Start Year: 2021
Basics
Hometown
Cincinnati, OH
Where did you attend college/university?
Ohio State University
Where did you attend medical school?
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
What are your career goals?
I'm planning to go into academic hospital medicine with a focus in medical education as well.
Learning medicine at Duke is unparalleled because we're lucky enough to take care of fascinating patients from not only Durham but from around the country and world. We also get to learn from faculty members that are at the top of their fields on a daily basis.
-Katie Centner
Reflections on the Duke Program
What were you looking for in a residency program?
I was looking for a program that would adequately prepare me for a career in hospital medicine since I am planning to practice independently after just 3 years of residency. I was also looking for a place that created a supportive and collaborative environment despite the clinical rigor.
What are the strengths of the Duke Program?
Learning medicine at Duke is unparalleled because we're lucky enough to take care of fascinating patients from not only Durham but from around the country and world. We also get to learn from faculty members that are at the top of their fields on a daily basis. However, my favorite part of the program is definitely my co-residents. They are brilliant and inspiring, and I have not found a single resident I haven't thoroughly enjoyed working with. I know I've created relationships here that will last a lifetime.
What are your observations about the relationships between faculty and house staff?
All of the faculty members that I've worked with in each department have seemed genuinely interested in teaching house staff and clearly passionate about what they do every day. Despite being giants in their respective fields, they have been nothing but approachable and supportive.
Tell us about your co-residents. What has helped you connect, support each other, and form friendships?
Even though COVID has limited organized gatherings outside of work, spending hours with a co-residents on a busy inpatient rotation has been a bonding experience unlike any other. I've learned more about someone over the course of 1 shift than I have with others over months. Knowing that we are all sharing this experience makes it easier to offer support and pick each other up on the days we are down. Talking to my co-residents about the struggles of internship has easily been the most therapeutic part of this past year.
What has surprised you most about Duke?
The down to earth nature of everyone that I have come into contact with. I knew nothing about Duke prior to coming here other than that it was a competitive and rigorous program, but I have yet to meet a faculty member or senior resident that I have not found approachable and supportive. Everyone seems very proud to work for Duke and it is no wonder that so many people stay for the entirety of their careers.
About life in Durham
What is the best thing about living in Durham and the Triangle?
Coming from Ohio, I've really enjoyed the proximity of Durham to fun weekend trip locations like Asheville, Charleston, and Wilmington. There are also a lot of really nice hiking trails and parks in the Durham area that my boyfriend and I have loved exploring. Finally, the food scene is incredible and it's amazing how many different cuisines are available in such a small town.
How does the Triangle appeal to people of diverse backgrounds?
The ability of Duke and the research triangle to draw people in from around the world means that Durham is its own little melting pot. It's a very welcoming and inclusive city and that's evident in everything from the events to the cuisine to the daily interactions I have with patients and staff.
Where did you choose to live and why?
I live in a townhouse complex about 10 minutes south of the hospital. I liked the idea of having some distance between work and home but it's still a convenient location to get to downtown Durham as well as popular bars/restaurants and hiking trails.
What advice would you give to someone looking to move to Durham?
There are a lot of incredible neighborhoods in Durham within driving distance to the hospital, so set aside plenty of time to check out all the different options! The triangle is rapidly expanding and new living options are popping up constantly.
What are your interests outside of medicine?
I enjoy spending time outdoors when I'm not in the hospital, which has been easier to do in the relatively mild North Carolina climate. My significant other and I enjoy hiking and kayaking in the various parks in the area. I also enjoy reading in my spare time (or listening to audiobooks when I don't have time to sit down and read) and keeping in touch with my family back in Cincinnati.