Mayo provides its employees cutting edge medical resources, brilliant scientists, great mentors, a national reputation, diverse and challenging patient population, beautiful buildings, and yet midwestern wholesome surroundings with peacefulness.

I typically work Monday-Friday, seeing about 12 patients per day in close communication with my supervising physician. I am with patients from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., and then again from 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. with about 5 minutes between each appointment for dictation. Appointments are generally 30 - 45 minutes and consist of collecting histories and performing physical exams or laboratory evaluations in order to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. Other daily tasks include phone conversations with patients and email communication from our nursing staff, department or institution. We are allotted about 1 hour per week for administrative purposes, like catching up on paperwork, chart dismissals, phone calls and other follow-up requirements. We plan that hour amongst our weekly schedule in a manner that best meets our patients' needs and our patient schedules. Typically, I come in early or I stay late for some of that follow-up work as well -- it is not an 8-5 job.

I love making a difference in a patient's life. That is the ultimate reward, no matter how big or little. It doesn't have to be as significant as diagnosing cancer; it can be just a matter of listening even though you may or may not be able to change a thing. In either of case, you are making a difference in the patient's life by showing compassion. To succeed in this career field, you have to have good listening and critical thinking skills; you have to be empathetic and compassionate. I couldn't be more proud to be affiliated with Mayo both professionally and personally because of the patient focus and the compassion we give patients.

Although it is fun to participate in extra curricular activities, I think that young people need to balance them with academic choices and to constantly challenge themselves. I don't think enough young kids do that. You need to have hands-on learning regarding your career interests. Seeing is believing, and it is priceless.