|
Erin Peterson, D.O.
Program: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Residency, PGY-4,
Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Hometown: Stillwater, Minn.
Medical School: Des Moines University School of Osteopathic
Medicine
What is distinctive about being a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.)?
"Osteopathic medicine's foundation is a focus on evaluation and treatment of the patient as a whole - viewing patients in light of their unique life and environmental situations, and considering how these factors may influence their overall health and well-being. In appropriate settings, manipulative therapies are employed as an adjunct to traditional medical treatment. My osteopathic education prepared me very well for my training and career as a physiatrist."
Why did you choose Mayo Clinic for your residency training?
"The reputation of Mayo is unbeatable in my mind, but that's certainly not all - it's the people here, their professionalism, skill and respect for one another that stands out."
What do you think are Mayo's strengths?
"The focus on the patient - that the patient's well-being is really on the top of everyone's mind. It's incredible to see how well the team-based approach works here, and how many people are working together for the best care of the patient. The staff physicians head the team; their dedication, compassion and caring are evident. And that makes my relationship with my patients all the more important to me - it's ingrained in the teaching because it's ingrained in the staff."
"Also, the teaching is really above and beyond what I expected and what I think is typical. We have frequent small-group discussions - the staff members are willing to sit down and give a 15-minute talk about a topic relating to the patient you just saw. And they can just do it off the cuff and interactively when it is most beneficial for the resident. The knowledge base of the consulting staff and the fellows is so amazing."
What do you enjoy outside of residency training?
"I just got married in November, so I spend a great deal of my time with my husband. We like to socialize with friends. We own a home here and have many ongoing home improvement projects. We also travel. The Twin Cities are very close, which we enjoy, but we also love to explore the many smaller communities surrounding Rochester."
What does your future look like?
"I'm planning on taking a position in physical medicine and rehabilitation in community practice either in the Twin Cities or in Iowa. Coming out of Mayo, I feel very qualified. I am confident I will find a position in a community and practice setting that suits my needs and interests. And I've heard this from a lot of other Mayo residents. Part of it is Mayo Clinic's strong reputation, but a lot of it is that we are extremely well trained."
Has Mayo Clinic helped to shape your vision?
"It's definitely focused my feelings about medicine and the priority of patient care - of treating my patients with great respect and fostering a good personal relationship with them. I don't know that this is emphasized as much elsewhere."
"I've also realized the importance of lifelong learning and feel a responsibility to stay involved and on the forefront of knowledge in my field. I want to be the best physician that I can be, and that means that I will also play an important role as a physician outside of my office. I'd like to give educational classes in the community, and reach out to help build the community around me wherever I practice."
|
