions that would eventually lead to a rewarding career at DMS. Dr. Alvord also emphasized that a strong focus on recreation, whether racing sailboats or taking ice hockey lessons with her children, enables her to stay close to her family despite her busy schedule as a surgeon and administrator.

Dr. Donald Miller, DMS '91, and his wife Lynn, discussed their difficulty finding an area where the entire family could thrive socially and professionally. After moving seven times in 10 years, the couple said they have finally found their ideal environment. "It's important to figure out what the drivers are in your life," Dr. Miller told the students. "Some people are driven professionally and want to live near the best research opportunities, others are driven economically and want to earn the maximum salary and others may simply want to live where they can kayak everyday. Once we figured out that we wanted a sense of place near our families in New England, we stopped moving and headed full circle back to New Hampshire." His wife, Lynn, added that one exercise that especially cemented their partnership was following her husband around the hospital for a day, opening her eyes to the challenges and rewards he faces at work.

For Dr. Sharon McBeth, DC '78/DMS '81, two criteria became a priority when deciding where to move following her residency. She was interested in a culturally diverse area and she wanted to live somewhere that wasn't "so cold all the time." She is content with her decision to move across the country to Long Beach, California where, she pointed out with a grin, the average temperature is 77 degrees. Now a laser surgeon, Dr. MacBeth said she is to able serve her patients in a way that she never considered when she graduated from DMS and encouraged others to be flexible when new career opportunities appear.

In addition to advice on selecting a nurturing environment, several panelists offered tips to manage a career, a family and social life within a 24-hour day. Discussing the challenges of a medical career, Dr. Maria Padin, DMS '92 said, plan for as much as you can and then expect to deal with things you can't plan for. "It's important that you don't take too much on, or you'll set yourself, and your family, up for disappointment," she told the students. She also noted that, contrary to popular belief, patients may not necessarily be the top priority in a doctor's life. Speaking for herself, Dr. Padin she said that her children come first, her patients second, and admitted that she comes third, which prompted a few knowing chuckles from the other panelists.

Addressing a topic that seemed to be on the minds of several couples in the audience, most panelists echoed Dr. Padin's feelings that "there is never a convenient time to have children. You just do it." The key, they said, is to stay flexible and have a supportive partner. Dr. Elizabeth Friedman, DMS '92, praised the various sacrifices her husband has made through the years, contending with multiple moves during residencies, fellowships and accommodating her fluctuating schedule to take care of their kids. While Dr. Friedman admitted that it has not always been easy on him, she emphasized that constant communication with him and the children has eased the burden significantly.

Betsy Peron carried that message further by encouraging spouses to pursue their own careers, despite the struggles inherent in following medical opportunities around the country. Her husband, Dr. Andrew Perron, '91 wanted to make it clear that while there are certainly hardships and time management issues that hamper a career in medicine, "we, as doctors, have one of the most rewarding careers in the world," and for him and his family, it has been worth all the challenges they face. His wife, Betsy ended the evening with one note of caution; "Don't bother to bring up an important conversation after your partner comes home after a double shift at the hospital," she advised. "It will not be a fruitful discussion."

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