After graduation from UConn School of Medicine on May 8, Anne Reisch, 27, from Westerly, Rhode Island and her partner and fellow medical student, Kathryn Stevens, of Colchester, Connecticut are both headed to New York City. Reisch is training in neurology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell and Stevens in psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel.
Q. Why did you choose UConn and what drew you to medical school?
A. I had a really good feeling after my UConn interview. Everyone I interacted with was welcoming and had positive things to say about the medical school. I also liked that studying at UConn was close to home!
Q. Did you have a favorite professor, class, or part of the curriculum?
A. My favorite part of the curriculum was my third-year clinical rotations. I came to medical school because I love working with people, and during my third year, I finally got to interact with patients every day. It was very confirming that I had made the right career choice.
Q. What activities were you involved in as a medical student?
A. Some of my favorite activities included Reach Out, South Park Inn Free Clinic, the Clerkship Committee, and the Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)!
Q. What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
A. I knew people loved UConn, but I was surprised at how much people LOVE UConn. Everyone is always wearing their UConn merch and showing their school spirit – it’s awesome!
Q. Any advice for incoming students or those wishing to apply to medical school?
A. Four years will fly by! There will be ups and downs, but do not be too hard on yourself and have some fun. Also, ask for help if you need it. People are so kind and want you to succeed. I could not have imagined a better medical school to attend. UConn is a tight-knit community, and I felt valued as an individual and a learner! I would pick UConn over and over again, and I cannot recommend it more to anyone entering this field.
Q. What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
A. Dairy Bar, of course!
Q. What will always make you think of UConn?
A. A husky!
Q. What medical specialty are entering and why?
A. Neurology! Neurology was not on my radar entering medical school, but after rotating on the service in my third year, I knew I had found my specialty. I am fascinated by the subject and found taking care of patients with neurological diseases the most fulfilling.
Q. Who inspired you most to enter the neurology field?
A. I have been positively inspired by so many neurologists, including the amazing Dr. Eugene! The neurologists I’ve met are so excited to learn that I am entering this field and are so passionate and happy with their career paths.
Q. What did you love most about your UConn School of Medicine experience?
A. My favorite part about UConn School of Medicine was my classmates. Medical school is hard, but having a supportive and fun community to do it with makes it a lot more enjoyable!
Q. How has attending medical school at UConn prepared you to be a physician?
A. I think UConn SOM does a great job preparing us for the start of residency. One thing I think UConn does particularly well is teaching us how to interact with patients.
Q. What’s it like to be part of UConn, the largest producer of physicians for Connecticut, and the significant impact its public service has on the state’s health, workforce, and its people?
A. I loved being a learner in the UConn Health system. Every individual at UConn does an important part in helping this institution achieve a very important mission, and I know I will take many of UConn’s values with me as I embark on my neurology training.
Q. What’s it going to be like to finally walk across the stage and get your M.D. this May?
A. Bittersweet! I have made some lifelong friends here, and as we go our own ways next year, I will miss seeing them daily. Fortunately, I am couples matching so at least I will have my partner with me as we start this next phase. I am also so excited to train in neurology and know I will meet some awesome new people along the way.
UConn Health’s Commencement is May 8 at 1:00 p.m. Watch the livestream.
