FAQ


Where does/did Derek attend medical school?
Derek graduated medical school in May 3013 from Midwestern University. They have two branches, one in Illinois and another in Arizona. There are only 9 Podiatry Colleges in the USA, and the one affiliated through Midwestern is in Arizona. It is know as the Arizona School of Podiatric Medicine (AzPod). Click here for more information.

What is the plan after med school graduation? 
After graduation, Derek holds the title of DPM- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. The great thing about podiatry is that you actually graduate as a surgeon and go on to complete a 3 year podiatry surgery residency. Our residency will be at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA. The third and final year of residency will be with Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, CA. Derek completed his residency June 30, 2016 and is now a full time associate with The Permanente Group in the Central Valley of California.

What is residency life like?
Residency shadows student life in many aspects, but also differs in countless ways as well. The hours are still long and exhausting. Now, you are in full doctor mode. Derek has patients that rely on him and surgeries that he performs solo on a daily basis. When on call, a little black pager is the ugly mistress that keeps Derek away from home in almost 24 hour increments. There are also weekly meetings with fellow residents. Depending on the week, Derek will have 2-3 meetings at night, with a standard early morning x-ray conference on Friday mornings. Most residency programs also require some kind of research do be performed. Derek's program requires two projects, a presentation given at a conference each year, and attendance to multiple conferences yearly as well. Scripps hosts a conference each Fall, which is also a large undertaking for the residents. Along with all of the above, after intern year (1st year of residency) things do lighten up for the seniority. Derek did not have to work any holidays his second year, and took less weekend call. During residency you also get a paycheck, (Hallelujah!) but also have medical school loan payments to repay (Booo!). It's all a give and take in this long journey.... 

What was the best thing about living in Arizona?
We have so many wonderful memories of living in Arizona. It's where we got engaged and lived for the first 1.5 years of marriage. I think our favorite thing about it was how mild and warm the Winter and Spring months were. We loved going on hikes, walks, outdoor malls/festivals, and enjoying the mild weather before it became a hot, hot summer. I think the most important thing about living anywhere is learning about where you live. We had a lot of local favorite eateries  stores, and parks. We also tried to see everything we wanted to while living in that particular state. Here is a list of a few of our favorites places & eats in Phoenix.

What was the best thing about living in Michigan? 
We loved our time in the Mid West. Everyone is very friendly, down to earth, and humble. During the summer, we enjoyed time outside at the lake/beach, parks, and outdoor malls. It does get warm in the summer, but nothing like the dessert heat of Arizona. In the winter, we were pretty cooped up, but on the days the snow melted a bit & the thermometer hit 40 degrees, we went outside on picnics and walks along the lake. There is something so beautiful about watching a snow and ice covered lake defrost for Spring. We loved our experience of living here and are so glad we did it. Here is a list of our favorite things in Detroit!

What was the best thing about living in San Diego?
There has been something special about our time in San Diego. It has been the first place we have lived our "post student" lives and have enjoyed every second of it. As you can imagine, it's really hard to hate San Diego. We have beautiful weather year round, amazing beaches, tons of local attractions, and so much more. We enjoy the San Diego Zoo & Wild Animal Park, Sea World, Balboa Park, and too many restaurants to count. This is great place to visit if you are a foodie as San Diego exhibits all things delicious. This place will always be close to our hearts, and a place we will always visit and hope to live in long term. A list of our San Diego favorites can be found here.

Any advice to those hoping to attend medical school in the future?
The advice Derek gives all of those who want to continue their education in the medical field is to learn what you need to do early. Get into your college counselor or medical school adviser and get information from them. Starting early is key because of all the pre-reqs, MCAT prep and testing, applying and interviewing at the colleges, and ultimately accepting and starting. He also tells those to stick with it. If you really want to do this, commit and do it. Don't second guess yourself. 

How do you survive as a med school wife?
The most important thing to remember is that your husband is married to you and school. This is not something he is doing for himself. He is doing this for you and your family. It is hard work sacrificing for something so important, but it is so worth it. We appreciate each other a lot more and especially the time we have to spend with each other. Keeping busy and staying positive is the best thing any wife can do for her husband. 

What do you do keep your marriage so strong?
Just like above, we take time. Every Saturday night, we have date night. We put down whatever we are doing and do something together. We love movies, going to dinner, walking the mall, anything. The most important thing we learn on these dates is that we enjoy spending time with one another. Every couple needs that reminder no matter if you have been married 1 month or 40 years. 

What is the most important thing to remember in a marriage?
The most important thing to remember in your marriage is the other person. If we are striving to make sure our spouse is happy, loved, and comfortable, we are doing the right thing.

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