Noreen Islam, MD

PGY-3 | Class of 2019

Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine

Future Career Goals: Pediatric Endocronologist

Q: What inspired you to go into pediatrics?

A: I enjoy the dynamics of patient care in pediatrics: the family is integrally involved in the care of the patient and patient care is always approached with a team model. In medical school, I also found that I was more interested in the pathophysiology of the diseases found in the pediatric population compared to those found in adults.

Q:What do you enjoy the most about being a pediatrician in training?

A: Working with and learning from my co-residents! The best part of residency so far has been getting to know and work with the people in my class.

Q: How do you deal with the challenges that you've faced during residency?

A: Bear with me for this answer... I live with my parents and commute to work (about 40 minutes to 1-hour drive depending on the time of day). I usually spend the time driving to work listening to NPR and I do this consciously because it (1) keeps me connected to the larger world and (2) serves as a reminder that whatever stress or challenge I am experiencing/experienced is minute compared to what is going on globally. It helps keep things in perspective. I also usually use the drive home to process whatever happened that day, good or bad. By the time I get home, I want to be in a state of mind that will allow me to enjoy time with my family, so using my drive home in this way is also consciously done. I also have a group of co-residents who have become very close friends, and I am able to talk through difficult and challenging situations with them. I am very grateful for them.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: Hopefully to become a pediatric endocrinologist... currently in the middle of the interview process! (Update: She matched at Emory for Pediatric Endocrinology)

Originally posted via Instagram @ucichocmillers