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Name: Nick Contento Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: With several family members working in the healthcare field, I grew up watching the toll medicine can take on one's mind and body. I quickly learned that one cannot expect to take care of patients if their personal wellness is compromised. Family stories taught me that medicine can be a rewarding yet exhausting profession. I'm here to utilize URSMD resources to help my class refine and maintain our wellness strategies, now and for the rest of our careers, both for our sake and for our future patients' sakes. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I stay well in school by maintaining physical fitness. I'm an avid runner, gym-goer, and love to be outside camping, hiking, or playing sports like soccer or volleyball. I also enjoy cooking together with friends and trying out new recipes. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I'm a sucker for Fall activities in Rochester. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, fall festivals, hiking, haunted houses...you name it I've done it. |
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Name: Kiersten Flodman Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: As a public health major in undergrad, I became interested in studying how wellness and resilience are promoted in community spaces. After exploring how I maintain my own wellness, I wanted to take on this role to work towards making URSMD a community that promotes wellness for all of its members. The role we will enter as future medical professionals requires that we attend to our own wellness in order to take care of our patients. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I especially enjoy finding ways to stay active, including indoor cycling, hiking, rock climbing, taking walks, and volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding center. I adopted two cats who are great company. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Ice cream from Pittsford Dairy, paddle boarding at Bay Creek, visiting the Public Market, weekly shopping at Wegmans, biking along the Erie Canal, apple picking in the fall |
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Name: Bryan Redmond Representing: MD/PhD Motivation for joining this committee: My academic success is 100% the byproduct of the supports I receive at URSMD. Therapy from the University Counseling Center, exercise at the Student and Employee Gym, and direction and love from institutional and community mentors are only a few. I hope to not only provide critical feedback on behalf of the student body to these entities, but also hold their leadership accountable for making tangible changes to improve their services. Holla at me for all things wellness or fitness or yoga or Southern. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I am sort of a one-trick-wellness-pony. I put approximately 99% of my eggs into the “fitness” basket. I work out (or play basketball) about 5-7 times per week. It’s my method for decluttering my mind from a day in lab or clinic. Most recently, I have activated my Tiger vision and taken up golf. I primarily stick to the driving range because it’s the most cathartic. I would certainly be remiss if I did not recommend a little TV time. I am currently binging How to Get Away with Murder and The Mentalist. Lastly, in addition to the resources I mentioned in my motivation, do not underestimate the healing power of ordering your favorite meal, watching the bubbles roll down your windshield at the automatic car wash, or calling/spending time with a family member or loved one. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Lately it has been the driving range; most consistently it has been a beer with my buddies at Goodluck or Swan Dive |
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Name: Shannon Cleary Representing: Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I wanted to join the wellness committee because community is what has gotten me through moments of hardship and challenges throughout my life. Community comes in many shapes and forms, but I wanted to do what I could to support the medical school community as whole and our class in particular in continuing to have strong connections to each other and to ourselves—connections that will help us survive, thrive, and find joy in medical school and our lives beyond it. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Potlucks and campfires with friends, making time to cook for myself and others, going for runs along the canal, forgiving myself when I don't have the energy to go for runs on the canal, weekends in the Adirondacks, board games and ice cream Fridays, making time to listen to music every day. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: One of my favorite places in Rochester is the garden in my backyard. It’s a place that I get to take care of and a place that takes care of me. I love that it helps me get outside every day and it's been rewarding to watch it grow. I know that this isn't necessarily a good recommendation for others (though you are more than welcome to stop by for some mint or basil!), but maybe the recommendation is for your own garden, a community garden, or even just something small, green, and growing to keep in your window if you can. |
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Name: Greg Shinaman Representing Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I joined this committee because I believe that, as future healthcare providers, we ourselves need to be as mentally and physically healthy as we can be. I think that mental wellness will allow us to reach our full potential and I want to make the most of what we have to make sure our student body is as happy and healthy as possible. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I love spending time with my wonderful classmates and friends. I also enjoy spending time with family and I make sure that I make time to stay physically active whether that be in the gym or getting outside for a hike or run. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Nothing beats a nice hike at Mendon Ponds Park! |
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Name: Colleen Schneider Representing MD/PhD Motivation for joining this committee: In my 7 years here, I have learned to manage personal and educational stressors and I want to make sure that our students are aware and take advantage of wellness resources at UR. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Therapy, take Sundays off from working/studying, med student soccer team Nothing but Netters, pilates/yoga, crafting, staying in touch with friends, church community, traveling the world with Happy Spatula (see picture :D) Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Bike rides on the canal path in the summer, Lamberton Conservatory in the winter, especially when it is snowing outside! |
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Name: Nick Contento Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: With several family members working in the healthcare field, I grew up watching the toll medicine can take on one's mind and body. I quickly learned that one cannot expect to take care of patients if their personal wellness is compromised. Family stories taught me that medicine can be a rewarding yet exhausting profession. I'm here to utilize URSMD resources to help my class refine and maintain our wellness strategies, now and for the rest of our careers, both for our sake and for our future patients' sakes. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I stay well in school by maintaining physical fitness. I'm an avid runner, gym-goer, and love to be outside camping, hiking, or playing sports like soccer or volleyball. I also enjoy cooking together with friends and trying out new recipes. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I'm a sucker for Fall activities in Rochester. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, fall festivals, hiking, haunted houses...you name it I've done it. |
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Name: Kiersten Flodman Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: As a public health major in undergrad, I became interested in studying how wellness and resilience are promoted in community spaces. After exploring how I maintain wellness during the first year of medical school, I wanted to take on this role to work towards making URSMD a community that promotes wellness for all of its members. The role we will enter as future medical professionals requires that we attend to our own wellness in order to take care of our patients. I hope our committee can help other students to discover their own strategies for wellness that they will take forward into their careers. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): I especially enjoy finding ways to stay active, including indoor cycling, hiking, and taking walks. I adopted a cat during my first year who is great company and an A+ study buddy. I love taking time to cook and bake for my friends. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Ice cream from Pittsford Dairy, paddle boarding at Bay Creek, visiting the Public Market, weekly shopping at Wegmans, biking along the Erie Canal |
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Name: Carly Eiduson Representing: Class of 2024 Motivation for joining this committee: I am passionate about advocating for the mental, physical, and spiritual health of medical students during this academic journey. Additionally, I believe that being a part of a supportive community is important and I hope to help build and foster a community here at URSMD. Maintaining wellness throughout this academic and career path is a challenge and I appreciate the opportunity to lead initiatives that will improve the quality of life for students. It is vital that we continue to lay the foundation for self-care during medical school. I hope that through small- and large-scale changes we can ensure that student body well-being is always a primary focus. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Walking, running, or biking, taking frequent breaks, meditation, practicing yoga, spending time with friends over food or drinks. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I love to hop on the Erie Canal and bike to Pittsford Farms Dairy for ice cream! |
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Name: Shalini Shah Representing: Class of 2024 Motivation for joining this committee: I wanted to join this committee in order to improve personal well-being and foster friendships among my classmates. In these times of uncertainty, taking care of ourselves is a constant work in progress. It is through collaboration that we can stop, reflect, adapt, and move forward to becoming the best physicians we can be. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Wellness to me means creating time in the week to reflect, connect with other people, and be active. Some ways that I do this are by playing tennis, trying new restaurants with friends, and meeting strangers' dogs. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: My favorite thing to do is exploring Rochester's food scene, especially coffee shops, food trucks at the Public Market and local restaurants. |
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Name: Jason Atlas Representing: Class of 2025 Motivation for joining this committee: When I first started to explore wellness, I quickly grew to appreciate how much it benefited my state of mind. At the same time, I recognized how easy it was for me to lose track of these strategies when I was overwhelmed with stress. Learning to embrace wellness and self-care in the face of new challenges is tough, but it can make a tremendous difference. I joined this committee because I want to do my very best to promote and support the wellness of my classmates through the thick and thin of our medical school journey. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Hanging out with my classmates is always a joy, and playing ping-pong together has become a particular favorite of mine. However, when I want to take advantage of some much needed me-time, I enjoy listening to music, crocheting, cooking myself a nice plate of pasta, or just getting outside and walking around in nature. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I love going on walks around Mt. Hope Cemetery, especially in the springtime! |
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Name: Colleen Schneider Representing MD/PhD Motivation for joining this committee: In my 7 years here, I have learned to manage personal and educational stressors and I want to make sure that our students are aware and take advantage of wellness resources at UR. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Therapy, take Sundays off from working/studying, med student soccer team Nothing but Netters, pilates/yoga, crafting, staying in touch with friends, church community, traveling the world with Happy Spatula (see picture :D) Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Bike rides on the canal path in the summer, Lamberton Conservatory in the winter, especially when it is snowing outside! |
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Name: Blythe Fiscella Representing: Class of 2021 Motivation for joining this committee: I think that medical school has potential to contain so much joy. I want to be a partner in brainstorming to anyone who cares about trying to make that joy more accessible to students and anyone who interacts with medical trainees (which, in this place, is just about everyone). Strategies for maintaining wellness: I found a counselor who was able to help me personally access joy by developing skills to manage anxiety and depression over the course of my first two years. I also am lucky to have a few close friends and family who are willing to talk, reflect, argue, console, giggle, and offer me a sense of belonging. I proudly share my home with three cats who all contribute to my wellness exponentially more than I do to theirs. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Wherever my twin-sister or friends happen to be. |
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Name: David Tay Representing Class of 2021 Motivation for joining this committee: Wellness is all-too-easily discarded in the chaos inherent in medical school. I hope to make it easier for people to achieve wellness and voice wellness needs. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Friends are the biggest! So many fascinating, supportive people attend the U of R. Also, eating a balanced diet, sleeping well, and a good yoga session/stretch always sets me right. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: For outdoor activities, Chimney Bluffs State Park. For indoor activities, take out from Thai Mii Up. |
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Name: Shannon Cleary Representing: Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I wanted to join the wellness committee because community is what has gotten me through moments of hardship and challenges throughout my life. Community comes in many shapes and forms, but I wanted to do what I could to support the medical school community as whole and our class in particular in continuing to have strong connections to each other and to ourselves—connections that will help us survive, thrive, and find joy in medical school and our lives beyond it. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Potlucks and campfires with friends, making time to cook for myself and others, going for runs along the canal, forgiving myself when I don't have the energy to go for runs on the canal, weekends in the Adirondacks, board games and ice cream Fridays, making time to listen to music every day. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: One of my favorite places in Rochester is the garden in my backyard. It’s a place that I get to take care of and a place that takes care of me. I love that it helps me get outside every day and it's been rewarding to watch it grow. I know that this isn't necessarily a good recommendation for others (though you are more than welcome to stop by for some mint or basil!), but maybe the recommendation is for your own garden, a community garden, or even just something small, green, and growing to keep in your window if you can. |
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Name: Greg Shinaman Representing Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I joined this committee because I believe that, as future healthcare providers, we ourselves need to be as mentally and physically healthy as we can be. I think that mental wellness will allow us to reach our full potential and I want to make the most of what we have to make sure our student body is as happy and healthy as possible. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I love spending time with my wonderful classmates and friends. I also enjoy spending time with family and I make sure that I make time to stay physically active whether that be in the gym or getting outside for a hike or run. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Nothing beats a nice hike at Mendon Ponds Park! |
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Name: Nick Contento Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: With several family members working in the healthcare field, I grew up watching the toll medicine can take on one's mind and body. I quickly learned that one cannot expect to take care of patients if their personal wellness is compromised. Family stories taught me that medicine can be a rewarding yet exhausting profession. I'm here to utilize URSMD resources to help my class refine and maintain our wellness strategies, now and for the rest of our careers, both for our sake and for our future patients' sakes. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I stay well in school by maintaining physical fitness. I'm an avid runner, gym-goer, and love to be outside camping, hiking, or playing sports like soccer or volleyball. I also enjoy cooking together with friends and trying out new recipes. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I'm a sucker for Fall activities in Rochester. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, fall festivals, hiking, haunted houses...you name it I've done it. |
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Name: Kiersten Flodman Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: As a public health major in undergrad, I became interested in studying how wellness and resilience are promoted in community spaces. After exploring how I maintain wellness during the first year of medical school, I wanted to take on this role to work towards making URSMD a community that promotes wellness for all of its members. The role we will enter as future medical professionals requires that we attend to our own wellness in order to take care of our patients. I hope our committee can help other students to discover their own strategies for wellness that they will take forward into their careers. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): I especially enjoy finding ways to stay active, including indoor cycling, hiking, and taking walks. I adopted a cat during my first year who is great company and an A+ study buddy. I love taking time to cook and bake for my friends. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Ice cream from Pittsford Dairy, paddle boarding at Bay Creek, visiting the Public Market, weekly shopping at Wegmans, biking along the Erie Canal |
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Name: Shalini Shah Representing: Class of 2024 Motivation for joining this committee: I wanted to join this committee in order to improve personal well-being and foster friendships among my classmates. In these times of uncertainty, taking care of ourselves is a constant work in progress. It is through collaboration that we can stop, reflect, adapt, and move forward to becoming the best physicians we can be. Strategies for maintaining wellness (especially in medical school): Wellness to me means creating time in the week to reflect, connect with other people, and be active. Some ways that I do this are by playing tennis, trying new restaurants with friends, and meeting strangers' dogs. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: My favorite thing to do is exploring Rochester's food scene, especially coffee shops, food trucks at the Public Market and local restaurants. |
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Name: Monica Brown-Ramos Representing: Class of 2020 Motivation for joining this committee: I joined in order to be a voice for my fellow classmates. I am passionate about discussing issues of wellness as it pertains to medical professionals and want to work with other students and faculty to improve student resources and boost the collective wellness of medical students. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: I prioritize being physically active and spending times outdoors in order to recharge my batteries. I also work to spend my time off surrounded with friends and exploring all that Rochester has to offer! Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Highland Park |
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Name: Nick Contento Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: With several family members working in the healthcare field, I grew up watching the toll medicine can take on one's mind and body. I quickly learned that one cannot expect to take care of patients if their personal wellness is compromised. Family stories taught me that medicine can be a rewarding yet exhausting profession. I'm here to utilize URSMD resources to help my class refine and maintain our wellness strategies, now and for the rest of our careers, both for our sake and for our future patients' sakes. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I stay well in school by maintaining physical fitness. I'm an avid runner, gym-goer, and love to be outside camping, hiking, or playing sports like soccer or volleyball. I also enjoy cooking together with friends and trying out new recipes. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I'm a sucker for Fall activities in Rochester. Apple picking, pumpkin carving, fall festivals, hiking, haunted houses...you name it I've done it. |
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Name: Blythe Fiscella Representing: Class of 2021 Motivation for joining this committee: I think that medical school has potential to contain so much joy. I want to be a partner in brainstorming to anyone who cares about trying to make that joy more accessible to students and anyone who interacts with medical trainees (which, in this place, is just about everyone). Strategies for maintaining wellness: I found a counselor who was able to help me personally access joy by developing skills to manage anxiety and depression over the course of my first two years. I also am lucky to have a few close friends and family who are willing to talk, reflect, argue, console, giggle, and offer me a sense of belonging. I proudly share my home with three cats who all contribute to my wellness exponentially more than I do to theirs. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Wherever my twin-sister or friends happen to be. |
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Name: Indigo Gill Representing: Class of 2023 Motivation for joining this committee: A friend of mine once said, "if you have to take care of the flesh, you must hold yourself to something higher." As doctors in training, we have the privilege of hearing our patients’ most intimate stories, whether heart wrenching or beautiful in nature. We will also have to persevere on the days where not even our knowledge can fully protect us from the woes and stressors of our field. It takes guts to achieve our dreams, but importantly, it also takes resilience. It takes pouring into ourselves just as much as we pour into our work, our families, and the health of our patients and their surrounding communities. I want to be a part of a multidisciplinary field where we don’t forget to take care of the ones who take care of everyone. Specifically, I want to help cultivate a community at URSMD that values self care and self love as a means of not only personal survival, but absolute excellence in how we care for humanity. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: I love going to the Public Market on Saturdays to try the local wines and balsamic vinegars. Shopping for produce and thinking about all the meals that I can create makes for an exciting weekend. |
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Name: Allison Ogawa Representing: Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I believe that our ability to grow as healers is intimately tied to the wellness of our community. In past experience as a yoga and meditation instructor and health educator, I have seen the impact that a thoughtful, diverse, and supportive community can have for its members. I am excited to help advocate for wellness at URMC because I believe that by listening to, nourishing, and finding awe in our communities, we can better celebrate, invest in, and promote wellness. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Walking. I often find that the world feels a bit more manageable after a long walk. I also try to stay grounded by cooking, crying, writing, meditating, rock climbing, calling family, and celebrating gratitude. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Turning Point Park! Great for an afternoon walk or to see a swan sitting in its nest amongst the cattails. |
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Name: Rebecca Royzer Representing: Class of 2020 Motivation for joining this committee: While serving as Interclass Senate president last year, I felt that many of the concerns I heard from students were related to medical student wellness. I am thrilled about the creation of this committee and hope that we are able to make a positive impact on the student experience at Rochester. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Making as much time as possible for family, friends, and yoga. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Jogging along the Erie canal, followed by some Pittsford Diary ice cream or lunch from Olive's. |
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Name: Greg Shinaman Representing Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I joined this committee because I believe that, as future healthcare providers, we ourselves need to be as mentally and physically healthy as we can be. I think that mental wellness will allow us to reach our full potential and I want to make the most of what we have to make sure our student body is as happy and healthy as possible. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I love spending time with my wonderful classmates and friends. I also enjoy spending time with family and I make sure that I make time to stay physically active whether that be in the gym or getting outside for a hike or run. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Nothing beats a nice hike at Mendon Ponds Park! |
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Name: Matthew Tanner Representing MD/PhD Motivation for joining this committee: I wanted to ensure that our students are able to take advantage of the resources and services that UR provides already and work to identify and address any gaps in those resources that affect student well-being. Strategies for maintaining wellness: Making the most of my downtime by baking, brewing beer and kombucha, and a healthy dose of Netflix. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: : Enjoying Rochester's great restaurant and brewpub scene – Good Luck, Sinbad’s, Atlas Eats, Fifth Frame, etc. |
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Name: Monica Brown-Ramos Representing: Class of 2020 Motivation for joining this committee: I joined in order to be a voice for my fellow classmates. I am passionate about discussing issues of wellness as it pertains to medical professionals and want to work with other students and faculty to improve student resources and boost the collective wellness of medical students. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: I prioritize being physically active and spending times outdoors in order to recharge my batteries. I also work to spend my time off surrounded with friends and exploring all that Rochester has to offer! Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Highland Park |
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Name: Owen Dean Representing Class of 2021 Motivation for joining this committee: I joined this committee to improve access to wellness and mental health resources for medical students at URMC and help our administration incorporate principles of wellness and resilience in our curriculum. Strategies for maintaining wellness: I maintain wellness by staying active, being outside as much as possible, and making dinner with friends. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Cafe studying! Rochester has a ton of awesome cafes to hang out in. Current spots: Ugly Duck Coffee, Cafe Sasso, The Red Fern. |
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Name: Shaunpaul Jones Representing: Class of 2021 Motivation for joining this committee: My motivation for joining the committee was mainly due to the fact that I found my first year to be incredibly challenging. I think that this school has a decent amount of work to do when it comes to the improvement of student wellness and because of that, I wanted to be a part of the work that is being done in this area. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Therapy, Laughing with Friends, Learning how to acquire information in ways that suit me the most, Going to the movies, Sleeping, Cooking, Mentoring, Advocating for causes that matter to me the most Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Wegmans. Shopping for food is a really helpful way for me to destress. I like to call my family while shopping as well. |
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Name: Allison Ogawa Representing: Class of 2022 Motivation for joining this committee: I believe that our ability to grow as healers is intimately tied to the wellness of our community. In past experience as a yoga and meditation instructor and health educator, I have seen the impact that a thoughtful, diverse, and supportive community can have for its members. I am excited to help advocate for wellness at URMC because I believe that by listening to, nourishing, and finding awe in our communities, we can better celebrate, invest in, and promote wellness. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Walking. I often find that the world feels a bit more manageable after a long walk. I also try to stay grounded by cooking, crying, writing, meditating, rock climbing, calling family, and celebrating gratitude. Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Turning Point Park! Great for an afternoon walk or to see a swan sitting in its nest amongst the cattails. |
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Name: Rebecca Royzer Representing: Class of 2020 Motivation for joining this committee: While serving as Interclass Senate president last year, I felt that many of the concerns I heard from students were related to medical student wellness. I am thrilled about the creation of this committee and hope that we are able to make a positive impact on the student experience at Rochester. Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Making as much time as possible for family, friends, and yoga Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Jogging along the Erie canal, followed by some Pittsford Diary ice cream or lunch from Olive's |
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Name: Jon Warczak Representing: Class of 2019 Motivation for joining this committee: Promoting wellness and resilience for all medical students while drawing on my experience as an affinity group leader to be especially mindful of the needs of students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine Strategies for maintaining wellness in medical school: Wilderness hiking Favorite spot/thing to do in Rochester: Letchworth State Park |
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